Aflion Carrot vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that you may consider are the Aflion Carrot and the TKC Kiwi. The Carrot switch is best known for its uniquely bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. This switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch is designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It delivers a snappy sound profile that immerses you in the typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the TKC Kiwi differ in their choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, results in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material known for its bright sound signature. This material produces resonant clacks when typing, offering a distinct and vibrant sound experience. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, they contribute to enhancing the overall sound quality of the switches in different ways.
Similarly, the Aflion Carrot and the TKC Kiwi also differ in their choice of bottom housing materials. The Carrot utilizes a nylon bottom housing, a classic material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Kiwi incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, which provides a very bright sound signature. This material enhances the resonant clacks when typing on the switches, creating a distinctive and vibrant sound experience. Despite their differences, both housing materials contribute to the overall sound characteristics of the switches, albeit in diverse ways.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that the differences in housing materials are split between the two parts. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing greatly impacts the sound when a key is released. This allows for a more nuanced and enhanced typing experience, as both top and bottom housings play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switches. Therefore, while the Aflion Carrot and the TKC Kiwi may have different housing materials, they both provide an improved typing experience by leveraging the unique qualities of their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Carrot has a comparatively lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which means it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Kiwi has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams, providing a more substantial push feel. When it comes to bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams of force to press all the way down, while the Kiwi has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. This implies that the Kiwi offers a more robust typing experience, requiring more force to fully depress the switch. Therefore, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Carrot, while those seeking a more substantial and tactile feel may lean towards the Kiwi. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel a consistent distance of 4mm for both switches. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both 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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot switch is known for a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. This means that typing on the Carrot switch will produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This difference in sound profile means that the Carrot switch will have a brighter and more percussive sound, while the Kiwi switch will have a deeper and more mellow sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Carrot switch is the better option. If you prefer a deeper and more mellow sound, the Kiwi switch would be the way to go.
In terms of feel, both the Carrot and Kiwi switches have some similar qualities. They are both described as "stepped" switches, meaning they have a two-stage feel with pre-travel and/or post-travel. This provides a more mild tactile experience compared to switches with a larger bump throughout the key press. The Carrot switch is also described as "bouncy" and "snappy," which means it provides a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation with a lively feel and rebound. The Kiwi switch is described as "accented," which means it provides a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. It is important to note that the Carrot switch is also described as "feathery," meaning it has a light actuation force and requires little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue. The Kiwi switch, on the other hand, is described as "polished," which means it has a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a unique tactile experience with their respective qualities.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and TKC Kiwi switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch has a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. It also offers a bouncy and snappy feel, with a feathery touch that reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile, delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It has a stepped feel with a medium amount of tactility and a polished finish for a smooth typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the typing experience, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prefer a sharper sound with a bouncy and feathery feel, the Carrot switch is the way to go. If you prefer a deeper sound with a medium amount of tactility and a polished finish, the Kiwi switch would be the better option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a fun and bouncy tactile switch that offers a unique typing experience, the Aflion Carrot is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it provides a light touch that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Carrot switch also has a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, which is clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a slightly stronger bump at the top of each key press, the TKC Kiwi is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a satisfyingly snappy typing experience. The Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile, making it more bass-heavy and mellow compared to the Carrot. Additionally, it is lightly factory lubed for a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot and TKC Kiwi switches depends on your preference for the level of tactile feedback, bottom out force, and sound profile. Consider your typing style and desired typing experience to make an informed decision.
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