Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Mountain Top offer distinct experiences for users. The Carrot switch is a tactile switch that stands out for its bouncy and tactile feedback, thanks to its two-stage spring mechanism. It also boasts a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is a linear switch tailored for office environments, prioritizing quietness and discretion. Its light actuation coupled with a subdued sound signature makes it perfect for professional settings where uninterrupted typing is crucial. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Mountain Top, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Therefore, both the Carrot and the Mountain Top are likely to offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality when it comes to the bottom housing material.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the Carrot and the Mountain Top differ, with the Carrot using polycarbonate and the Mountain Top using nylon. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, while the Carrot may offer a more crisp and clear sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Mountain Top is likely to provide a deeper and fuller sound experience with its nylon top housing.
When considering how the top and bottom housings affect the overall sound and feel of the switch, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that when typing on a switch, the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing in the Aflion Carrot may provide a unique typing experience compared to the Gateron Mountain Top with nylon top and bottom housings.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is clear that both switches have relatively light weights. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a light and easy typing experience, making them ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. The slight difference in weight between the two may be negligible for most users, as both fall within the lightweight category. Ultimately, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier key press is subjective and depends on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Carrot the longer of the two switches in terms of travel distance. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Carrot is more traditional, providing a deeper key press feel compared to the shallower 3.4 mm travel distance of the Mountain Top. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Carrot. Both switches offer different travel distances, catering to varying preferences for key press 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 Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 characterized by a clacky and marbly sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy keystroke experience with a distinct resonance. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level suitable for various settings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired auditory experience, as both offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences and needs.
When it comes to feel, both the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Mountain Top switches share some similarities. Both switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to typing. Additionally, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is noted for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate, which can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Aflion Carrot switch, on the other hand, is highlighted for its snappy and feathery characteristics, providing a responsive and comfortable typing experience. Both switches also incorporate subtle elements in their feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and needs. While the Carrot switch provides a more pronounced and lively sound and feel experience with a bouncy and snappy feedback, the Mountain Top switch offers a more neutral and easy-to-press typing experience suitable for professional settings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment, as both switches can offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bouncy, tactile feel with a firm sound profile and lighter actuation force, the Carrot switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quiet and subtle typing experience that is suitable for professional settings, the Mountain Top switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs, so it's important to select the one that aligns with your typing style and environment.
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