Aflion Carrot vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Miaowu offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The Carrot is a tactile switch known for its bouncy tactile experience due to a long, two-stage spring, and it also provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Miaowu is a linear switch that boasts enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action thanks to KTT's latest molds and POK stems. While the Carrot is praised for its clacky, marbly, high-pitched, and bouncy characteristics, the Miaowu is noted for being bouncy and clacky. Choosing between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Miaowu are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through easily. Therefore, users can expect a similar auditory and visual experience when using either the Carrot or the Miaowu when it comes to the polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, when it comes to the nylon bottom housing, both the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Miaowu also share similarities. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile on switches that use it for their bottom housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing can provide a different tactile and auditory experience compared to switches with other housing materials. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either the Carrot or the Miaowu due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Miaowu mainly lie in the top housing material. While both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, the key distinction between the two may come down to other design or performance factors. However, users can expect similar sound characteristics and typing experiences due to the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference or specific features that each switch offers beyond their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, the Carrot is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Miaowu. The Carrot requires 37 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, whereas the Miaowu needs 43 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out. Both switches are considered light, making them suitable for users who prefer a gentler typing experience. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for a switch with heavier forces. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Miaowu linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Carrot tactile switch. The Carrot switch with its 4 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth when pressed, which might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch's 3.5 mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for responsiveness and depth.
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 Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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, both the Aflion Carrot and KTT Miaowu switches are described as being "clacky," which means they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. However, the Carrot switch also offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, while the Miaowu switch does not have additional sound descriptors provided. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is described as having qualities such as being bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. These characteristics provide users with a tactile experience that is lively, responsive, multi-staged, light to press, and gentle in resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu switch is specifically noted to be bouncy, which gives it a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation. Both switches offer a unique feel, with the Carrot providing a more varied range of tactile sensations.
Considering the information provided, both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Carrot switch stands out for its bouncy and multi-stage tactile experience, as well as its mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch emphasizes enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, along with utilizing POK in its stem. Depending on whether you prefer a more varied tactile feel or prioritize stem stability and smooth keystrokes, either switch could be a suitable choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. Remember to also consider factors like keycaps and keyboard board to optimize the sound and feel of your switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a fun tactile experience with a bouncy feel and mid-pitched sound, the Carrot switch with its two-stage spring may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke action and enhanced stem stability, the Miaowu switch with its POK stem is a solid option. In terms of sound, both switches offer a clacky sound profile, while the Carrot switch also provides a marbly and high-pitched sound compared to the Miaowu's single clacky profile. Additionally, if you enjoy a bouncy and lively feel when typing, both switches offer this sensation, with the Carrot switch also providing options for snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle feels. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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