Aflion Carrot vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Everglide Oreo are two noteworthy options to consider. The Carrot switch stands out for its fun and unique tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. This switch offers a bouncy sensation and a firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Oreo switch from Everglide offers a delectable treat for your fingertips with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top. It then provides a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, resulting in a comfortable typing experience. These switches strike a balance between satisfying keystrokes and a pleasant typing experience. While these general pointers showcase the distinguishing features of each switch, it is essential to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Everglide Oreo, one can see that they both use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits from both the Carrot and the Oreo due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, while the Carrot employs nylon for its bottom housing, the Oreo utilizes polycarbonate for the same component. This divergence in bottom housing materials will lead to distinct sound profiles. Due to nylon's relatively softer nature, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its overall sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, therefore resulting in contrasting sound experiences between the Carrot and the Oreo.
It is worth noting that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing influences the sound emitted when a key is released. With this in mind, users can expect the qualities of the bottom housing material to impact the overall typing experience of both the Carrot and the Oreo switches. Conversely, the top housing material will primarily affect the sound profile when keys are released. Understanding these differences allows users to make informed decisions based on their preferences and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Carrot switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Oreo's 45 grams. Similarly, the Carrot has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Oreo's 55 grams. This means that the Carrot switch will provide a lighter and less strenuous typing experience overall. However, both switches fall into the lighter to medium-light range of force, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. Those who enjoy prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions may appreciate the Carrot switch's lighter force requirements, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable usage. In contrast, the Oreo switch offers a slightly stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. In summary, while the Carrot switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, both switches will yield similar results for users seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have the exact same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a consistent and uniform experience when pressing down on a key. Whether you choose the Carrot or the Oreo, you can expect the same tactile feedback and key travel distance. These switches are ideal for individuals who prefer a medium-level key press and a comfortable 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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile. This means that when pressed, the Carrot switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch has a chirpy sound characteristic, which gives it a unique acoustic signature. The Oreo switch has a little squeak to it, setting it apart from other switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot switch offers a bouncy and snappy typing experience. These switches provide a spring-like feedback sensation, giving keys a lively and rebounding feel when pressed. The Carrot switch is also known for its stepped characteristic, meaning it feels like it has two stages. This provides some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the overall typing experience. Additionally, the Carrot switch is described as feathery, which means it is exceptionally light to press and requires minimal exertion from the fingers. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch is known for being accented and stepped. Accented switches offer a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The Oreo switch provides a crisp and responsive tactile bump followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out.
Based on the available information, the subjective qualities of the Aflion Carrot and Everglide Oreo switches differ in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch has a clacky and marbly sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound, while the Oreo switch has a chirpy sound characteristic, giving it a unique acoustic signature. In terms of feel, the Carrot switch offers a bouncy and snappy typing experience, with a feathery and stepped characteristic. The Oreo switch, on the other hand, is accented and stepped, providing a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. Overall, while the Carrot and Oreo switches have distinct qualities, both switches offer a tactile experience with different levels of tactility and sound profiles. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light tactile switch with a bouncy and firm typing experience, the Aflion Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. The Carrot's unique two-stage spring provides a lively feel with a distinct tactile bump. Additionally, the Carrot switch offers a mid-pitched and clacky sound profile, which can be satisfying for those who prefer a crisper and sharper typing sound.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light tactile switch with a crisp and responsive tactile bump followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, the Everglide Oreo switch would suit your preferences. The Oreo switch strikes a balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience with its accented tactility. Furthermore, the Oreo switch has a subtle and mellow sound profile, making it suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Carrot and Everglide Oreo switches depends on your personal preferences in terms of bottom-out force, typing experience, and sound profile. Consider your desired feel and sound when choosing between the two switches to ensure an enjoyable and customized typing experience. In the end, both switches offer their unique features that can enhance your typing or gaming sessions.
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