Aflion Carrot vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Gold Pink. The Carrot switch is known for its fun and bouncy tactile experience, provided by its long, two-stage spring. It offers a mid-pitched and firm sound, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Pink switch boasts a 37g actuation force, making it one of the lightest switches available. These switches are perfect for those who prioritize fast and effortless typing or gaming, offering a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. It is evident that both switches have their unique strengths and appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and TTC Gold Pink switches both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice helps create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through. The polycarbonate top housing is aesthetically pleasing and provides a clear and resonant sound experience when typing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Carrot and Gold Pink switches utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This can be satisfying for individuals who prefer a more muted typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the switches, the impact of each housing material is split. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Carrot and Gold Pink switches offer distinct sound profiles that can be enhanced by their respective housing materials.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot and TTC Gold Pink switches share similar characteristics due to the use of polycarbonate in their top housings. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making them ideal choices for those seeking a definitive typing experience. Additionally, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether it's the Carrot or Gold Pink, these switches offer unique sound profiles that can be tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 37 grams and bottom out force of 45 grams, making them equally light. This means that individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience will find both switches suitable for their needs. Both switches require a gentle push to trigger a keystroke and have a similar amount of force needed to fully press down. For those who prioritize a lighter weight for extended typing sessions or gaming, both the Carrot and Gold Pink switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other in terms of travel distance.
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 Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is best described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. This means that when pressed, the Carrot switch produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound. It also has a resonant, high-pitched quality similar to tapping on marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. These characteristics make the Carrot switch ideal for those who prefer a lively and vibrant sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided. However, it is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. That being said, if you prefer a similar sound experience to the Carrot switch, you may achieve comparable results by selecting a keyboard board and keycaps that enhance the clacky and high-pitched qualities.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle typing experience. These descriptors indicate that the Carrot switch provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The longer or dual-staged springs make the typing experience feel responsive and alive. Additionally, the Carrot switch has a light actuation force, requiring little exertion from the fingers. This reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it comfortable for both gaming and work purposes. The subtle resistance of the Carrot switch provides a gentle typing feel without being too featherlight. Conversely, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch offers a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. This means that the Gold Pink switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a more gentle typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its light actuation force reduces finger strain, making it suitable for prolonged periods of typing. The polished finish of the Gold Pink switch ensures a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a lively and vibrant sound profile, with a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gold Pink switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided. When it comes to feel, the Carrot switch offers a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle typing experience. Its long, two-stage spring provides an elastic feedback sensation and a responsive typing feel. Meanwhile, the Gold Pink switch offers a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke and reduced friction. Depending on your preferences, you can choose one of these switches to achieve the desired sound and feel for your mechanical keyboard.
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 switch would be a great choice for you. Its long, two-stage spring provides a uniquely bouncy tactile experience, and the switch produces a clacky sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. In terms of feel, the Carrot switch is described as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and reducing finger fatigue.
On the other hand, if you value a fast and effortless typing experience, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch would be a suitable option. With a light actuation force of 37 grams, these switches are perfect for rapid typing or gaming. They offer a satisfying level of feedback and produce a clacky sound. In terms of feel, the Gold Pink switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch will depend on your preference for the tactile experience, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Whether you prioritize a bouncy and tactile experience or a smooth and effortless typing sensation, there is a switch that will suit your needs.
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