Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to consider are the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Ink Box Black. The Carrot switch is a tactile switch that is best known for its uniquely bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, users can enjoy a mid-pitched and firm sound profile while typing on this switch. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is a linear switch that offers an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience. Its sound signature reminds us of the satisfying noise made when shaking a spray paint can. The Carrot switch falls under categories such as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Stepped', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', while the Ink Box Black is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Ink Box Black differ in their composition and their impact on the sound profile of the switches. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This sound is described as clacky but not overly sharp. Therefore, while both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper sound compared to the Ink Box Black's INK blend.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Carrot employs a nylon material, well-known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black incorporates Gateron's INK blend bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics to its top housing in terms of sound profile. Described as pointed and relatively high-pitched, the bottom housing contributes to the clacky sound experience. Although the specific composition may differ, both switches offer a similar thin and higher-pitched sound due to their respective bottom housings.
In terms of functionality, the impact of the top and bottom housings on the switch's sound and feel is divided between the two materials. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing dominate, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the Carrot's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound, while the Ink Box Black's INK blend bottom housing contributes to the clacky feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. For the Carrot, the polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper sound, while the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black contributes to its distinct clacky sound. Therefore, although the specific materials vary, both switches offer a unique sound experience based on their top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Carrot switch has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Ink Box Black switch requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial and resistant typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Carrot switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than its actuation force. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, significantly heavier than its actuation force. This means that pressing the keys all the way down on the Ink Box Black requires a greater amount of force compared to the Carrot switch.
Considering the weight aspect, the Carrot switch can be considered lighter overall due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter weight can be beneficial for users who prefer to type for extended periods, as it reduces fatigue. It is also suitable for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in long gaming sessions.
On the contrary, the Ink Box Black switch is comparatively heavier with its medium-heavy actuation force and significantly heavier bottom out force. This makes it a suitable choice for individuals who prefer a stronger and more substantial push feel when typing, providing a satisfying experience for those who value a heavier keystroke.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a lighter typing experience with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch provides a more substantial and heavier key press. Each switch caters to different preferences, allowing users to choose according to their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is evident that the Carrot has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0mm is considered more traditional, while 3.0mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If quick responsiveness is your preference, the Ink Box Black with its shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Carrot with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired tactile experience.
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 Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 offers a unique experience. It has a long, two-stage spring that provides a bouncy tactile feedback. This switch produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, which can be described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. The sound is sharp, crisp, and bright, with a percussive quality. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is incredibly smooth and creamy. Its sound signature reminds us of a shake spray paint can. It is also described as clacky and high-pitched, sharing some similarities with the Carrot switch. However, without more information, it is difficult to provide a detailed comparison of the sound qualities of these two switches.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy and lively experience. Its long, two-stage spring provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, this switch is snappy due to its longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. It is also described as stepped, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel feedback. Moreover, the Carrot switch can be considered feathery, as it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from the fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. It is also described as subtle, with a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a silky typing experience. It is exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It provides a polished and refined feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Ink Box Black switch's feel is different from the Carrot switch, focusing more on smoothness and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch offers a bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. It provides a lively, snappy, and feathery feel with subtle resistance. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch offers an incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature that reminds us of a spray paint can being shaken. It is silky and polished, providing a refined and smooth typing experience. Based on the available information, it is clear that these switches offer distinct experiences. However, without further details, it is difficult to provide a precise comparison of their subjective qualities. It is essential to consider other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps, as they can also influence the sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a fun tactile switch with a bouncy and firm tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot would be an excellent choice. Its unique two-stage spring provides a lively feel and a mid-pitched, firm sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a creamy typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is the way to go. These switches are incredibly smooth and offer a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Moreover, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound, both switches can fulfill that preference.
In terms of feel, the Carrot switch offers a bouncy and snappy experience, providing a spring-like feedback and rebound when pressed. It also has a subtle resistance and a feathery lightness, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Ink Box Black provides a silky and polished feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch depends on your preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. The Carrot switch is for those who desire a lively and bouncy tactile experience, while the Ink Box Black switch caters to individuals who prioritize smoothness and creaminess. As a final point, remember to take into consideration the sound and feel descriptions to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences and needs.
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