Aflion Carrot vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Carrot and Cherry MX Speed Silver stand out as exceptional options that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Carrot is a tactile switch that offers a bouncy and tactile experience due to its long, two-stage spring. Known for its mid-pitched and firm sound profile, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is a linear switch designed for maximum speed and rapid response, making it ideal for gamers who require instant triggers with low spring resistance. While the Carrot switch is clacky, marbly, and high-pitched, the MX Speed Silver is textured, thocky, and low-pitched. Both switches have their unique advantages, but ultimately, the choice between them depends on personal preference and specific usage requirements. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This material choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon tends to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. However, the Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the bottom housing. This difference in top housing material may lead to a slight variation in sound between the two switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the Carrot's top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing does not offer the same translucency, resulting in a more traditional appearance. Both switches benefit from the durable nature of nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring longevity and stability in everyday use. While the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing may offer a more modern look with RGB lighting capabilities, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing provides a classic and reliable design.
When it comes to sound and feel, the different housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Cherry MX Speed Silver play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot creates a clear and resonant sound profile, while the softer nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The impact of the housing materials is felt both when pressing down on a key, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and when releasing a key, with the top housing determining the sound produced. Overall, while both switches may offer a satisfying typing experience, the choice between the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon may come down to personal preference.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force at 37 grams compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch which has an actuation force of 30 grams, making the Carrot switch slightly heavier in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams while the MX Speed Silver force is unknown. This means that the Carrot switch has a higher bottom out force as well. Overall, the Carrot switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the MX Speed Silver, but heavier in terms of bottom out force. Both switches offer different typing experiences - the lighter Carrot switch may be more suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier MX Speed Silver switch may provide a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, making it slightly longer than the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Carrot switch falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, while the MX Speed Silver is on the shorter end of the spectrum. Gamers may prefer the MX Speed Silver for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may opt for the Aflion Carrot. However, both switches offer a relatively standard travel distance that should provide a similar typing experience for most users.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver 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, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its clacky and mid-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as both crisp and percussive. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is described as thocky and low-pitched, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Depending on personal preference and the choice of keyboard and keycaps, users can experience a different auditory experience with each switch.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its bouncy and snappy feedback, providing a lively and responsive typing experience. The switch offers a unique two-stage spring mechanism that gives users a rebound sensation when pressed. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is described as having a textured feel, implying noticeable friction when pressed. This may appeal to users who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Carrot switch excels in providing a bouncy and mid-pitched sound with a lively typing experience, the MX Speed Silver switch offers a thocky sound profile with a textured feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and the specific use case, whether it be for gaming, typing, or any other task.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile switch with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Aflion Carrot would be a great choice for you. Its light bottom out force and unique two-stage spring design provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and instant response in your typing or gaming, the Cherry MX Speed Silver with its linear action and low spring resistance would be more suitable for you. With no bottom out force and a full height for maximum speed, the Speed Silver is designed to help you gain a competitive edge in fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the Carrot and Speed Silver comes down to your preferences in feel and sound, as well as your specific typing or gaming needs.
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