Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience. For those seeking a tactile sensation with a satisfying feedback, the Aflion Carrot switch stands out as an exciting option. Known for its long, two-stage spring, this switch offers a uniquely bouncy experience complemented by a mid-pitched, firm sound profile, making each keystroke feel dynamic and engaging. This switch is particularly appealing for users who enjoy a tactile response while typing or gaming, allowing for greater accuracy and enjoyment. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch caters to those who prefer a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience. This linear switch is celebrated for its reliability, polished feel, and poppy sound, making it an excellent choice for users who value consistency and reduced audible feedback, especially in quieter environments. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Carrot for its tactile feedback and playful sound profile, and the Everfree Cedar for its smooth performance and cost-effectiveness. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are integral to their sound profiles. The choice of polycarbonate for the top housing in both switches contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound, which can enhance the auditory experience of typing. This material's stiffness allows for clearer resonance, creating a crisper sound when keys are pressed and released. Furthermore, both switches benefit from the translucency of the polycarbonate, making them well-suited for RGB lighting setups. This aesthetic characteristic not only elevates the visual appeal of the switches but also ensures that users who prioritize RGB illumination will see a more vivid and pronounced lighting effect.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Carrot and the Everfree Cedar utilize nylon, a material known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than stiffer options. This quality results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, contrasting with the sharper tone provided by the polycarbonate top. The nylon's softer nature contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience, which complements the resonant highs from the polycarbonate top. Consequently, when users engage with these switches, the sonic characteristics are notably defined by the combination of these two housing materials, each contributing their unique attributes to the overall typing experience.
Overall, both the Aflion Carrot and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches exhibit a harmonious blend of materials that create a distinctive typing experience. While their top housings boast similar polycarbonate construction, delivering clear and vibrant sounds, the nylon bottom housings ensure a fuller, rounder acoustic profile during use. Together, these contrasting materials offer a balanced sound palette: the sharpness of the polycarbonate on the top ensures clarity when releasing keys, while the nylon on the bottom provides warmth and depth during key presses. As a result, users can expect a cohesive and well-rounded typing acoustics whether they choose the Carrot or the Everfree Cedar.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch to the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, there is a notable difference in actuation forces. The Carrot features a lightweight actuation force of 37 grams, which makes it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar has a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial feel when typing. Additionally, while the Carrot's bottom out force is measured at 45 grams, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar remains unknown. This means that while the Carrot allows for a quick and easy keystroke with less effort, the Everfree Cedar requires more force to activate its keystrokes, providing a firmer tactile feedback. For users seeking longer typing comfort, the Carrot is the better choice; however, those who enjoy a heftier switch may find the Cedar more to their liking.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option when compared to the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm highlights that the Carrot switch is designed to provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Everfree (EF) Cedar aligns with the trend of gamers and typists seeking quicker response times and a more immediate action. While both switches offer unique benefits, the Carrot's extended travel distance may feel more satisfying for those who prefer a robust typing experience, while the Everfree's shorter travel could be preferable for those who favor speed and responsiveness.
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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Everfree (EF) Cedar for $2.75.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a distinctive mid-pitched and firm sound profile that leans towards a clacky and high-pitched quality. This auditory characteristic provides a sharp and bright feedback during typing, appealing to those who enjoy a percussive experience. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is noted for delivering a satisfying and poppy sound. While it may not have the same clackiness as the Carrot, it promises a smooth auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches may produce different sounds depending on the keyboard build and keycap material, but each offers a unique auditory appeal suited to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot provides a bouncy, snappy experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring that enhances tactile feedback and ensures an active typing sensation. The stepped design means users can distinctly feel the different stages of the keystroke, providing a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar also boasts a snappy feel, attributed to its responsive nature derived from well-designed spring mechanics. Additionally, its polished finish ensures smooth key travel with minimal friction, contributing to an overall refined typing experience. While the Carrot emphasizes a bouncier response with tactile feedback, the Cedar leans towards a smoother linear feel. Both switches cater to distinct typing preferences, one focusing on tactile feedback and the other on fluidity.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch offer unique experiences tailored to different typing styles and preferences. The Carrot excels in producing a lively, high-pitched sound paired with an engaging tactile feedback that many users find enjoyable. Meanwhile, the Everfree Cedar shines with its smoother key travel and more subtle sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a more refined typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, users can select either switch to enjoy a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, all while customizing factors like keycaps and keyboard design to further enhance their setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel in your typing experience. If you thrive on a lively and engaging typing experience, the Carrot's light actuation force of 45 grams and its unique bouncy tactile feedback offer a delightful, snappy sensation that can make your typing feel more dynamic and enjoyable. This makes the Carrot an excellent choice for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile response and are looking for a switch that adds a fun element to both typing and gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother and quieter experience, the Everfree Cedar linear switch may be your ideal match. Known for its reliable, polished performance and responsive actuation, it provides a sleek, uninterrupted keypress that’s perfect for both fast typists and casual gamers who value a clean sound profile and reduced noise in shared environments. Ultimately, consider what complements your typing style and environment best—intuitive tactility or seamless linear smoothness—and make your choice accordingly.
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