Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth considering are the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Luciola. The Carrot switch stands out for its unique bouncy tactile experience thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, it offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, giving it a distinct sound while typing. On the other hand, the Luciola switch catches attention with its glow-in-the-dark feature, making it a visually appealing choice. It offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. Both switches have their own set of characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Luciola differ in terms of their composition, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Carrot utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its translucency also makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Although both provide a satisfying sound experience, the Carrot's polycarbonate material offers a clearer and resonant sound, while the Luciola's INK blend creates a slightly sharper and more distinctive auditory profile.
The bottom housing materials of the Carrot and the Luciola also differ, leading to variations in sound output. The Carrot's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its thin and higher-pitched clacky sound. Despite these differences, both housing materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, albeit with distinct acoustic qualities.
While the top and bottom housings differ in material for each switch, they both play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of keystrokes. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Carrot enhances deeper and rounder tones, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola contributes to its pointed and high-pitched clackiness. Conversely, the top housing determines the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, regardless of the switch chosen, both the Carrot and the Luciola offer unique sound profiles that enhance the typing experience in their own distinctive ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is clear that there are some notable differences. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Luciola requires a stronger push with an actuation force of 55 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Carrot is 45 grams, while the Luciola has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Carrot would be the optimal choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower. This lighter feel allows for longer typing sessions and is ideal for those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Luciola switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. This can be appealing to individuals who enjoy a more tactile and forceful keystroke.
Although the forces of the two switches differ, it is important to note that the Carrot and Luciola provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch they choose, with the only difference being the degree of force required. Factors such as personal preference and typing style will ultimately determine which switch is more suitable for each individual.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Carrot offers a more traditional travel distance, which may be favored by those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, gamers and individuals seeking quicker response times may opt for the Luciola's shorter travel distance. While both switches provide tactile feedback, the Carrot's longer travel distance may provide a more pronounced and satisfying feel when pressed. Conversely, the Luciola's shorter travel distance might result in a more immediate and precise response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and specific use cases.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 is best described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, similar to the sound of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is also described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. Both switches exhibit similar sound profiles with a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle qualities. These switches provide a unique typing experience with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, responsive and lively keystrokes, a two-stage tactile feel, exceptionally light actuation force, and a gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is described as snappy, buttery, and polished. They offer a super responsive typing experience, smooth and fluid keystrokes, and a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. While the Carrot switch offers a bouncy and feathery feel, the Luciola switch provides a buttery and polished typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. They share similar sound profiles with sharp and crisp characteristics. However, the Carrot switch offers a bouncy and feathery feel while the Luciola switch provides a buttery and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and unique tactile experience with a bouncy feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a light typing feel and reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Carrot switch also has a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, which may be preferred if you are looking for a crisp and bright sound. However, if you are someone who prefers a linear switch and values smoothness and a fluid keystroke experience, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the way to go. It has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium heft, and offers a snappy typing feel. The Luciola switch also features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. With its eye-catching glow in the dark feature and a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, the Luciola switch offers a unique and visually appealing typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch will depend on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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