Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, to the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, it is clear that both switches offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Carrot is known for its bouncy tactile experience due to its long two-stage spring, providing users with a firm yet mid-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Melodic by Gateron stands out for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, offering a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with a buttery and resonant feel. While the Carrot switch is described as 'clacky', 'bouncy', and 'marbly', the Melodic is characterized as 'invigorating' and 'crunchy'. 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
60g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Melodic both feature polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches offer similar qualities in the top housing material, the difference lies in their bottom housing. The Carrot utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Melodic also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
Although both the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Melodic have polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, their differences surface in the bottom housing material. The Carrot's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Melodic's nylon bottom housing absorbs sound to create a rounder and duller tone. This demonstrates how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of a switch. Despite this distinction, both switches prioritize the quality of sound and feel by utilizing different housing materials for a comprehensive typing experience.
In summary, the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Melodic share similarities in their choice of polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharp and resonant sound profile. However, the discrepancy lies in their nylon bottom housing, with the Carrot offering a deeper sound profile and the Melodic providing a rounder tone. The division of qualities between top and bottom housing showcases how each component contributes to the overall sound and feel of a switch. Therefore, whether using the Carrot or the Melodic, users can expect a unique typing experience tailored to their preference based on the housing materials utilized in each switch.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is evident that the Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Melodic has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams with an unknown actuation force. The Carrot offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Melodic provides a more substantial push feel which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm, resulting in a similar experience in terms of key press feel and travel distance. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience when using either switch. The travel distance of both switches being equal makes them suitable for those who prefer a standard key press feel without any significant differences in travel distance. Overall, whether you choose the Aflion Carrot or the Gateron Melodic switch, you can expect a similar travel distance and key press experience.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 known for its clacky and marbly sound profile with a high-pitched tone, creating a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound that is higher-pitched, clean, and sharp. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Carrot offering a more bouncy and tactile feedback in the audio realm while the Melodic delivers a classic clicky sound with advancements in smoothness and lubing techniques. Depending on the user's preference for sound, they can choose between the sharper tones of the Carrot or the crunchy resonance of the Melodic switch.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is characterized by its bouncy and snappy feedback, giving users a lively and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Carrot offers a stepped and feathery feel, providing a unique two-stage tactile sensation that is exceptionally light to press. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. Each switch provides a different tactile feel for users to explore, with the Carrot focusing on a light and bouncy touch, while the Melodic offers a smooth and reactive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for tactile feedback and typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles for users to choose from. While the Carrot provides a bouncy and tactile experience with a clacky, marbly sound, the Melodic delivers a crunchy and resonant clicky sound with a buttery and invigorating feel. Both switches bring something unique to the table, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. Whether the user prefers a more lively and bouncy typing experience or a smoother and reactive keystroke, they can rely on the Aflion Carrot and Gateron Melodic switches to provide them with a quality mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy and firm tactile experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Aflion Carrot switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and value smoothness, dual-railed stems, and a classic clicky sound with an immersive auditory experience, the Gateron Melodic switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience.
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