Aflion Carrot vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Dragon Fruit mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Carrot switch is known for its bouncy and mid-pitched tactile feedback, making it a fun choice for those seeking a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit switch stands out with its sharp and definitive bottom-out, providing a satisfying bump and a clacky sound signature that appeals to tactility enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and Bsun Dragon Fruit both use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, crisper sound profile with higher pitches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This creates a unique aesthetic appeal and is a popular choice for those looking for a clear housing material. Both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and appearance due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
In contrast, the Carrot utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer properties, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material between the two switches can have an impact on the overall typing experience, with the Carrot providing a softer touch compared to the Dragon Fruit. Despite this variation, both switches maintain a classic feel with their use of nylon in the bottom housing.
The split between top and bottom housing materials in a switch can affect the overall typing experience. The qualities of each material, such as the impact on sound and feel, are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division allows for a more dynamic typing experience, with each housing material contributing unique characteristics to the overall performance of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch to the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, it is evident that the Carrot has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Dragon Fruit. The Carrot requires 37 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, which is lighter than the Dragon Fruit which needs 45 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out. The Carrot provides a slightly more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue could be a concern. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel. In the end, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Dragon Fruit switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Carrot switch. The shorter travel distance of the Dragon Fruit switch might appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Carrot switch may provide a more satisfying and substantial keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Carrot has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Carrot for $3.57.
The Bsun Dragon Fruit has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dragon Fruit for $3.83.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot switch is known for its clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch offers a distinctive clacky sound signature, creating a lively and engaging typing experience. Both switches provide a unique auditory experience, with the Carrot presenting a mid-pitched and firm sound, while the Dragon Fruit offers a more pronounced and sharp sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the overall sound profile desired in a mechanical keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is praised for its bouncy tactile feedback, providing users with a spring-like sensation that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, it offers a snappy and responsive feel, thanks to its long two-stage spring design. Conversely, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch is known for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a moderate to firm actuation force and a pronounced tactile bump. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Carrot offering a more lively and rebounding feel, while the Dragon Fruit delivers a sharper and more intense tactile feedback.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot and Bsun Dragon Fruit switches offer unique and engaging tactile and auditory experiences. While the Carrot switch provides a bouncy and clacky typing feel with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Dragon Fruit switch offers an accented and invigorating tactile feedback with a sharp and clacky sound signature. Depending on individual preferences for typing feel and sound profile, either switch can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers looking to explore different tactile switch options.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Carrot tactile switch or the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy, mid-pitched sound profile with a fun and lively typing experience, the Carrot switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, sharp and definitive tactility, and a clacky sound signature that provides a satisfying bump at each key press, then the Dragon Fruit switch might be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects of typing experience are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Carrot and the Dragon Fruit switches boils down to what kind of typing experience you're looking for and what features you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.