Aflion Carrot vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Kiki Red offer unique and distinct experiences for users. The Carrot switch is a tactile switch known for its bouncy tactile feel provided by a long, two-stage spring. Additionally, it offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red is a linear switch that provides a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance. The all-POM housings and Ly stems contribute to a smooth actuation process, while the medium-light weighting adds a layer of subtlety to the auditory feedback. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and Bsun Kiki Red both have distinctive housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Kiki Red's POM top housing produces a deeper, more muted sound. However, both switches use POM for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and pleasing sound when typing. This highlights the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials when looking for a specific sound profile in a switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing allows for translucent properties that make it ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's POM top housing does not offer this feature, but instead focuses on creating a unique and pleasing sound profile. While both materials have their own strengths in terms of sound and functionality, they cater to different preferences when it comes to customizing the appearance and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
When comparing the nylon bottom housing of the Carrot to the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red, it is clear that the choice of bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, while POM creates a more muted tone. This difference in material highlights how the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch can influence the overall typing experience, emphasizing the need to consider all aspects of a switch's construction when choosing the right one for individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall on the lighter side of the force spectrum. The Carrot has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Kiki Red's 42 grams, and a bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Kiki Red's 50 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, which may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. While the Carrot is slightly lighter in force than the Kiki Red, both switches offer a similar level of actuation and bottom out force, resulting in comparable results for users seeking a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Carrot has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kiki Red, making it the longer option between the two. The Carrot's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional key press feel, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those looking for quicker response times, which is often preferred by gamers. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Carrot giving a more traditional feel and the Kiki Red providing a quicker response.
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 Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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 described as having a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering users a sharp and percussive auditory feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is also noted for its clacky sound, but with a comfortably high-pitched nuance that strikes a balance between audibly satisfying feedback and excessive loudness. Both switches provide distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Carrot offering a more crisp and bright tone compared to the Kiki Red's nuanced and subtly clacky profile.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is acclaimed for its bouncy and snappy tactile sensation, thanks to its long, two-stage spring that provides users with a lively and rebounding typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is lauded for its creamy and polished feel, offering a smooth and frictionless typing experience that glides effortlessly across the keys. While the Carrot switch emphasizes a more tactile and responsive feedback with its bouncy and feathery qualities, the Kiki Red switch focuses on delivering a silky and easy-to-press experience that minimizes resistance and enhances typing comfort.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Carrot switch boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and snappy tactile sensation, the Kiki Red switch provides a subtly clacky sound and a creamy, polished feel that prioritizes smoothness and ease of typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options delivering a satisfying and high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsuns Kiki Red linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, then the Carrot switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance and a smooth actuation, the Kiki Red switch might be more suitable. Consider factors such as sound, feel, actuation force, and overall typing experience when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences and needs.
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