Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Lunar Probe offer unique experiences for users to consider. The Aflion Carrot is a tactile switch that stands out for its long, two-stage spring which provides a bouncy tactile sensation. Additionally, users can enjoy a mid-pitched and firm sound profile with this switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe is a linear switch that features Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses. These switches provide an incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation and a subtle sound signature. If you are looking for a switch that offers a bouncy and tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot may be your best choice. However, if you prefer a smooth and consistent linear sensation, the Gateron Lunar Probe could be the ideal option. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Lunar Probe are quite similar as they both use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both switches share this material for their top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material.
In contrast to their top housing, the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Lunar Probe use different materials for their bottom housing. The Carrot utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience and sound of the switches, with the Carrot offering a more cushioned feel to typing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Lunar Probe plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing. While both switches benefit from the sharp and clear sound provided by their polycarbonate top housing, the Carrot's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound profile to enhance the typing experience. These differences in housing materials demonstrate how slight variations can impact the overall performance and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches can provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Carrot being slightly lighter in terms of force required. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Carrot may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Lunar Probe with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Lunar Probe has a shorter travel distance compared to the Carrot. The Carrot's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper press, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a good choice for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, but either one can provide a satisfactory typing or gaming experience depending on personal preference.
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 Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 best known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound with a touch of resonance. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is described as having a subtle sound signature, indicating a quieter and more understated typing experience. While the Carrot may provide a more pronounced sound feedback, the Lunar Probe offers a smoother and quieter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more discreet sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Carrot is praised for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, providing a lively and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Carrot switch is described as having a stepped feel, offering a unique two-stage sensation when typing. In contrast, information about the feel of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is unavailable. However, based on its smooth and pre-lubed linear design, one can expect a consistent and effortless typing experience without the tactile feedback of the Carrot switch.
When considering all the available information, it can be noted that the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is geared towards users who appreciate a more tactile and engaging typing experience with a slightly louder sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offers a smoother and more consistent typing experience with a quieter sound signature, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more subtle and understated keyboard switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing feel with a mid-pitched sound profile, opt for the Carrot switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and stable linear sensation with a subtle sound signature, the Lunar Probe switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. Explore and experiment with both switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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