Aflion Carrot vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the SP-Star Meteor Orange both offer unique experiences. The Carrot is best known for its long, two-stage spring that provides users with a bouncy tactile feel. Additionally, it offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, giving a satisfying clack to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switches are exquisitely gentle, delivering a soft and seductive tactility. They have a neutral sound profile, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without any distracting noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Aflion Carrot and the SP-Star Meteor Orange differ in their housing materials. The Carrot utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound quality. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Overall, the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing would provide a more defined and vibrant sound, while the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing would offer a richer and mellower tone.

In terms of their bottom housings, both the Carrot and the Meteor Orange utilize nylon. The nylon bottom housing in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to what is produced by the nylon top housing. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, regardless of which switch you choose between the Carrot and the Meteor Orange, you can expect a similar sound experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.

However, where the two switches differ is in the impact of the top housing on key release sound. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing, being stiffer and more resonant, will have a greater influence on the sound when you let go of a key. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing, being softer and more absorbent, may result in a less pronounced or less vibrant sound upon key release. Therefore, if the key release sound is an important factor for you, the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing would provide a more distinct and noticeable sound experience compared to the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Meteor Orange is unavailable, implying that its force requirement is not specified. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Carrot has a slightly heavier bottom out force than its actuation force, measuring at 45 grams. This indicates that there is a bit of resistance when pressing the switch all the way down. The Meteor Orange, on the other hand, boasts a higher bottom out force of 57 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience.

Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Carrot switch due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. This would be beneficial for those who spend long periods typing or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, users who desire a stronger push and a more substantial typing feel might opt for the Meteor Orange, as its higher bottom out force delivers a more pronounced tactile experience. It is worth noting that if both switches have the same actuation or bottom out force, users can expect similar results in terms of the typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent distance of 4 mm between the top and the bottom of the switch. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance when using either of these switches. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other as they both have an equal travel distance of 4 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. It can be described as clacky and marbly, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This gives it a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that some users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. It is neither too loud nor too soft, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. While the specific sound qualities of the Meteor Orange are not mentioned, it can be assumed that it has a moderate and pleasant sound overall.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience. The long, two-stage spring provides a lively and responsive feel to the keys. This bouncy sensation gives users a sense of rebound when pressed, making typing feel more alive. Additionally, the Carrot switch is described as snappy and stepped, meaning it provides a responsive and mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is described as mild and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek and comfortable typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch has a clacky and marbly sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, while the Meteor Orange switch has a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most users. In terms of feel, the Carrot switch offers a bouncy and snappy experience with a two-stage spring, while the Meteor Orange switch provides a mild and polished typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. Overall, both switches have their unique qualities, and the choice between them depends on the user's preference for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile experience with a light typing feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is the way to go. Its long, two-stage spring provides a uniquely lively feel, giving you rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Carrot switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile that can be described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched, providing a crisp and bright sound when pressed.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and approachable typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is the better choice. These switches are known for their soft and seductive tactility, offering a mild typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. The Meteor Orange switches also have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for shared spaces, and can be described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed.

Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Carrot and SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switches will depend on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a bouncy and lively tactile experience with a firm and crisp sound profile, the Carrot switch is perfect for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and approachable typing experience with a deep and satisfying sound, the Meteor Orange switch is the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider your personal typing style and preferences when making a decision.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

Learn more