Aflion Carrot vs. Bsun Light Sakura

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, as evident in the contrasting characteristics of the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Light Sakura. The Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its fun and bouncy feel, thanks to its long, two-stage spring that delivers a uniquely tactile experience. This switch produces a mid-pitched, firm sound profile, making it an excellent option for users who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura embodies the essence of a linear switch, designed to offer a silent typing experience without sacrificing comfort. Its ultra-light feel is perfect for those who engage in long typing sessions, especially in shared or office environments where quiet operation is paramount. Choosing the Carrot means indulging in a more lively and engaging user experience, whereas the Light Sakura is geared toward comfort and discretion. 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

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Light Sakura both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, making the acoustics of these switches strikingly similar. The choice of this material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is particularly pronounced during key release. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate aids in producing a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a distinctive auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal when RGB lighting is incorporated, allowing for vibrant and eye-catching illumination effects. Given these similarities, users of both switches can expect a consistent acoustic performance when engaging the top housing.

However, the bottom housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Light Sakura diverge significantly, influencing the overall typing feel and sound profile. While the Carrot employs a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer quality, the Light Sakura utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the clear, resonant characteristics found in its top housing. This difference becomes crucial during typing: the nylon bottom of the Carrot absorbs sound more effectively, yielding a duller, rounder acoustic profile, while the polycarbonate bottom of the Light Sakura maintains a sharper and crisper resonance. Thus, while the two switches might share similarities in the top housing, the tonal quality experienced at the bottom is distinctly unique to each model.

Ultimately, the interaction of the two different housing materials shapes the overall sound experience when using these switches. The Aflion Carrot offers a more rounded acoustic profile courtesy of its nylon bottom, which absorbs sound and creates a fuller sound stage, perfect for users who prefer a softer keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura's dual polycarbonate construction emphasizes clarity and brightness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a sharper auditory feedback. When engaged, the distinct characteristics of each housing material blend to create comprehensive auditory experiences while maintaining a balance between the intended sonic outcomes. Thus, users can choose between the Carrot's deep, resonant sound or the Light Sakura's bright, clear auditory profile depending on their personal preference.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, both feature the same actuation force of 37 grams, making them equally easy to engage for typing or gaming. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Carrot requiring 45 grams and the Light Sakura requiring 43 grams to bottom out. This indicates that the Carrot has a marginally heavier feel at the end of a keystroke, contributing to a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Despite this difference, both switches are classified as light, making them suitable for longer typing sessions. In summary, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Aflion Carrot has a heavier bottom out force than the Bsun Light Sakura, which may influence user preference based on typing feel and ergonomics.

Travel distance

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Carrot offers a deeper experience, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel and hearty depth in their key presses. In contrast, the Light Sakura's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to users who favor a quicker response time, typical of gaming preferences, where shorter distances allow for faster actuation. Thus, in comparing these two switches, the Carrot is the longer option, whereas the Light Sakura is the shorter alternative. The choice ultimately depends on whether the user values a traditional, deeper feel or a more responsive, less abrupt actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch stands out with its clacky and high-pitched tones, producing a crisp and bright auditory feedback that many enthusiasts find enjoyable. This sharp and percussive sound can be engaging and satisfying, especially for those who appreciate a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is characterized by its silent operation. It prioritizes discretion, making it suitable for office environments and shared spaces where noise can be disruptive. If you're seeking a quiet keyboard experience, the Light Sakura will provide that soothing silence in contrast to the more pronounced sounds emitted by the Carrot.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot offers a particularly dynamic tactile experience. Its long, two-stage spring contributes to a bouncy, snappy feedback that provides a lively and responsive typing sensation. This switch allows users to feel the key travel distinctly, enhancing the tactile feedback without being overly aggressive. On the contrary, the Bsun Light Sakura is designed for utmost comfort and ease, featuring an ultra-light feel that combines with a smooth linear experience. This gentle resistance, while not explicitly detailed, suggests a typing experience that minimizes finger strain during prolonged use, making it ideal for extended typing sessions.

In summary, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch delivers an engaging and energetic typing experience with its distinctive clacky sound and bouncy, snappy feel, perfect for those who enjoy feedback from their switches. Meanwhile, the Bsun Light Sakura emphasizes a quiet and comfortable experience, with its ultra-light design suited for environments where sound control is vital. Ultimately, if you find yourself gravitating toward sound and feedback, the Carrot may be your choice, whereas if you value silence and prolonged comfort, the Light Sakura stands out as a strong contender. Each switch caters to different preferences, ensuring that there's an option for anyone seeking a personalized typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing needs and environment. If you revel in a tactile experience that brings a lively touch to your keystrokes, the Carrot's bouncy and snappy feedback will be delightful. Its high-pitched, clacky sound adds an enjoyable element to your typing, making it an excellent option for those who love an engaging auditory feedback. This switch is perfect for gaming or creative tasks where responsiveness is key, and where the enjoyable sound may not be a concern. In contrast, if you prioritize silence and ease during prolonged typing sessions, the Light Sakura is an ideal choice. With its ultra-light 43 grams actuation and discreet operation, it allows you to type comfortably without intruding on others in shared spaces. Therefore, consider the Carrot for a more energetic and interactive experience, and opt for the Light Sakura when comfort and quietness are your main priorities. Ultimately, your preference between these two switches will guide you to a more satisfying typing experience tailored to your lifestyle.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more