Aflion Carrot vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Dustproof Green offer distinct experiences for users to consider. The Aflion Carrot is a tactile switch that stands out for its unique two-stage spring, providing a bouncy tactile feedback that enthusiasts will appreciate. Additionally, the Carrot switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green is a clicky switch that lacks specific standout features but is known for its reliable performance. While the Carrot switch is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Stepped', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', the Dustproof Green falls under a more general category. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Dustproof Green feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it the ideal material for switches designed for RGB lighting. While both switches share this housing material for the top, they may offer different experiences for the user due to other factors such as stem design or spring weight.
In contrast, the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Dustproof Green differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Carrot utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. Despite the difference in the top housing material, the nylon bottom housing in both switches may contribute to a consistent typing feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Dustproof Green impacts the sound and feel of the switches. While the polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and clear sound, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and deeper typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance between sound profile and typing feel when using either switch. Regardless of the slight variations in housing materials, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Dustproof Green's heavier actuation force of 65 grams. Similarly, the Carrot has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Dustproof Green has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Carrot make it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the heavier forces of the Dustproof Green provide a more substantial typing experience that appeals to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences regarding typing force and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. This makes them suitable for users who have a preference for a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
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 Outemu Dustproof Green comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 offers a unique combination of a clacky and marbly sound profile with a mid-pitched and firm tone. This results in a sharp, snappy sound that is both crisp and bright, making it stand out amongst other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch lacks any described sound qualities, making it hard to compare to the Carrot in this aspect. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is praised for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, providing users with a lively typing experience due to its long, two-stage spring design. Additionally, it offers a stepped and feathery feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch does not have any described feel qualities available for comparison. Despite this, it can be assumed that the lack of information may indicate a more standard typing experience without any standout characteristics like the bounciness and responsiveness found in the Carrot switch.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch presents a fun and unique typing experience with its bouncy and snappy feel, as well as a sharp and bright sound profile that stands out amongst tactile switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch lacks detailed descriptions of its sound and feel qualities, making it difficult to compare directly to the Carrot. It is important to consider these subjective qualities when choosing a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure you find the one that best suits your typing preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, there are key factors to consider. If you prefer a light bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy, tactile experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, then the Carrot switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a clicky switch without a specific sound or feel preference described, then the Dustproof Green switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what features you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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