Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and Gateron Glory Red represent two distinct approaches to tactile feedback and keystroke feel, catering to different typing preferences. The Aflion Carrot is celebrated for its fun and bouncy tactile sensation, featuring a unique long, two-stage spring that delivers a mid-pitched sound profile characterized by a clacky and snappy response. This switch is perfect for typists who enjoy a more expressive auditory feedback and a pronounced tactile bump, enhancing their overall experience during lengthy typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches are designed for those who prefer a smoother, linear keystroke devoid of tactile interruptions. This lighter switch offers a pleasing travel distance, ideal for fast typists and gamers seeking rapid key presses without the distraction of noise or resistance. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on personal typing style and preferences; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Glory Red switches, a distinct difference emerges in the choice of plastic used for the top housing. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties that produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's ability to resonate clearly is particularly beneficial for achieving a bright auditory experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red opts for a nylon top housing, which leans toward a darker, fuller sound. Nylon's softer characteristics absorb sound more effectively, creating a rounded auditory profile. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver high-quality sound experiences, the Carrot’s polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and vibrancy, whereas the Glory Red's nylon top housing focuses on depth and warmth.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, presenting a notable similarity in this aspect. The nylon used in both the Aflion Carrot and Gateron Glory Red contributes to a consistent, deeper, and fuller sound profile during typing. The material’s softness aids in absorbing sound, which results in a muffled and rounded auditory effect that is pleasing to hear. This commonality suggests that regardless of the differences found in their top housings, the overall sound characteristics when bottoming out the switches will feel and sound relatively similar due to the nylon bottom housing's inherent qualities.
In essence, the divided housing materials mean that the typing experience of the Carrot and Glory Red switches will reflect contrasting characteristics based on the individual contributions from the top housing, while the shared nylon bottom housing provides a cohesive and rounded experience. When pressing the switches, users will feel the nylon bottom's impact predominantly, delivering a satisfying and fuller sound at the point of bottoming out. Conversely, the release of the key will largely be influenced by the material of the top housing, where the Carrot’s polycarbonate will resonate with clarity while the Glory Red’s nylon will invoke a softer tone. Thus, even with shared components, the differences in top housing materials play a crucial role in defining the sound profile and tactile feedback of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, we can observe distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Carrot features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may offer a more substantial feel for users who enjoy a firmer key press. As for the bottom out forces, the Carrot has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, while the bottom out force of the Glory Red remains unknown. This indicates that while the Carrot has a consistent feedback experience throughout its travel, the Glory Red's bottom out experience is less defined, potentially affecting the overall typing experience. In summary, users looking for a lighter switch experience may gravitate towards the Aflion Carrot, while those desiring a heavier push should consider the Gateron Glory Red.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, it's clear that they have different characteristics suited to various preferences. The Aflion Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a deeper feel that many users appreciate for its satisfying feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to gamers and those who favor quicker response times. This makes the Carrot the option for users who enjoy a more substantial switch experience, while the Glory Red is ideal for individuals seeking a more responsive touch. Thus, if you prefer a deeper and more pronounced actuation, the Carrot would be the better choice, but for a faster and more immediate response, the Glory Red would be preferable.
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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 delivers a distinct and engaging auditory experience. Its sound profile is marked by a clacky and high-pitched character, providing a sharp and crisp feedback that tends to resonate well with users who appreciate a lively auditory response from their key presses. This more dynamic sound caters to those who enjoy a bright and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch doesn't have a specified sound profile, which may suggest a quieter operation compared to the Carrot. This could imply a more muted experience, possibly making it better suited for quieter environments or shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Carrot switch shines with its unique combination of bounciness, snappiness, and a stepped tactile feedback. The longer, two-stage spring creates an elastic and responsive sensation, resulting in a lively typing experience that many will find exhilarating. The two-stage design contributes to a nuanced tactile response, allowing users to feel both pre-travel and post-travel stages in the keystroke, which enhances the overall typing feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red, being a linear switch, lacks the tactile bump characteristic of the Carrot and is instead designed for smooth keystrokes. This may make the Glory Red feel lighter and more fluid but potentially less engaging for those who appreciate tactile feedback.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences that ultimately affect the typing experience. The Aflion Carrot tactile switch presents a vibrant sound and an engaging tactile feel, appealing to users seeking a lively typing ambiance. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch leans toward smoother operation, with an emphasis on ease of use that may be more understated. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you seek an exciting tactile experience or a more fluid and quieter typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the specific tasks you intend to accomplish. If you appreciate a lively, tactile experience with a bouncy feel that provides rewarding feedback, the Carrot switch is the way to go. Its unique two-stage spring design enhances the tactile feedback, making it ideal for both typists and gamers who enjoy a more engaged, snappy response. The higher-pitched, clacky sound profile adds an element of character, making it a great choice for those who prefer a bit of auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smooth, linear keystroke with less tactile interruption, the Gateron Glory Red is likely a better fit for you. This switch offers a seamless typing experience, which can be particularly beneficial for long sessions of typing or gaming where minimal distraction is key. Since the sound profile of the Glory Red is less specified, it may also be a more subtle choice suitable for shared environments. Ultimately, consider your individual typing style, sound preferences, and the type of tasks you'll be using your keyboard for to make the best decision.
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