Aflion Carrot vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Aflion Carrot and the Akko Fairy mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. The Carrot is a tactile switch that offers a unique bouncy tactile experience with its long, two-stage spring, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic and lively typing sensation. On the other hand, the Fairy from Akko is a linear switch that is well-suited for office settings, thanks to its smooth typing experience and medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort. While the Carrot is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Fairy is known for its more polished and muted sound. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and Akko Fairy both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing, with the Carrot featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Fairy incorporates a nylon top and bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Carrot's top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, suitable for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Fairy produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, giving users a more muffled and rounded typing sound. Despite the difference in materials, both switches provide a unique sound profile based on their housing materials.
In terms of sound profile, the key difference between the two switches lies in the materials used for their top housings. While the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, the Fairy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound characteristics can make a significant difference in the typing experience, with the Carrot offering a more clear and resonant sound, and the Fairy providing a more muffled and rounded sound. However, both switches benefit from the qualities of their respective top housing materials, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches feature a nylon material, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing materials means that the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be consistent between the Carrot and Fairy. Additionally, the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of the switch when combined with the top housing material. As a result, even though the top and bottom housings of the two switches differ, they both contribute to creating a unique and satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Akko Fairy linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. The bottom out force of the Carrot is also lighter at 45 grams, while the Fairy has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Carrot switch would be better for those who prefer a lighter typing experience and may want to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Fairy switch would be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial and stronger push feel when typing. Both switches provide different experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, so users should consider their preferences before choosing between the two options.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Fairy switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Carrot switch. The Carrot's 4 mm travel distance falls in the traditional range, offering a balance between response time and key depth. On the other hand, the Fairy's 3.3 mm travel distance may appeal more to gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel 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 Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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 is best described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound profile that may appeal to those who enjoy a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch is known for producing a muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for office environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the more lively and bright sound of the Carrot or the subtle and mellow sound of the Fairy switch.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is characterized by its bouncy and snappy feedback, offering a lively typing sensation with responsive feedback. Additionally, the switch features a stepped feel with two stages, providing a mild tactility that can enhance typing accuracy. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch is polished and mild, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that is gentle and approachable. With a subtle feel and gentle resistance, the Fairy switch provides a comfortable typing experience that is well-suited for extended use in various settings.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a bouncy and clacky typing experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, while the Fairy switch offers a polished and mild typing sensation with muted sound characteristics. Depending on individual preferences and work environments, users can select the switch that best suits their needs and provides the desired typing experience. Both switches offer quality performance and durability, ensuring a satisfying and reliable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Carrot tactile switch or the Akko Fairy linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile experience with a firm sound profile, the Carrot switch with its light actuation force of 45 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a balanced medium weight of 60 grams, the Fairy switch's refined lubrication and resistance level may suit your needs better, especially in office settings. Additionally, if you prefer a clacky, marbly, or high-pitched sound profile along with a bouncy, snappy, or stepped feel, the Carrot switch may be more appealing to you. Conversely, if you favor a muted or neutral sound profile coupled with a polished, mild, or subtle feel, the Fairy switch might be the better option. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
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