Aflion Carrot vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, finding the perfect one for your typing needs can be an exciting but daunting task. Today, we will be comparing and contrasting two intriguing switches: the Aflion Carrot and the Jwick Ginger Milk. The Carrot switch is a tactile switch that offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience due to its long, two-stage spring. Not only that, but it also provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk switch is a linear switch characterized by its soft and pastel nature, which translates into a silky smooth and approachable push feel. Additionally, the Ginger Milk switch boasts a muted, snappy sound profile. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, but 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Jwick Ginger Milk both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. This is due to its stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Carrot and the Ginger Milk will produce similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Carrot and the Ginger Milk utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Its relatively softer nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches will exhibit similar characteristics when it comes to their bottom-out sound and feel, as the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be prominent in this aspect.
Overall, the differences between the Carrot and the Ginger Milk lie mainly in their top and bottom housing materials. While both switches share polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, the Carrot stands out with its nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk features nylon for both top and bottom housing. This variation will result in differences in the overall sound profile and feel of the switches, where the Carrot's nylon bottom housing may contribute to a deeper and fuller sound during bottom-out, while the Ginger Milk's nylon housing may create a duller and rounder sound throughout the typing experience. Nevertheless, both switches will provide a distinct sound profile and offer a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, there are notable differences. The Carrot, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, is lighter in both aspects. This makes it suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, enabling them to type for longer periods of time without straining their fingers. In contrast, the Ginger Milk linear switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy push feel. This appeals to those seeking a more substantial and pronounced typing experience. Although their forces differ, both switches offer reliable and precise keystrokes, ensuring a satisfying typing or gaming experience depending on personal preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, it is clear that the Carrot has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ginger Milk has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Carrot's 4.0 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, while the Ginger Milk's 3.7 mm is slightly shallower. These differences in travel distance can be important depending on individual preferences and use cases. Gamers, for instance, might prefer the Ginger Milk with its shorter travel distance for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may prefer the Carrot's longer travel distance. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth one is looking for in a switch.
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 Jwick Ginger Milk has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ginger Milk for $4.25.
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
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its bouncy tactile experience, providing users with a uniquely spring-like feedback. When it comes to sound, the Carrot switch has a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. This means it produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Carrot switch is bouncy, snappy, and stepped, offering a lively and responsive typing experience. It is also feathery and subtle, with a light actuation force and gentle resistance, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Overall, the Carrot switch provides a fun and lively typing experience with a unique tactile feel and a mid-pitched, firm sound profile.
On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch provides a different typing experience. The Ginger Milk switch is soft and pastel, offering a silky smooth and approachable push feel. When it comes to sound, the Ginger Milk switch has a muted and snappy sound profile. It is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. In terms of feel, the Ginger Milk switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched, firm sound profile, while the Ginger Milk switch offers a silky smooth push feel with a muted, snappy sound profile. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and can cater to different preferences and typing styles. It is important to consider personal preferences, typing needs, and other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is the way to go. This switch offers a light bottom out force of 45 grams, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. It also has a unique two-stage spring that provides a lively and responsive feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a soft and pastel typing experience with a muted and snappy sound profile, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is the better choice. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a smooth and approachable push feel while maintaining a moderate sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between the Carrot and Ginger Milk switches comes down to personal preference in terms of tactile and sound characteristics.
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