Aflion Carrot vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Orange mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Carrot switch is a tactile switch, offering users a delightfully bouncy tactile experience with its long, two-stage spring. Along with its mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Carrot switch provides a satisfying and unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is a linear switch known for its bouncy feel, thanks to its 22mm long spring. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, POM stem, and an eye-catching orange nylon bottom housing, the Orange switch offers a smooth, frictionless typing experience. It also provides a low-pitched sound profile, creating a sense of tranquility while typing. Although these general pointers shed light on the strengths of each switch, let's delve deeper into their specific attributes to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Orange switches share some similarities. Both switches use polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound quality in their keyboard experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic results from both the Carrot and Orange switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Carrot and Orange switches differ in material. The Carrot switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Orange switch uses polycarbonate. Nylon is favored for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. It is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange switch complements the sharper and crisper sound profile created by its top housing. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Therefore, users can expect a slight difference in the bottom-out sound and feel between the Carrot and Orange switches.
In summary, both the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Orange switches provide a high-quality sound experience with their polycarbonate top housing. The differences arise in their bottom housing materials. The Carrot switch's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Orange switch's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams, making the Carrot easier to trigger. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Carrot has a lighter force of 45 grams, while the Orange requires a slightly heavier force of 53 grams. This means that the Carrot provides a lighter and more gentle typing experience overall. If a lighter touch is preferred, the Carrot would be the better option. However, if a user prefers a slightly more substantial typing feel, the Orange would be a suitable choice. Both switches offer a noticeable difference in actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that users can find a switch that aligns with their preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Carrot offers a slightly longer distance compared to the Orange. The Carrot with its 4.0 mm travel distance is more in line with the traditional switch travel distance, offering a good depth that might be preferred by individuals who enjoy a substantial key press. On the other hand, the Orange with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance is favored by gamers who value faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation and might be more suitable for those seeking a highly responsive typing or gaming experience. Overall, the travel distance of switches greatly depends on personal preference and desired typing or gaming style.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 best described as having a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile. It produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed, similar to the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, both the Aflion Carrot and KTT Orange switches provide a bouncy feedback sensation. This bounciness gives the keys a spring-like and elastic feel, offering a lively experience with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Carrot switch is described as snappy, thanks to its longer and dual-staged spring. This enhances the typing experience, making it feel more alive. On the other hand, the Orange switch is known for its frictionless typing experience. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless travel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and KTT Orange linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a unique bouncy tactile experience and a mid-pitched, firm sound profile. It is described as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle in terms of feel. On the other hand, the Orange switch delivers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer a spring-like feedback sensation, but the Carrot switch emphasizes a more tactile experience, while the Orange switch focuses on smoothness. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience, either switch can provide satisfactory results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot switch is a great choice. It has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it light and comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Carrot switch is described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched in terms of sound, which provides a crisp and bright feedback when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slick and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a slightly heavier feel compared to the Carrot switch. The Orange switch is also bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback when pressed. Additionally, thanks to its excellent factory-lubing, it offers a refined and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Orange switch depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a light force and a mid-pitched sound, the Carrot switch is suitable for you. However, if you prefer a slick and frictionless typing experience with a slightly heavier feel and a low-pitched sound, the Orange switch is a better fit. Consider your desired feedback, sound profile, and typing force when making your decision. Both switches offer unique features that can enhance your overall typing experience.
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