Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices that stand out are the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Jupiter Red, a linear switch. The Carrot is known for its unique tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring that provides a bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Jupiter Reds offer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, perfect for those who prefer a consistent typing experience. While the Carrot switch is characterized by its clacky, marbly sound profile, the Jupiter Red switch boasts a polished and creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style; 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
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and Gateron Jupiter Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows the light to shine through. However, the Carrot's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate bottom housing, as nylon absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
In terms of materials, the Aflion Carrot stands out with its combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. This split allows for a blend of the sharper, crisper sound profile from the top housing and the deeper, fuller sound profile from the bottom housing. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red features consistent polycarbonate housing throughout, offering a more uniform sound experience without the variation in sound quality between the top and bottom. Both switches have their advantages, with the Carrot providing a unique sound experience through the combination of housing materials, while the Jupiter Red offers a more consistent sound profile across the board.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Carrot and Gateron Jupiter Red comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Carrot's mix of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials creates a dynamic sound experience with varying tones, while the Jupiter Red's consistent polycarbonate housing provides a more uniform sound profile. Both switches have their strengths, whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound when typing. Ultimately, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of these switches, making them stand out in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it is evident that the Carrot is the lighter option in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a light switch overall. In contrast, the Jupiter Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight option. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Carrot would be the better choice, providing a smoother typing experience. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with stronger pushback, the Jupiter Red would be the ideal selection. Both switches offer different levels of resistance that cater to individual preferences, but ultimately, the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Carrot make it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance. Whether typing on the Carrot or the Jupiter Red, the tactile feedback and overall feel will be consistent, as they share the same 4 mm travel distance. As a result, users can expect similar results and experiences when using either of these switches.
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 Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience that can be likened to a percussion instrument. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which is moderate in both actuation force and sound level, making it a versatile option for various typing environments. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is praised for its bouncy, snappy, and subtle tactile feedback, offering users a lively and responsive typing experience with a gentle resistance. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is known for its polished, creamy, and silky feel, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Carrot leans towards a more energetic and tactile feel, while the Jupiter Red focuses on a smoother, more fluid keystroke.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, whereas the Jupiter Red switch delivers a polished and creamy typing feel with a neutral sound profile. Depending on your preferences for typing feedback and auditory experience, both switches can cater to different needs, with the Carrot offering a more tactile and energetic option and the Jupiter Red providing a smoother and more refined typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
Therefore, when it comes to choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you prefer a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a light actuation force and a mid-pitched sound profile, the Carrot switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and consistent keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished, creamy feel, the Jupiter Red switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the feel and sound profile that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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