Aflion Carrot vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and Outemu Dustproof Red offer distinct typing experiences. The Aflion Carrot is a tactile switch that stands out for its bouncy tactile feel, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. This switch also produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red is a linear switch that doesn't have any specific standout features but offers a smooth and consistent keystroke. While the Carrot switch is best suited for those who prefer a tactile and bouncy typing experience, the Dustproof Red switch is ideal for users looking for a linear and smooth feel. 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
60g
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
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
The Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Dustproof Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Both switches will showcase similar sound profiles and aesthetics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
While the Carrot and the Dustproof Red share polycarbonate top housings, they diverge when it comes to their bottom housings. The Carrot features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red also boasts a nylon bottom housing, ensuring that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall sound of the switch during typing.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the characteristics of the bottom and top housings of a switch play a crucial role. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials between the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Dustproof Red, both switches will offer similar typing experiences due to their shared use of polycarbonate top housings. This ensures that users can expect consistency in sound profiles and tactile feedback across both switches.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Carrot has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Dustproof Red has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. The difference in force between the two switches means that the Carrot offers a lighter typing experience, suitable for those who prefer less resistance, while the Dustproof Red provides a firmer and more substantial typing feel. Both switches have their advantages, with the Carrot being ideal for longer typing sessions and the Dustproof Red offering a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, users will experience a similar amount of key travel. In terms of comparing and contrasting, it can be said that both switches provide consistent feedback and actuation due to their identical travel distances. Users can expect similar typing experiences from both switches, with no noticeable difference in travel distance between the two. Overall, the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches offer equal key travel distances, resulting in comparable typing experiences for 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 Outemu Dustproof Red 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 is known for its clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, which provides users with a sharp, snappy, and crisp auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is currently unavailable. Please note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle tactile experience. This switch provides users with a spring-like feedback sensation, responsive keystrokes, a two-stage feel, a light actuation force, and gentle resistance for comfortable typing sessions. Unfortunately, details on the tactile feel of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch are not provided at this time.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a unique bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, as well as various tactile sensations such as bounciness, snappiness, and subtlety. On the other hand, details on the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch's sound and feel are currently unknown, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison between the two switches. However, if both switches are similar in terms of tactile feel and sound, users can expect to achieve comparable results in their typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth linear typing experience without a specific sound profile preference, the Dustproof Red switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference and typing style. So, make sure to consider these factors carefully before making your final choice.
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