Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, selecting the right switch is essential for both typing comfort and overall experience. The Aflion Carrot switch, a tactile option, is celebrated for its lively two-stage spring that delivers a distinctively bouncy tactile feel, complemented by a mid-pitched, firm sound profile. This makes the Carrot an excellent choice for those who enjoy feedback during typing and a signature auditory cue. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch offers a smooth, linear typing experience that caters to users who prefer quiet, uninterrupted keystrokes. Its innovative design features a POK stem and a durable housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, ensuring long-lasting performance. While the Carrot is perfect for tactile enthusiasts delighting in both sensation and sound, the Mars is ideal for gamers and typists who value a fluid and silent experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and Gateron Mars switches exhibit distinct sound profiles and characteristics due to the differing materials used in their housings. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This rigidity enables the switch to create a more resonant sound, making it especially effective for users who enjoy a crisper acoustic feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which gives rise to a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon's softer composition allows for sound absorption, resulting in a muted acoustic experience that is markedly different from the Carrot's sharpness. Therefore, while both switches provide appealing sound qualities, their material choices yield divergent auditory experiences.
Examining the bottom housings of these switches reveals another layer of contrast. The Carrot is fitted with a nylon bottom housing, consistent with its sound profile and known for producing a rich, rounder acoustic when typing. Similarly, the Gateron Mars employs a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound. Though both materials aim to produce a fuller sound profile, the nylon in the Carrot provides a warmer tone, while the POM in the Mars tends to offer a unique, pleasant sound quality that is smooth yet subdued. The effect of these bottom housings can be significant, as they influence the feel and auditory response when bottoming out, showcasing the nuanced impact of housing materials on overall switch performance.
When analyzing the combined effects of these materials, it becomes evident that the interaction between the top and bottom housings plays a critical role in shaping the overall tonal character of each switch. The Carrot's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom work together to create a distinct sound profile where clarity meets warmth. In contrast, the Mars's nylon top and POM bottom produce a more cohesive, rounded sound that prioritizes softness and depth. Despite the differences, both switches can achieve satisfying typing experiences, emphasizing the importance of material selection in mechanical switch design. Consequently, users can find similar overall satisfaction from both switches despite their contrasting individual elements, depending on their preference for sharper or softer auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, notable differences in actuation force can be observed. The Carrot features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer effortless typing for extended periods, such as during long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Mars switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial and tactile feel when pressing their keys. The bottom out force of the Carrot is 45 grams, indicating it provides feedback when reaching the end of the key travel, whereas the bottom out force for the Mars is unknown. This means that while both switches could offer different tactile feedback experiences, the Carrot is lighter overall with a defined bottom out force, making it more approachable for lighter typing preferences, while the Mars may attract those who favor heavier key presses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Aflion Carrot clearly has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Gateron Mars, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm may seem minor, but it can impact the overall typing experience significantly. The Carrot's greater depth caters to those who favor a more substantial tactile feel, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a heartier switch. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Mars makes it a better option for gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as the lessened distance allows for faster actuation. Therefore, if you’re looking for a switch that provides a satisfying depth, the Aflion Carrot is the clear choice, while the Gateron Mars is ideal for a snappier performance.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 switch has a distinct auditory profile characterized as clacky and high-pitched. This results in a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing a bright and percussive typing experience that many enthusiasts find engaging and satisfying. The emphasis on a mid-pitched and firm sound may also appeal to those who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback during their typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch does not have a specified sound profile in the available information, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison. However, it’s important to note that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard case and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot switch offers a unique tactile experience. Its long, two-stage spring gives the user a bouncy, snappy sensation that enhances typographical responsiveness. The stepped nature of the Carrot switch allows for a noticeable tactile bump that feels distinct at different stages of the keypress, which can be particularly enjoyable for touch typists seeking a lively feedback. Additionally, the switch has a feathery, light feeling that makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch lacks specific descriptive details regarding its tactile feedback or actuation, making it unclear how it compares in terms of feel against the Carrot switch.
In summary, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch stands out for its engaging sound profile and unique tactile characteristics, including a bouncy and snappy feel that many typists appreciate. While the sound features of the Gateron Mars switch remain unknown, the absence of details on its tactile experience leaves it somewhat less defined in comparison. Those seeking an animated and responsive typing experience would likely prefer the Carrot switch, while further information on the Mars would be necessary to make a complete evaluation. If you're considering switches that will provide similar results in terms of sound and feel, it's best to explore further user reviews and experiences to understand how the Mars might perform in practice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits will significantly influence your decision. If you enjoy a lively and responsive typing experience, the Carrot is your best bet, thanks to its bouncy tactile feedback, mid-pitched sound profile, and the delightful snappy feeling it provides with each keystroke. Its light actuation force of 45 grams also makes it a great choice for extended typing sessions where reduced finger fatigue is beneficial, especially if you tend to type or game for long periods. On the other hand, should you prefer a smoother and quieter operation, or if you're uncertain about the feel of linear switches, the Gateron Mars could be advantageous, especially if you're drawn to its innovative design and want to experiment with something that may complement a more muted environment. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing preferences—opting for the Carrot for tactile fun and responsiveness, or the Mars for a potential exploration in linear switch performance.
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