Aflion Carrot vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come to mind are the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch. The Carrot switch is well-known for its bouncy tactile experience due to its long, two-stage spring, offering users a unique feel while typing. Additionally, it provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. One of its standout features is the light diffuser, enhancing RGB illumination and giving a visually vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. Both switches fall under the 'clacky' and 'high-pitched' categories, offering users a similar sound profile. However, the Carrot switch is also described as 'marbly', 'bouncy', 'snappy', 'stepped', 'feathery', and 'subtle', while the Lightning Silver V3 is labeled as 'silky'. When choosing between these switches, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and typing style. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Carrot and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This makes both switches ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the typing experience. The similarities in the top housing material of these switches mean that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when using either one.
Where the Aflion Carrot and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Carrot utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the use of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3's bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile, complementing the qualities of the top housing. This contrast in bottom housing materials may impact the overall typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound profile.
When comparing the overall typing experience of the Aflion Carrot and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, the difference in bottom housing material becomes apparent. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and resonant sound, the Carrot's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. The combination of these housing materials influences the typing sound and feel differently, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when keys are released. Ultimately, users can choose between the switches based on their preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Carrot is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Lightning Silver V3. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Carrot provides a more gentle typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, especially gamers looking for speed and precision. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Carrot switch may provide a more satisfying and deliberate keypress for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Both switches offer unique benefits, so the choice ultimately depends on individual preference and typing style.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 unique blend of clacky, marbly, and high-pitched qualities, providing a distinct and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, contributing to a crisp and bright typing experience. While both switches lean towards a sharp and percussive sound, the Carrot switch may offer a slightly more diverse sound profile due to its marbly characteristic.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is described as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle, providing users with a lively and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its silky smooth typing feel, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness. While the Carrot switch offers a range of tactile feedback and responsiveness, the Lightning Silver V3 switch excels in providing a seamless typing experience with its silky smoothness.
Considering all available information, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table. The Carrot offers a bouncy and tactile experience with a firm and diverse sound profile, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a silky smooth typing feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences tailored to individual preferences and needs. Ultimately, whether you prefer the bouncy tactility of the Carrot or the smoothness of the Lightning Silver V3, you can expect a high-quality typing experience from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Carrot tactile switch or the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile switch with a firm sound profile, opt for the Carrot. The unique two-stage spring offers a lively and distinctive typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and seamless typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Lightning Silver V3 is the way to go. The light diffuser also adds a vibrant touch to your keyboard setup. Consider your sound and feel preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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