Aflion Carrot vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Aflion Carrot and KTT Matcha mechanical keyboard switches, both offering a satisfying tactile experience. The Carrot switch stands out with its long, two-stage spring, providing users with a uniquely bouncy feel. Additionally, it offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is praised for its comfortable and snappy tactility, ensuring smooth and precise typing. With its long pole stem, it delivers a clean bottom-out sound that enhances the overall satisfaction. Both switches offer their own distinct features that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the KTT Matcha both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice results in a similar sound profile, characterized by sharpness, higher pitch, and crispness. Polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a well-defined auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the effective use of RGB lighting, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both keyboards.
Where the two keyboards diverge is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Carrot features a nylon bottom housing, while the Matcha utilizes polycarbonate. The use of nylon in the Carrot keyboard elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Matcha's crisper tones. When typing on switches with nylon bottom housing, the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound, complementing the characteristics of its polycarbonate top housing.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials is split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either keyboard, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key is more influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, while the Carrot and Matcha share similarities in their top housing materials, their contrasting choices for the bottom housing lead to different typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that the force required to press the keys all the way down is the same for both switches. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the depth at which the keys can be pressed.
However, when it comes to actuation force, there is a slight difference between the two switches. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Matcha has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Carrot switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Matcha switch. This lighter actuation force may be preferable for those who prefer a lighter touch and want to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, the Matcha switch's slightly heavier actuation force may provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Overall, both the Carrot and Matcha tactile switches have a bottom out force of 45 grams, ensuring a consistent depth of keystrokes. The main difference lies in their actuation forces, with the Carrot being lighter at 37 grams and the Matcha slightly heavier at 40 grams. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the lighter actuation force of the Carrot for longer typing sessions or the slightly heavier actuation force of the Matcha for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Matcha tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will feel a consistent distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback while typing, ensuring a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Whether you choose the Carrot or the Matcha, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a crisp and percussive sound that is not too high-pitched or bassy. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch is described as clacky, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound profile is similar to the Carrot switch, providing a crisp and bright sound. 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. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, with the Carrot switch having a mid-pitched and firm sound, and the Matcha switch being clacky.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is known for its uniquely bouncy tactile experience. This is achieved through its long, two-stage spring, which provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation when typing. Additionally, the Carrot switch is described as snappy, giving it a super responsive feel due to its longer or dual-staged springs. It is also worth mentioning that the Carrot switch is stepped, meaning it feels like it has two stages, allowing for some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. Furthermore, the Carrot switch is not only bouncy and snappy but also feathery, requiring minimal exertion from your fingers. This reduces finger strain and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch is also stepped, providing a mild bump during the keystroke. It is described as snappy, giving it a super responsive feel similar to the Carrot switch. Like the Carrot switch, the Matcha switch is also feathery, requiring little effort to press and reducing finger fatigue. Additionally, the Matcha switch is described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Overall, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with features like bounciness, snappiness, and feathery keypresses.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and KTT Matcha switches offer their own unique qualities, but they also share similarities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches produce a clacky sound when pressed, providing a crisp and snappy auditory experience. In terms of feel, both switches offer a stepped typing sensation, allowing for some pre-travel and/or post-travel feedback. Additionally, both switches are snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. They also share the feathery characteristic, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions and reducing finger fatigue. While the Carrot switch is best known for its bouncy tactile experience and the Matcha switch for its accented tactility, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their own unique characteristics. Whether you choose the Carrot or the Matcha, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile switch with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot is an excellent choice. It offers a uniquely lively typing experience with its long, two-stage spring and provides a clacky and marbly sound when pressed. Additionally, the Carrot switch is described as bouncy, snappy, and feathery, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable and snappy tactility, with a clean and clacky bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha is a great option. It has a stepped feel with some pre-travel and post-travel, offering a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The Matcha is also described as snappy and feathery, providing a light typing feel and reducing finger fatigue. Both switches are light with a bottom out force of 45 grams, making them suitable for gaming, school, or work. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot and KTT Matcha comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel.
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