Aflion Carrot vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Flaming Pink stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Carrot, known for its playful tactile feedback, features a long, two-stage spring that delivers a bouncy sensation, complemented by a mid-pitched, firm sound profile. This tactile switch is beloved by those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a bit of resistance and a pronounced tactile bump. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch shines with its silky-smooth actuation and satisfying bottom-out sound, providing an effortlessly responsive experience that is ideal for both gaming and daily tasks. With its subtle yet engaging acoustics, the Flaming Pink attracts users who seek speed and fluidity in their keystrokes without the additional force required by tactile switches. Each switch caters to different preferences—whether you prefer the bouncy feedback of the Carrot or the seamless glide of the Flaming Pink. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the TTC Flaming Pink switches showcase a notable similarity in their top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a pronounced, high-pitched sound profile that is sharp and crisp. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant audio experience, making it an ideal option for those who enjoy brighter sound characteristics. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly for users that leverage RGB lighting. Therefore, using these switches together can yield a similar auditory experience when typing at the top of the key stroke.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, a material revered for its distinctive sound absorption properties. This feature promotes a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts with the brightness of the polycarbonate top housing. When typing, the nylon bottom housing dampens the sound, creating a rounder and more mellow acoustic effect. Since the bottom housing tends to influence the immediate feedback at the bottom-out point of the keystroke, both the Carrot and Flaming Pink switches provide a balanced auditory experience. Users can expect a harmonious blend of sharpness from the top and warmth from the bottom in both models.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both switches results in an overall harmonious sound profile, despite the contrasting nature of the materials used in each section. While pressing down on either switch, users will benefit from the deeper sound produced by the nylon while still enjoying the clear, bright tones introduced by the polycarbonate tops during release. This thoughtful integration of materials ensures that both the Aflion Carrot and TTC Flaming Pink deliver excellent performance, making them appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a balanced auditory and tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Flaming Pink requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Carrot is more suited for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Flaming Pink, with its heavier actuation, might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. Overall, if you value a lighter switch for ease of use, the Carrot is the better option; for those who prefer a firmer response, the TTC Flaming Pink would be a suitable choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, the Aflion Carrot features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Flaming Pink has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Carrot offers a deeper key press, providing a more substantial tactile experience, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a hearty depth in their switches. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and those seeking faster response times, making it a more suitable option for quick typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference between the deeper, more pronounced feedback of the Carrot and the brisk, responsive feel of the Flaming Pink.
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 TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 known for producing a mid-pitched, firm audio profile that evokes a clacky and high-pitched tone. This quality gives it a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, providing an engaging auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch also features a clacky sound but leans towards being bright without being overly loud. Both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying auditory experience during usage; however, performance can vary depending on the specific keyboard and keycap setup you choose.
In terms of feel, the Carrot switch offers a distinctive tactile experience characterized by a bouncy and snappy response due to its long, dual-stage spring. This unique design results in an elastic feedback sensation that provides a lively and responsive typing experience, with a stepped tactile sensation that allows users to appreciate a sense of pre-travel and post-travel. In contrast, the Flaming Pink switch is known for its silky smoothness, minimizing resistance during key presses and providing a premium feel that makes it suitable for both gaming and daily tasks. While both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, the Carrot's nuanced tactile feedback may appeal to those who enjoy more pronounced tactile characteristics, whereas the Flaming Pink caters to users prioritizing a consistent, smooth action.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Carrot and TTC Flaming Pink switches have distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Carrot delivers a lively, bouncy tactile experience with a notable sound profile, making it enjoyable for enthusiasts who appreciate tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the Flaming Pink switch excels in providing a silky, smooth feel and a well-balanced sound, ideal for users who prefer linear switches that maintain a satisfying audio response throughout their typing sessions. Depending on your desired experience, both switches can yield satisfying results, but your specific choice will ultimately hinge on your personal preferences in tactile feedback and sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, consider the nuances of both options in relation to your needs and preferences. If you enjoy a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a fun tactile feedback that features a high-pitched, clacky sound profile, the Carrot is your best bet. Its lightweight feel at 45 grams makes it especially appealing for extended typing sessions or if your focus is on lively gaming scenarios. However, if you are drawn to a smoother, more premium experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound and a slightly firmer keystroke at 50 grams, the Flaming Pink switch is an excellent choice. It is particularly suitable for both gaming and day-to-day typing tasks, offering a balance of responsiveness and comfort. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prefer the tactile excitement of the Carrot or the silky smoothness of the Flaming Pink, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard aligns with your unique typing style and sound preferences.
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