Aflion Carrot vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are endless options to choose from. Two popular choices are the Aflion Carrot and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The Carrot switch is a tactile switch, loved by users for its unique bouncy tactile experience. Its long, two-stage spring adds to the fun factor of typing on this switch. Additionally, it offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, giving a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream is a linear switch that provides a heftier linear typing experience. Typing on these switches results in a fairly deep sound profile, creating a more immersive typing experience. Both switches have their own appeal and choosing between them depends on personal preference. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ in their housing materials, with the Carrot featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Cream has a POM top housing and a POM bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Cream's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Aesthetically, the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the Cream's POM top housing lacks translucency. However, both the Carrot and the Cream offer unique and pleasing sound profiles, with the Cream's POM housing delivering a distinct and satisfying experience.
In terms of sound, the bottom housing of the Carrot and Cream also play a significant role. The nylon bottom housing of the Carrot contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Cream contributes to its overall sound profile, adding to its deeper and more muted tones. When typing on the Carrot, the nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the Cream's POM bottom housing enhances its already pleasing sound profile. Thus, the choice of bottom housing material complements the unique characteristics of each switch.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound of pressing the switches, the housing materials of both the top and bottom play a role. The qualities of the bottom housing have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the tactile feedback and response when pressing down a key. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when the key is released, providing a crisp or muted sound depending on the chosen material. Therefore, while the Carrot and Cream differ in their housing materials, the attributes each material brings to the switch are distinct and contribute to a unique typing experience in each case.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight. The Carrot has a relatively lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a lighter typing experience overall. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Carrot would be a suitable choice as it allows for longer typing periods without experiencing too much fatigue. This can be beneficial for users who bring their keyboards to work or engage in extended gaming sessions.
However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial and pronounced typing experience, the NovelKeys Cream would better cater to their needs. The heavier actuation force of 55 grams provides a stronger push feel while typing, resulting in a more satisfying tactile response. The higher bottom out force of 70 grams adds to this enhanced typing experience, further adding to the switch's overall weight and stability.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot provides a lighter feel with its actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a smoother and more gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream offers a medium-heavy option, providing a stronger push feel and more substantial keystrokes for users seeking a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, which means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance. The Carrot and the Cream switches offer the same tactile and linear experiences respectively, but they are not only the same in terms of their travel distance, they also provide a satisfying typing experience.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 best described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, reminiscent of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. The sound profile is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, creating a clean and sharp auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, the Carrot and Cream switches provide distinct sound profiles, with the Carrot offering a more clacky and high-pitched experience, while the Cream switch provides a deeper, resonant sound.
Turning to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle typing experience. This switch provides a uniquely bouncy tactile feedback due to its long, two-stage spring, giving users a lively and rebounding feel. It is super responsive, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. The stepped design of the Carrot switch adds a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation, differentiating it from hypertactile switches with a bigger bump throughout the keystroke. Additionally, the Carrot switch is feathery, meaning it requires little exertion and reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The subtle resistance of this switch maintains a light typing feel, while also producing a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Conversely, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Unlike the Carrot switch, the Cream switch doesn't have specific traits mentioned like bounciness or feather-light actuation, but it creates a satisfying and immersive typing experience through pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.
In summary, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound experience, while the Cream switch offers a deeper and resonant sound, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Carrot switch offers a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle typing experience, providing a lively and rebounding feel with reduced finger fatigue. The Cream switch, on the other hand, offers a buttery and invigorating typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke, pronounced feedback, and a snappy and reactive feel. While they have different qualities, both switches provide distinct and enjoyable typing experiences depending on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun tactile switch with a bouncy tactile experience and a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot switch could be a great choice for you. It has a light bottom out force of 45 grams, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Carrot switch also offers a variety of sound options, including clacky, marbly, and high-pitched, allowing you to customize your typing experience to your preference.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear typing experience with a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch might be more suitable for you. These Cream switches provide a heftier typing experience and a fairly deep sound profile. If you prefer a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Cream switch could be a great option.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Carrot and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider whether you prioritize a tactile or linear typing experience, the bottom out force that feels most comfortable to you, and the sound profile that suits your preferences. Both switches offer unique features that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences. In the end, your keyboard should be a reflection of your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
