Aflion Carrot vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Mallo stand out as two excellent options. The Carrot is a tactile switch known for its bouncy tactile experience and mid-pitched, firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Mallo offers a gentle tactility that gives just enough feedback without being overpowering, along with a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature. While the Carrot provides a more playful and lively typing experience, the Mallo focuses on subtlety and finesse. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and KTT Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Carrot and Mallo both have nylon bottom housings, which produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the Aflion Carrot and KTT Mallo, there may still be differences in the overall sound and feel of the switches due to the split qualities of the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will affect the sound when a key is released. This means that although both switches have polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, the distribution of these materials will influence the typing experience differently.
In terms of overall performance, the Aflion Carrot and KTT Mallo may offer similar sound profiles and typing experiences due to their shared use of polycarbonate and nylon materials in their housing. Both switches are likely to provide a sharp, crisp sound when pressed and a deep, full sound when released. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of aesthetics, key feel, and any additional features each switch offers beyond their housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In comparison, the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, although its actuation force is unknown. For those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Mallo may be the better option due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. The Carrot's lighter weight may be more suitable for those looking for a switch that allows for longer typing periods or extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer different force characteristics that cater to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is evident that they both have the same distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a similar amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent tactile feedback experience despite their differences in design. In terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, making them both equal in this aspect. This similarity ensures that users can expect similar results regardless of which switch they choose to use.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch is best known for its bouncy and snappy feel, providing users with a lively and responsive typing experience. The two-stage spring design offers a unique tactile sensation that is complemented by a medium-light typing feel. In terms of sound, the Carrot switch has a distinctive clacky and marbly sound profile, characterized by a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch embodies subtlety and finesse with a gentle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overpowering. The Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued sound signature, making it versatile for different typing environments. In terms of feel, both switches share similarities such as a feathery and subtle typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions. The stepped design in both switches offers a mild and approachable tactile sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience. Overall, while the Aflion Carrot and KTT Mallo switches have their own unique characteristics in sound and feel, users can expect a similar level of comfort and performance from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a more unique, bouncy tactile experience with a lighter bottom out force, the Aflion Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a fun and lively typing feel with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a more subtle tactility, the KTT Mallo switch may be the better option. It provides a gentle tactile feedback that is just noticeable enough without being overpowering, combined with a balanced typing feel and a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between the Carrot and Mallo switches will come down to your preference for a more lively and bouncy typing experience or a more subtle and versatile tactile feel.
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