Aflion Carrot vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and PH Studio Milk Tea offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Carrot switch is praised for its tactile feedback, featuring a bouncy two-stage spring that provides a satisfyingly firm and mid-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch is a linear option known for its high-pitched yet muted sound, designed for smooth and effortless typing with its light actuation force. While the Carrot switch offers a more tactile and lively typing experience, the Milk Tea switch provides a quieter and smoother typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and PH Studio Milk Tea differ in their choice of housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. On the other hand, the Milk Tea utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Both materials offer unique sound profiles, with polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and POM offering a more subdued tone.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Carrot and the Milk Tea utilize different materials as well. The Carrot comes with a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Milk Tea also incorporates a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite the different housing materials used in the bottom housings, both switches aim to provide a pleasing and unique sound experience for users through their material choices.
While the Aflion Carrot and PH Studio Milk Tea use different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall goal is to enhance the sound profile of the switch. The choice of polycarbonate for the top housing of the Carrot and POM for the top housing of the Milk Tea caters to different preferences in sound quality. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Carrot and POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea work to create a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches prioritize sound quality through their housing materials, offering users a distinct typing experience based on their material choices.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch are quite similar. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. Both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The slight difference in force between the two switches is minimal and users can expect similar results when typing with either switch. Some users may prefer the slightly lighter actuation force of the Carrot, while others may prefer the slightly lighter bottom out force of the Milk Tea. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and key feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.6 mm travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch. The Carrot offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Milk Tea provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Milk Tea, while those who appreciate a deeper keypress may lean towards the Carrot. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their travel distances, so choosing between them depends on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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, both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch share similar descriptors such as "clacky" and "high-pitched," indicating that they both produce sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. These switches are likely to offer a lively auditory experience, making typing sessions engaging and satisfying. The differences in sound profiles between the two switches may be subtle, but users can expect a satisfying and distinct sound with each keystroke.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is known for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, providing users with a spring-like sensation and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch boasts a polished and silky feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use, catering to users who engage in prolonged typing sessions. While the specific tactile characteristics may differ between the two switches, users can expect a pleasant and effortless typing feel with either switch option.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a bouncy and snappy tactile experience or a polished and silky smooth typing feel, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience and provide a satisfying performance. Ultimately, choosing between the Carrot and Milk Tea switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound profile and typing feel, but rest assured that both options deliver quality and comfort for your typing needs.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bouncy and firm tactile experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Carrot switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a linear switch with a unique auditory blend of high-pitched yet muted sound, along with a polished and silky smooth typing experience, the Milk Tea switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing needs and preferences that matter most to you.
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