Aflion Carrot vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Carrot and the Invyr Holy Panda are both tactile mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Carrot stands out for its bouncy tactile feedback provided by its long, two-stage spring, along with its mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright clack with each keystroke, as well as its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. While the Carrot is categorized as bouncy, snappy, and high-pitched, the Holy Panda falls into the categories of accented and invigorating. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and Invyr Holy Panda both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. With similar top housings, the Carrot and Holy Panda are likely to produce comparable sound profiles and performance when pressed.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the Aflion Carrot's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Holy Panda. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may contribute to a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. The Carrot's nylon bottom housing may offer a more cushioned bottom-out sound and feel, giving it a distinct tactile response compared to the Holy Panda's housing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings in the Aflion Carrot and Invyr Holy Panda respectively creates a balanced sound profile with different characteristics. While the top housings affect the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housings play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Users may appreciate the unique typing experience each switch offers, with the Carrot providing a sharper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and deeper sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the Holy Panda may deliver a slightly different sound profile with its own combination of materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The Carrot is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Holy Panda is heavier, with an actuation force that is unknown and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches allow for a satisfying keystroke experience, but the Carrot is designed for lighter keystrokes while the Holy Panda is better suited for those who prefer a heavier feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. When comparing the two, users can expect to feel a similar level of travel distance when pressing down on a key with either switch. This means that whether you choose the Carrot or the Holy Panda, you can expect a comparable tactile experience 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 Invyr Holy Panda has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holy Panda for $7.17.
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 having a clacky and marbly sound profile, with a high-pitched tone when pressed. This results in a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp and bright. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is known for producing a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, offering a unique blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance. While the exact sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, users can expect a distinct auditory experience from both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is characterized by its bouncy and snappy feedback, providing a lively and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the switch's stepped design offers a two-stage tactile sensation, giving users a unique typing feel. In comparison, the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch is described as accented and sharp, offering pronounced feedback and a firm actuation force. This results in a snappy and reactive typing feel that can be quite invigorating for users looking for a tactile switch with a prominent tactile bump.
Overall, both the Aflion Carrot and Invyr Holy Panda tactile switches offer distinctive sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences among tactile switch enthusiasts. While the Carrot switch provides a bouncy and mid-pitched sound along with a lively typing feel, the Holy Panda switch offers a bright "clack" sound and a sharp, invigorating tactile feedback. Users can expect satisfying tactile experiences from either switch, depending on their preference for sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, you should consider the specific characteristics that each switch offers. If you are looking for a lighter switch with a bouncy and fun tactile experience, as well as a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with sharp tactility, a bright "clack" sound profile, and a blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Invyr Holy Panda could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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