Aflion Carrot vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Gold Brown, both of which fall under the tactile switch category. The Carrot switch is best known for its unique bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, users can expect a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, which adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch offers a balanced feel, providing a slight but satisfying bump as you press down. These switches also have a moderate weightiness to them, ensuring a satisfying response while typing. Furthermore, the Gold Browns have a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, without being completely silent. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and TTC Gold Brown switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for switches with a translucent housing, especially when RGB lighting is involved. This similarity ensures that users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetic benefits from both the Carrot and Gold Brown switches.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the Carrot and Gold Brown switches employ nylon as their material of choice. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users of both the Carrot and Gold Brown switches can enjoy a similar typing experience with regards to sound when it comes to the bottom-out aspect.
However, it's important to note that while the top and bottom housings in these switches serve different purposes, they each contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when you release a key. Therefore, despite their shared housing materials, there may still be slight variations in certain aspects of sound and key feel between the Carrot and Gold Brown switches, based on the specific design and characteristics of each housing component.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Gold Brown switch is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. These variations in force make the Carrot switch more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Despite their differences, it is important to note that both switches result in similar outcomes, triggering a keystroke when the required force is applied.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent and satisfying travel distance. This means that whether you choose the Carrot or the Gold Brown, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom.
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 Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Carrot and TTC Gold Brown tactile switches, there are distinct differences. The Carrot switch has a clacky sound, offering a sharp and snappy tone when pressed. This creates a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch has a more neutral sound profile. It produces a moderate sound that is suitable for various environments, making it a versatile option. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout, keycaps, and mounting method chosen by the user. Therefore, while the Carrot switch has a clacky sound and the Gold Brown switch has a neutral sound, the overall sound experience can still be adjusted based on these additional factors.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Carrot switch offers a unique and bouncy tactile experience. Its long, two-stage spring provides users with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel and offers a rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Carrot switch is described as being snappy, meaning it is highly responsive and makes the typing experience feel more alive. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience. It has a gentle tactile bump that is not overwhelming, making it approachable for most users. The typing sensation is smooth, fluid, and uniform, giving a seamless and effortless feel to each keystroke. Both switches offer their own distinct tactile experiences, catering to different preferences.
Taking into account all the available information, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch have their own subjective qualities. The Carrot switch is known for its bouncy and snappy feel, combined with a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and buttery feel, with a more neutral sound. These switches provide unique experiences for users, accommodating different preferences in tactile feedback and sound preferences.
If a user is looking for a bouncier and more snappy typing experience with a clacky sound, the Carrot switch would be a suitable choice. However, if a user prefers a mild and buttery typing experience with a more neutral sound, the Gold Brown switch would be a better option. While the exact sound and feel experience may vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard layout, keycaps, and mounting method, both switches offer their own distinctive qualities that can enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it's important to consider your preferences and needs. If you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a uniquely bouncy tactile experience, the Carrot switch would be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, the Carrot switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a balanced typing experience, the Gold Brown switch is the way to go. These switches have a slight, satisfying bump and a rounded sound profile described as neutral. In terms of feel, the Carrot switch is characterized as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle, while the Gold Brown switch is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished. Ultimately, consider your preferences for actuation force, tactile feedback, and sound profile to determine which switch suits you best.
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