Aflion Carrot vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Ice stand out as two popular options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its fun and bouncy two-stage spring that delivers a uniquely tactile feedback, making each keystroke feel engaging and lively. This switch produces a mid-pitched, firm sound profile that can enhance the overall typing experience, particularly appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced tactile response. Conversely, the TTC Ice, a linear switch, boasts a sleek crystal-clear design and offers a smooth, responsive feel that many users appreciate for gaming and everyday typing alike. With a satisfying bottom-out sound and a more subdued sound profile, the Ice is perfect for those seeking a quieter, yet fluid typing experience. Both switches have their distinct advantages: the Carrot is ideal for typists who relish tactile feedback and audible keystrokes, while the Ice serves well for those who prefer a streamlined and quiet typing experience. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and TTC Ice both feature polycarbonate top housings, which share similar qualities that contribute to a precise and clear sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound when the switch is engaged. This characteristic enhances the auditory experience, especially for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing or gaming. Additionally, both switches, with their clear housings, make excellent use of RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to permeate and illuminate the switch beautifully. Thus, users seeking a vibrant visual experience alongside their auditory feedback will find both switches equally appealing in terms of the top housing material.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Carrot and Ice switches vary significantly. The Carrot features a nylon bottom housing known for its softer characteristics, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness leads to greater sound absorption, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience when the key is bottomed out. On the other hand, the TTC Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements its top housing by providing the same high-pitched and crisp sound signature. Consequently, while the Carrot offers a more rounded and softer typing experience due to its nylon base, the Ice maintains a consistent sonic clarity throughout thanks to both its top and bottom polycarbonate housings.
When considering the overall sound and feel of each switch, the differing materials in the bottom housing play a crucial role. The Carrot’s nylon bottom lends itself to a different auditory experience that emphasizes depth and warmth, affecting how users perceive bottoming out during typing. With the Ice, the identical material of both housings yields a more uniform sound throughout the key press and release action. This tonal alignment means that the Ice provides a consistent auditory signature, while the Carrot allows for a more dynamic and textured sound profile due to the contrasting materials. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences, whether a user favors the richness of nylon or the clarity of polycarbonate in their typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Ice linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to different preferences in typing feel. The Carrot requires a light actuation force of 37 grams and features a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who favor a lighter touch that enables prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a more substantial tactile feedback for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. As a result, the Carrot is overall the lighter option, while the Ice is the heavier one. Users looking for a lighter switch might find the Carrot more comfortable for extended use, while those seeking a stronger push feel would likely gravitate towards the TTC Ice.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Ice linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Carrot provides a more pronounced key press experience, appealing to users who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the TTC Ice, with its shorter travel distance, may offer a quicker response time, which can be beneficial for gamers who value fast actuation. Ultimately, the Carrot's longer travel distance allows for a more substantial keypress, whereas the Ice switch caters to those who prefer a snappier, more responsive action. So, if you like the sensation of depth in your keystrokes, the Carrot is the preferable choice, while the Ice is suited for those favoring speed and quick feedback.
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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 Ice switches, both produce a distinctly clacky sound, characterized by sharp, crisp, and percussive tones when pressed. The Carrot switch is noted for its mid-pitched and firm auditory feedback, while the Ice switch also maintains a similarly clacky sound but lacks specific details on pitch. This shared clackiness indicates that both switches will deliver a lively audio experience, although their acoustic richness might differ slightly due to the Carrot's firmness versus the more nuanced characteristics of the Ice.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot switch excels with its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, which provides a lively and engaging typing experience. Its long, two-stage spring contributes to a sensation akin to a small bounce upon actuation, making it feel energetic and responsive. On the other hand, the Ice switch emphasizes a feathery feel, requiring minimal effort for each keystroke, which aids in reducing finger fatigue. Although the Carrot features a more dynamic and tactile response, both switches offer lightweight actuation, with the Carrot likely providing more tactile engagement and the Ice favoring a smooth, responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Carrot and TTC Ice switches cater to different preferences in typing feel, they both exhibit a clacky sound profile that enhances the auditory experience. The Carrot switch focuses on a bouncy and energetic tactile response, ideal for those who enjoy more feedback while typing, whereas the Ice switch provides a seamless and effortless actuation, making it suitable for extended use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience—whether one prefers a lively tactile feel or a smooth and light touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Ice linear switch should depend on your personal preferences and what you'll be using your keyboard for. If you enjoy a lighter touch and a lively, bouncy feel while typing or gaming, the Carrot switch is an excellent option. Its lower actuation force of 45 grams and unique two-stage spring provides a playful and responsive tactile experience, making it particularly enjoyable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, if you appreciate a clacky sound profile that is bright and sharp, the Carrot delivers on that front as well. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, linear action with a bit more weight, the TTC Ice switch might be the better choice for you. Its 60 grams of bottom-out force ensures that there's a satisfying resistance as you press each key, providing a premium experience that is suitable for both gaming and everyday typing. Furthermore, the Ice's clear aesthetic and crisp sound can appeal to those who value both performance and visual appeal. Ultimately, consider what feels best under your fingers and what kind of sound you enjoy, as both switches stand out in their own right but cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
