Aflion Carrot vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, is renowned for its engaging bounce and tactile feedback, thanks to its long, two-stage spring design that results in a uniquely bouncy typing experience. With a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Carrot is appealing to those who enjoy a clacky and snappy auditory feedback, making it perfect for both typing and gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch is a linear switch that has seen a revival, tapping into the nostalgia of its predecessor with modern enhancements for improved performance. While it prioritizes smoothness and quiet operation—ideal for users who prefer a more subdued typing experience—the MX Orange offers continuous key presses without the tactile bump. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Carrot is great for those seeking a lively feel with pronounced feedback, while the MX Orange suits users looking for a silent and fluid keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Cherry MX Orange switches wield distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly shape their acoustic profiles. The Carrot utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. Polycarbonate's properties enhance sound resonance, making it an excellent option for RGB lighting, as it allows the glow to permeate through vividly. In contrast, the MX Orange employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and more absorbent. As a result, it produces a deeper, fuller sound profile, dulling high-pitched frequencies and generating a rounder acoustic quality. The disparate effects of these materials clearly underline how the choice of top housing can influence the overall typing experience, making the Carrot's typing feel much more pronounced and bright compared to the rounded undercurrent of the MX Orange.
When looking at the bottom housing, both the Aflion Carrot and Cherry MX Orange share a commonality: nylon. Both switches leverage this classic material for their bottom housing, leading to similar sound qualities that are deeper and fuller compared to harder materials. The nylon's inherent softness means it can absorb sound waves effectively, creating a more subdued and harmonious acoustic experience. This aspect is particularly important as the sound produced during key bottoming out is heavily influenced by the bottom housing, ensuring that both switches deliver a smooth and muted audible experience at that moment. Hence, while the Carrot and MX Orange exhibit distinct top housing traits, their bottom housings provide a cohesive ground that reinforces the depth of sound shared between the two models.
Ultimately, the complementary relationship between the distinct top and similar bottom housing materials in both the Aflion Carrot and Cherry MX Orange creates a unique typing experience. When pressing down on either switch, the nylon bottom housing's effects will dominate the tactile feel and aural feedback, offering a warm, rounded sound that resonates with users. Conversely, releasing the key will reveal the differences between the materials; the Carrot will emphasize clarity and brightness thanks to its polycarbonate top housing, while the MX Orange will deliver a more muffled, subdued sound. By understanding how these materials interact, users can better appreciate the switching experience provided by each model, noting how their individual properties converge and diverge throughout the typing process.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces. The Carrot has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users looking for a comfortable typing experience during extended sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which caters to those who prefer a more substantial typographic feel. While the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unknown, it is clear that the Carrot provides a lighter touch overall. This difference means that users who prioritize a softer keystroke for prolonged use might prefer the Carrot switch, while those seeking a firmer push should consider the Cherry MX Orange.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch measures at 4 mm, which is equal for both switches. This means that when pressed, users will experience the same amount of key travel, resulting in similar tactile feedback and actuation depth. As a result, both switches provide a comparable typing experience when it comes to travel distance, making them effectively interchangeable in applications where this specific characteristic is a priority.
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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
The sound profile of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is characterized by a lively, mid-pitched tone that leans towards a clacky, high-pitched resonance. This means that when you press a key, it produces a sharp, snappy sound that could be described as crisp and bright. Such auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience, providing an engaging atmosphere for both casual use and intense gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch does not have a detailed sound description. However, the sound of any switch is affected by various factors, including the choice of keycaps and keyboard construction, so it's possible that the sounds could fall within a similar range.
When it comes to feel, the Carrot switch stands out with its uniquely bouncy tactile feedback, providing an energetic typing experience. The dual-stage spring contributes not only to a lively sensation but also to a snappy responsiveness that makes each keystroke feel alive. The design allows for a subtle yet noticeable tactile bump, ensuring a segmented feel through its stepped design while still maintaining a comfortable light touch. Meanwhile, details regarding the feel of the MX Orange switch are not specified, leaving an unknown aspect of how it stacks against the Carrot.
In summary, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a compelling sound and feel experience marked by its clacky, high-pitched sound and bouncy tactile feedback. The MX Orange's qualities are less defined, particularly regarding sound and feel, but the overall characteristics of switches can often lead to similar user experiences depending on personal preference and use case. For those seeking lively auditory and haptic feedback, the Carrot is an excellent choice, while the MX Orange may appeal to those with different preferences yet remains relatively unspecified in its qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, consider the type of experience you desire. The Carrot switch is ideal for those who enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience thanks to its bouncy, snappy feel and mid-pitched auditory feedback, making it a great choice for both gaming and everyday use if you appreciate a more tactile response. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it comfortable for long typing sessions, especially if you find traditional tactile switches too heavy. Conversely, if you prefer a more subdued, smooth keystroke without the tactile bump—a characteristic of linear switches—then the Cherry MX Orange is likely more suitable for you. It provides a seamless typing experience devoid of any noise and tactile feedback, allowing for uninterrupted focus, especially in quieter environments. Therefore, your decision should ultimately hinge on whether you value a tactile response and sound profile (Carrot) or prioritize smoothness and a minimalist feel (MX Orange).
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