Aflion Carrot vs. Kailh BCP

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience. The Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its long, two-stage spring that provides a uniquely bouncy tactile feedback, creating a delightful and engaging typing sensation. Users can expect a mid-pitched, firm sound profile that is both clacky and snappy, ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile response with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP, a linear switch, offers a smooth, creamy experience thanks to its custom-molded design that eliminates the need for disassembly. This switch stands out with its viscous, elastic feel and signature poppy sound profile, making it perfect for users who prefer a more fluid, uninterrupted typing experience. While the Carrot may appeal to those who love the tactile feedback of each keystroke, the BCP beckons for seamless speed and a softer acoustic presence. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

Kailh BCP Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Carrot and the Kailh BCP utilize differing materials for their top housings, which significantly influences the sound profiles produced by each switch. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound when the key is released. This rigid material allows for a clearer sound profile, which can be particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is applied, as polycarbonate is typically translucent. In contrast, the BCP employs a nylon top housing, recognized for its softer characteristics. This softer plastic absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and fuller tone when typing, thus creating a more subdued auditory experience compared to the Carrot. As such, the contrasting materials in the top housings create distinctly different auditory experiences when each switch is actuated.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it’s important to note that both the Carrot and the BCP utilize nylon material. This results in similar characteristics, as both switches deliver a deeper sound profile due to nylon's inherent softness, which absorbs more sound and contributes to a muted bottom-out feel. This commonality suggests that, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, both switches will provide a notably full and grounding auditory experience during key presses. Therefore, while the Carrot’s top housing produces a sharper sound, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches will deliver that familiar, satisfying bottom-out experience that many typists appreciate.

Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the Aflion Carrot and Kailh BCP foster unique sound characteristics dictated by their top housings, while the nylon bottom housings maintain a level of consistency in auditory feel and performance. Users seeking a vibrant and crisp auditory feedback may lean towards the Carrot for its polycarbonate top, while those preferring a low, rounded sound profile will find the nylon in the BCP more to their liking. However, the blending of both materials, with nylon present in the bottom housing for both switches, guarantees that typists will enjoy a dependable and pleasing depth to their key presses across both models. This synergy illustrates how the interplay of materials in each switch can lead to a variety of tactile and auditory outcomes.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their overall feel and application. The Aflion Carrot features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience—ideal for long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Kailh BCP has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial push feel and feedback while typing. As a result, the Carrot switch offers a lighter experience, suitable for longer use without fatigue, while the BCP provides a medium-heavy feel that may cater to users looking for a more defined keystroke. Thus, for those who favor lighter switches, the Carrot would be the optimal choice, whereas the BCP would satisfy those who desire a heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Kailh BCP linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance can impact the typing experience significantly. The Carrot provides a more traditional and deeper feel, which caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback when typing. In contrast, the Kailh BCP's shorter travel distance is in line with current trends that favor quicker response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize speed. While both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, the Aflion Carrot may be favored by those seeking depth and a hearty press, whereas the Kailh BCP appeals to those who prefer a snappier, more responsive keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot switch presents a mid-pitched and firm sound profile described as clacky, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound upon actuation. This sharp auditory feedback offers a satisfying acoustic experience that many appreciate. Similarly, the Kailh BCP switch also exhibits a clacky characteristic, ensuring a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches thrive on their ability to deliver that delightful auditory snap, creating an engaging typing atmosphere. However, it's worth noting that the overall sound output will vary based on factors like the keyboard design and keycaps used, meaning both switches could resonate differently in practice.

In terms of tactile feel, the Carrot switch distinguishes itself with a unique bouncy and snappy sensation, which is bolstered by its long, two-stage spring, providing a lively typing experience. The stepped nature of the switch allows for clear feedback, giving users a sense of pre-travel resistance. Conversely, the Kailh BCP is noted for its creamy feel, characterized by a buttery and smooth typing experience that combines bounciness with a velvety glide. The BCP also stands out for its viscous and elastic attributes, allowing for a distinct typing sensation that can be perceived as more fluid compared to the Carrot's stepped tactile feedback. In this case, while both switches feature a bouncy tactile response, the Carrot offers a more pronounced and responsive sensation, while the BCP leans towards smoothness.

Combining all the provided information, both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch cater to a range of preferences, yet they serve slightly different tactile experiences. The Carrot excels in providing a lively and responsive feedback loop through its bouncy and snappy qualities, while the BCP offers a smooth and creamy glide that may appeal to those who prioritize a silky typing experience. Sound-wise, they both deliver a satisfying clacky tone, making them enjoyable in terms of auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a more tactile and engaging typing experience or a smoother and more fluid feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a light and bouncy tactile experience with a fun, snappy feel, the Carrot switch is an excellent choice, particularly if you plan to engage in extended typing sessions or gaming, as its 45-gram actuation force and high-pitched clacky sound make it comfortable and engaging. This switch is also ideal if you share your space with others or prefer a less resonant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keypress with a medium-heavy feel, the 63.5-gram bottom-out force of the BCP switch may better suit your typing style. This switch offers a smooth, creamy sensation along with a signature poppy sound, which could be more satisfying for those who enjoy a tactile pop with each keystroke. In the end, consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and the physical feedback you desire when deciding between these two vibrant switches.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more