Aflion Carrot vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and Cherry MX Purple RGB are two compelling tactile options, each with its own unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Carrot switch is celebrated for its fun and bouncy tactile feedback, courtesy of its long, two-stage spring that delivers a distinctly lively typing experience, complemented by a mid-pitched and firm sound profile that adds to its playful appeal. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, offers a more refined tactile sensation with a shorter, medium-strength bump, appealing to users who appreciate a balanced feel during both casual and intensive typing sessions. While the Carrot switch shines with its clacky and high-pitched acoustics, the MX Purple RGB emphasizes precision and consistency for a straightforward, satisfying experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, which contribute significantly to their respective sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Aflion Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the material's stiffness. This characteristic enhances clarity and resonance when typing, making for a more pronounced auditory feedback. The translucency of the polycarbonate also allows for effective RGB lighting diffusion, adding an aesthetic flair for gamers and typists alike who wish to have vibrant lighting effects. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized for delivering a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon compared to polycarbonate tends to absorb some of the sound rather than emphasizing it, resulting in a more subdued auditory feedback that many users might prefer for a quieter typing experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which further complicates direct comparisons. The nylon material in both the Carrot and Cherry MX Purple RGB contributes a rounded and deeper sound due to its sound-absorbing properties, creating a consistent feel across the bottom of the switches. With the bottom housing serving as a significant contributor to the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a similarly muffled tactile experience when pressing down on either switch. Thus, while the upper housings set the tone for the initial sound profile experienced, the bottom housings provide a reassuring consistency that balances the overall acoustic response of each switch.
Ultimately, while the Aflion Carrot and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches differ notably in their top housing materials, they share similarities in their bottom housing composition that yield comparable typist experiences. Users of the Aflion Carrot can easily achieve a unique sound profile by considering their top housing’s polycarbonate clarity combined with the familiar depth provided by nylon in the bottom housing. Meanwhile, those who prefer a fuller sound and feel in their typing experience might lean toward the Cherry MX Purple RGB. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile feedback that caters to varied preferences, highlighting the nuanced impact that housing materials have in mechanical switch design.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch present contrasting profiles in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, complemented by a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer minimal effort while typing—ideal for extended use in work or gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who favor a firmer push feel. However, the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB remains unknown. As a result, while the Carrot's lighter actuation and bottom out forces enhance its appeal for prolonged use, the Cherry MX Purple RGB's heavier actuation force may be preferred by typists seeking a more tactile sensation when key presses are registered. Overall, the Aflion Carrot switch is lighter, whereas the Cherry MX Purple RGB is heavier, provided that actuation forces are taken into account.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that users can expect a similar tactile feedback and keypress feel when using either switch, as both require the same distance to be activated. The identical travel distance allows for consistent performance across different keyboards using these switches, ensuring an equally responsive typing experience. Consequently, users who are accustomed to one switch will find comparable results when switching to the other, highlighting the interchangeability of these two tactile switch options.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch to the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch in terms of sound, the Carrot is notable for its clacky and high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and bright sound when activated. This sound is characterized by being crisp and percussive, offering a lively auditory experience that can be enjoyable for users who appreciate such tonal qualities. On the other hand, there is no specific sound description provided for the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, which makes it challenging to directly compare. However, since the sound of any switch can also be influenced by the keyboard body and keycaps, users may still achieve a unique auditory experience with the MX Purple RGB depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot switch shines with its distinctive characteristics. It features a long, two-stage spring that creates a bouncy and snappy typing sensation, providing a lively rebound upon keypress. This tactile switch offers a stepped feedback, allowing users to experience a mild yet noticeable bump throughout the keystroke. Additionally, the feel can be described as feathery and subtly resistance, making it comfortable for prolonged use. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, leaving a gap in the comparison for those curious about how it stacks up in this particular aspect.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch stands out with its unique sound and tactile feedback, offering a bouncy and snappy feel coupled with a clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch lacks detailed descriptors for sound and feel, leaving potential users without critical comparative information. While those who favor the Carrot may be drawn to its lively auditory and tactile experience, the unknown qualities of the MX Purple RGB switches highlight the importance of personal preference and experimentation in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a lively typing experience with a fun, bouncy feel and delight in the auditory feedback provided by a crisp, clacky sound profile, the Carrot switch may be the perfect fit for you. Its light actuation force of 45 grams, combined with its unique dual-stage spring, makes it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing finger fatigue. Conversely, if you prefer a more refined tactile experience with a shorter and more defined bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is likely to appeal to you. While its bottom-out force is less clear, this switch is built with the keyboard enthusiast in mind and promises a solid, medium-strength tactile response that could enhance your overall typing accuracy. Additionally, if you favor a quieter sound profile for shared spaces or want a switch that aligns with a tailored feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is an excellent option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize an engaging, bouncy typing experience with a prominent sound from the Carrot, or a more subdued yet precise tactile feedback from the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
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