Aflion Carrot vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offer unique experiences for users. The Aflion Carrot is a tactile switch that is best known for its bouncy tactile experience provided by a long, two-stage spring. Additionally, this switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is a linear switch that does not have any specific standout features. However, it is known for its smooth and quiet operation, making it perfect for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. While these general pointers may help in making a decision, diving deeper into the characteristics of each switch will ultimately help in choosing the best one for individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Silent Ocean utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. As such, both switches benefit from the unique characteristics that polycarbonate brings to their sound profiles, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
On the other hand, the Carrot and the Dustproof Silent Ocean differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Carrot utilizing nylon and the Dustproof Silent Ocean also opting for nylon. This material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches benefit from the acoustical properties that nylon brings to their bottom housings, the nuances in sound between the two may be attributed to slight variations in their manufacturing processes or design features.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offer unique typing experiences that cater to varying preferences. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings in each switch play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of typing on the keyboard. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience, users can choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it is clear that the Carrot is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, with 37 grams and 45 grams respectively. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is heavier, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Carrot offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch or need to type for extended periods. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its heavier forces, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on an individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Carrot offering a lighter touch and the Dustproof Silent Ocean providing a heavier feel for typing.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options compared to the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing or gaming experience for individuals with specific preferences. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the shorter travel distance of the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may prefer the Carrot switch. Overall, both switches offer a different feel based on their travel distance, providing users with options depending on their 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 Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean 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
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a unique and fun typing experience with its bouncy two-stage spring design, providing users with a lively and responsive feel. This switch is described as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle, giving users a variety of tactile sensations to enjoy. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch does not have available information on its feel. Moving on to sound, the Carrot switch produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. In contrast, there is no information available on the sound profile of the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Carrot and Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches offer different tactile and sound qualities, it is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the best switch for each user. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Aflion Carrot switch may be a great choice. However, if tactile feel and sound are not major factors for you, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch could still provide a satisfactory typing experience. Ultimately, it is recommended to test out both switches in person to see which one aligns best with your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a light typing experience with a bouncy and tactile feedback, along with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a silent operation and no specific sound profile preferences, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force to ensure a satisfying keyboard switch experience.
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