Aflion Carrot vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the SP-Star Meteor White, a linear switch. The Carrot switch is best known for its uniquely bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, it offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making it a favorite among those who prefer a clacky and snappy typing feel. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch is celebrated for its gentle linear action, providing ease of push and a subtle pitter-patter sound profile. Its type feel and sound profile are notably soft, making it ideal for those who enjoy a neutral and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the SP-Star Meteor White, namely polycarbonate and nylon, bring distinct characteristics to the switches. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Meteor White's nylon top housing generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Soft and absorbent, nylon dampens the sound more than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, pressing down on either switch will elicit a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, it's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall sound. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, despite the similar nylon material, the Carrot and the Meteor White may still exhibit some differences in the sound profiles of their top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Carrot is 37 grams, while the Meteor White's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a bottom out force, with the Carrot at 45 grams and the Meteor White at 57 grams. In terms of weight, the Carrot is lighter overall, making it suitable for users who prefer a lightweight typing experience for extended periods, such as in office or gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Meteor White is heavier, providing a stronger push feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Although the actuation force of the Meteor White is unknown, its higher bottom out force suggests that it might require a slightly stronger push compared to the Carrot.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfactory tactile feedback with their respective key presses. Therefore, whether you choose the Carrot or the Meteor White switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing 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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is best known for its mid-pitched and firm sound profile. This means that when the key is pressed, it produces a crisp and bright sound that can be described as sharp and percussive. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile. It is often described as subdued, making it perfect for those who prefer a softer and more subtle sound while typing. While the Carrot switch leans towards a clacky or high-pitched sound, the Meteor White switch has a more neutral or thocky sound. Depending on your preference and the other components of your keyboard setup, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its bouncy and snappy characteristics. The long, two-stage spring in this switch provides a unique tactile experience that feels spring-like or elastic. This results in a lively feel and offers some rebound when pressed. Additionally, the stepped attribute of the Carrot switch adds a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a mild and polished feel. This means that the typing experience with these switches is more gentle and refined. The key travel is smooth and there is reduced friction thanks to the materials used or factory lubing. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Carrot switch focusing on a bouncy and snappy feel, while the Meteor White switch leans towards a more mild and polished sensation.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch produces a mid-pitched and firm sound, while the Meteor White switch offers a softer and more gentle pitter-patter sound. In terms of feel, the Carrot switch is bouncy, snappy, and stepped, providing a lively and elastic typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch is mild and polished, offering a more refined and gentle typing feel. It is important to note that the sound and feel of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, if you prefer a bouncy and snappy tactile switch with a firm sound, the Carrot switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a softer and more gentle linear switch with a subdued sound, the Meteor White switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying results depending on your personal preference.
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 the way to go. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams and the uniquely bouncy tactile experience provided by its long, two-stage spring, this switch offers a lively and enjoyable typing experience. Additionally, the Carrot switch has a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, which may appeal to those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound when typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and gentle linear switch that is easy to push, the SP-Star Meteor White is the better choice. This linear switch has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it medium-light, and offers a soft and pitter-patter sound profile. Its type feel is described as mild and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a sharper sound, go for the Carrot. If you prefer a gentle and smooth typing experience with a more subdued sound, opt for the Meteor White. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired level of key resistance when choosing between these two switches.
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