Aflion Carrot vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Carrot and the Zuoce Lavender are two popular options to consider. The Carrot is a tactile switch known for its bouncy tactile experience and firm sound profile, while the Lavender is a linear switch prized for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature. The Carrot switch offers a unique typing experience with its two-stage spring, providing users with a satisfyingly bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Lavender switch stands out for its smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend. If you prefer a tactile switch with a firm sound profile, the Carrot may be the way to go. However, if you value smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound, the Lavender could be the perfect fit for you. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
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
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Zuoce Lavender have different materials used for their housing components, with the Carrot featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Lavender utilizes a POM material for both the top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and more muted sound produced by the POM top housing of the Lavender. This difference in top housing material results in varying sound profiles when typing on the switches, with the Carrot offering a more resonant sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the two switches play a significant role in the overall sound experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Carrot produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound and creating a duller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Lavender contributes to the deeper and more muted sound of the switch. Despite the differences in housing materials between the two switches, both the Carrot and the Lavender aim to provide users with a unique and pleasing typing experience through their distinct sound profiles.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Aflion Carrot and the Zuoce Lavender results in contrasting sound profiles for each switch. While the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, the Lavender's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Carrot and the POM bottom housing of the Lavender contribute to the overall typing experience by providing different levels of sound absorption and impact on the sound profile. Whether using the Carrot or the Lavender, users can expect a unique typing experience based on the combination of housing materials utilized in each switch.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Zuoce Lavender linear switch. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it light in comparison to the Lavender, which has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classified as medium-light. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Carrot for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the slightly heavier forces of the Lavender for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing feel and it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between them.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, we can see that the Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lavender has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Carrot has a longer travel distance compared to the Lavender, making it ideal for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Lavender offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to users looking for a quicker response time. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Carrot being on the longer side and the Lavender being on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 tactile switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile that can be best described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. This means that each keystroke produces a sharp and snappy sound, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch provides a crisp and clacky sound signature, delivering a distinctly satisfying experience with each press. Both switches present a clacky sound characteristic, ensuring an auditory feedback that is satisfying to users. However, the Carrot switch may provide a slightly different sound experience due to its unique characteristics.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its bouncy and snappy tactile experience, offering a lively feel with rebound when pressed. It also presents a stepped and feathery sensation, providing a distinct typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and minimal force activation for effortless and comfortable typing. While both switches aim to deliver a pleasant typing experience, the Carrot switch may provide a more dynamic and responsive feel due to its unique bouncy and snappy tactile feedback.
In conclusion, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, both switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch presents a bouncy and snappy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, while the Lavender switch provides exceptional smoothness and an easy-to-press typing feel with a crisp and clacky sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. While both switches may offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, each provides a unique and tailored typing experience for users to enjoy.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a fun and unique feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch with its 45g bottom out force would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more linear typing experience right out of the box with a crisp and clacky sound profile, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch with its 53g bottom out force would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on the type of typing experience you are seeking.
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