Aflion Carrot vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and Outemu Gold stand out amongst the vast array of options available. The Carrot switch is a tactile switch that offers users a uniquely bouncy experience with its long, two-stage spring. It is also known for its firm and mid-pitched sound profile, making typing a satisfying and enjoyable experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that provides a distinct audible click with each keystroke. While the Carrot switch offers a more tactile experience, the Gold switch focuses on providing a satisfying sound feedback. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback or audible click, each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. 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
1.80 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Gold are quite similar, both incorporating polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetics of the keyboard. This shared material choice ensures that both the Carrot and Gold switches produce a similar sound experience, with slight variations based on other factors.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Carrot and Gold switches utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches enhances the typing experience by providing a more subdued and satisfying sound when pressing down on the keys. This similarity in housing material further contributes to a consistent typing experience between the two switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Gold are different, the qualities of their respective housing materials still influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material plays a key role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of characteristics between the top and bottom housings adds complexity to the typing experience and allows for a unique blend of sound profiles in both the Carrot and Gold switches.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch, which has a medium actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams, while the Gold needs 60 grams for bottoming out. The Carrot provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it suitable for longer typing sessions, while the Gold offers a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Both switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with options depending on their preference. In this case, the actuation force for both switches is different, but the bottom out forces are similar, which means users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience when using either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on either of these switches, you will experience a similar level of key travel. This can result in consistent typing experiences for users who prefer either of these switches. The 4mm travel distance in both switches allows for a satisfying tactile response and audible click, which can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more tactile and clicky feel while typing. Overall, while both switches have the same travel distance, they offer distinct typing experiences due to their different tactile and clicky characteristics.
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 Gold 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 is renowned for its unique bouncy tactile experience, providing users with a lively and responsive feel due to its long, two-stage spring mechanism. The switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, characterized as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched, giving users a sharp and crisp sound when typing. On the other hand, little is known about the Outemu Gold clicky switch in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of sound, users can expect a distinct auditory experience with the Aflion Carrot switch, producing a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The sound profile is further enhanced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, influencing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the sound characteristics of the Outemu Gold switch remain undisclosed.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Aflion Carrot is described as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle, offering users a range of tactile sensations that cater to different preferences. The switch's responsiveness and liveliness make typing a dynamic and enjoyable experience, particularly suited for extended typing sessions. In contrast, information about the tactile feel of the Outemu Gold switch is unavailable.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch stands out for its unique bouncy tactile experience, mid-pitched sound profile, and varied tactile sensations, making it a versatile option for keyboard enthusiasts. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Gold clicky switch remain unknown, users can expect similar results in sound and feel with the Aflion Carrot switch, providing a reliable and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a bouncy and tactile typing feel with a mid-pitched sound profile, then the Carrot switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a clicky sound profile, the Gold switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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