Aflion Carrot vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Carrot and Keygeek Keygeek Raw both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Carrot is a tactile switch that stands out for its bouncy tactile experience due to its long two-stage spring. Not only does it provide a satisfying feedback, but it also features a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw is a linear switch known for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy and lightweight feel. While the Carrot switch offers a clacky and bouncy typing experience, the Keygeek Raw provides a more subtle and textured feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches both utilize unique housing materials to achieve distinct sound profiles. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness and translucency for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw opts for a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, offering an exclusive sound profile not found in other switches. While the Carrot's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing provides a different sound experience exclusive to its switches.
The choice of housing materials in the Aflion Carrot and Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches significantly impacts the overall sound and feel of each keystroke. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot emphasizes a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Nylon & UPE blend top housing of the Keygeek Raw offers a unique sound exclusive to its switches. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Carrot produces a deeper and rounder sound, contrasting with the UMPE & Si blend bottom housing of the Keygeek Raw. Each switch's housing material contributes distinct qualities to the typing experience, catering to different preferences and tastes.
Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for the Aflion Carrot and Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches play a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles. While the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a clear and resonant sound, the Keygeek Raw distinguishes itself with its Nylon & UPE blend top housing and UMPE & Si blend bottom housing. Despite their differences, both switches focus on providing a unique typing experience, with varying sound characteristics that cater to specific preferences. Whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller tone, both the Carrot and Keygeek Raw offer distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw switch has a medium bottom out force of 57.5 grams, although the actuation force is not specified. For users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Keygeek Raw switch may be the preferable choice. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences - the Carrot for those who prefer a lighter touch and the Keygeek Raw for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the weight of a switch is an important factor to consider when selecting a keyboard for either work or long gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Carrot has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Raw switch, making it better suited for those who prefer a more hearty depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Raw switch's shorter travel distance makes it ideal for gamers who require faster response times. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individuals with different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize depth or speed in your typing 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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate sound suitable for various purposes. It is essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used, so individual preferences may vary.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is highlighted for its bouncy and snappy feedback, delivering a lively typing experience thanks to its unique two-stage spring design. Conversely, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch is noted for its textured feel out of the box, providing a slightly scratchy sensation that can be appealing to some users. Additionally, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a mild and subtle typing experience, offering a gentle resistance that falls in a comfortable middle ground for most users.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch showcase distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Carrot switch provides a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a firm mid-pitched sound, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a neutral sound profile and a textured feel that can be customized through hand lubing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and customization options, ensuring that each user can find the perfect match for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Carrot tactile switch or the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a light keystroke and unique sound profile, the Carrot switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a creamy and lightweight linear switch with a slightly textured feel and neutral sound profile, the Keygeek Raw switch could be the better option. Consider how you like your switches to feel and sound when making your decision, as both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot and Keygeek Raw switches will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
