Aflion Carrot vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Aflion Carrot and the Aflion Foggy Shadow can be a tough decision to make. The Carrot switch is known for its bouncy and tactile experience, thanks to its long two-stage spring, while also offering a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow switch provides a light tactile bump and a medium weight bottom-out force of 63.5g, showcasing Aflion's commitment to balanced performance. The Carrot switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Stepped', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', while the Foggy Shadow switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their unique strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different preferences in typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Aflion Foggy Shadow both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Carrot and Foggy Shadow differ in their bottom housing materials. The Carrot features a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the Foggy Shadow also uses a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar experience in terms of sound profile compared to the Carrot.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both the Aflion Carrot and the Aflion Foggy Shadow offer a similar typing experience due to their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a clear and resonant sound profile, with a sharper tone compared to other plastic materials. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs sound and creates a duller, rounder sound profile, the impact of this material is primarily felt during bottom-out sounds and feels. Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches provides a balanced typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the Aflion Carrot and Foggy Shadow influences the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing enhances the depth and fullness of the overall sound. Despite the different bottom housing materials, the impact on typing experience is fairly similar between the two switches, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Overall, whether opting for the Carrot or the Foggy Shadow, users can expect a unique and satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, the most notable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow features a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, although its actuation force is not listed. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Foggy Shadow for its heavier bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Carrot is lighter overall, while the Foggy Shadow leans towards the heavier end of the spectrum. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Carrot offering a lighter touch and the Foggy Shadow providing a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Carrot has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow, which may provide a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on the key. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may opt for the Carrot. Overall, both switches offer a good balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, giving users the option to choose based on their personal preferences.
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 Aflion Foggy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
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 tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp and bright. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various environments. The Carrot switch leans towards a higher-pitched and sharper sound, while the Foggy Shadow switch offers a more moderate and balanced sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and the specific environment in which they will be used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is characterized by its bouncy and snappy feedback, providing a lively and responsive typing experience. With a stepped and feathery feel, the Carrot switch offers a unique two-stage tactile bump that is light to press and reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is currently unavailable. It is recommended to try out the Foggy Shadow switch in person to determine its tactile feel and compare it to the dynamic experience provided by the Carrot switch.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a distinctive and interactive typing experience with its bouncy and snappy feel, accompanied by a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch introduces a lighter tactile bump with a neutral and low-pitched sound, emphasizing a balanced performance for various typing needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. For those seeking a more dynamic and lively tactile switch, the Aflion Carrot is a suitable option, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow may appeal to users looking for a more subdued and balanced typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Carrot or the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing needs. If you prefer a light and bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Carrot switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow switch might be the better fit. Consider the feel and sound characteristics of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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