Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White. The Carrot is a tactile switch that offers a unique and bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, it provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch specifically designed for delicate typists. It boasts an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, allowing for effortless and sensitive keystrokes. With a frosted light diffuser, this switch also offers brighter RGB lighting, while its medium-high pitch provides satisfying auditory feedback. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on the premium typing feel. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in similar qualities. Polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing on the switches. This material is ideal for those who prioritize a clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice, especially for gamers who plan to use RGB lighting. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for more vibrant lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Carrot features a nylon material while the G Pro 3.0 White also uses nylon. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, making nylon an advantageous choice for users looking for a switch with a more cushioned and muted typing experience.
Overall, both the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White exhibit similar characteristics due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing. They both produce a sharp and clear sound profile, ideal for users who prioritize precise feedback. Additionally, their nylon bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound, albeit with a slightly different sound profile due to the nuances of the specific switch design. Regardless of the slight distinction, users can expect comparable results when using either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, we find that both switches have a relatively light touch. The Aflion Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 White has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that both switches require a similar amount of force to trigger a keystroke and provide a comparable typing experience.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, both the Carrot and G Pro 3.0 White switches would be suitable options. The lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making them ideal choices for work or extended gaming sessions. However, if someone desires a more substantial push feel while typing, they may opt for a switch with a heavier actuation force. In this case, both the Carrot and G Pro 3.0 White switches would still provide similar results with their 45-gram bottom out force.
In summary, while the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch have slightly different actuation forces, their bottom out forces are equal. This means that whether you choose the Carrot or the G Pro 3.0 White, you can expect a similar light typing experience, making them both excellent choices for those looking for a comfortable and responsive keyboard switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. In the case of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, both switches share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. So, in terms of travel distance, both the Carrot and G Pro 3.0 White switches offer identical results, ensuring a similar tactile experience for users.
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 G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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 best described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with crisp, bright, and percussive qualities. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is also clacky, but it has a neutral and subdued sound profile. It has a moderate actuation force requirement and a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. While the Carrot switch offers a more vibrant and sharp sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a more balanced and mellow auditory feedback, suitable for shared spaces. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also vary depending on other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle typing experience. It has a lively and spring-like feedback sensation, providing rebound when pressed. The longer and dual-staged springs contribute to its snappy and responsive feel. Additionally, the switch offers a feathery light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle. It provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. With a gentle resistance and light actuation force, it offers a low-impact and comfortable typing feel. Both switches offer a feathery lightness suitable for gaming, school, or work, but the Carrot switch provides a more lively and bouncy feel, while the G Pro 3.0 White switch focuses on a smooth and low-impact typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, accompanied by a bouncy and snappy typing feel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White switch has a more neutral and subdued sound profile, with a creamy and silky typing feel. Depending on the user's preference, they can choose between the more vibrant and sharp sound of the Carrot switch or the balanced and smooth sound of the G Pro 3.0 White switch. Both switches provide a feathery lightness suitable for extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue. It's important to consider personal preferences and factors such as the choice of board and keycaps to achieve the desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile switch with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch would be a great choice for you. It has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is light. The Carrot switch offers a unique tactile experience with its long, two-stage spring and provides a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound when pressed. In terms of feel, it is described as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle.
On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly switch that is incredibly light to press and offers a satisfying auditory feedback, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be a suitable option. It also has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is light. The G Pro White switch allows for brighter RGB lighting with its frosted light diffuser and produces a clacky, neutral, and subdued sound when pressed. In terms of feel, it is described as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bouncy tactile experience with a more pronounced sound profile, the Carrot switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing feel with a more subtle sound signature, the G Pro White switch would be a better fit. Consider your typing style, preferences, and use cases when making your decision.