Aflion Carrot vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and Outemu Milk Blue offer distinct experiences for users. The Aflion Carrot is a tactile switch that stands out for its bouncy tactile feel provided by its long, two-stage spring. This switch also offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch that does not have any standout features mentioned in the information provided. Clicky switches are known for their satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy auditory and tactile cues while typing. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Milk Blue have some similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches use polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate helps to create a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. This material also offers a translucent aesthetic, which adds to the overall appeal of the switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Milk Blue differs in material, with the Carrot featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Milk Blue also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. The qualities of the bottom housing material are especially felt during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Despite the differences in their bottom housings, both the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Milk Blue benefit from the unique properties of their respective housing materials. While the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. These distinctions contribute to the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch, offering users a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force, with the Carrot requiring 45 grams and the Milk Blue force being unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Carrot switch may appeal to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the Milk Blue switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Aflion Carrot or the Outemu Milk Blue, you can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Milk Blue 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 and marbly sound profile, offering a sharp, crisp, and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is unavailable. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is praised for its bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle tactile feedback. This means users can expect a lively and responsive typing experience with a light actuation force and a gentle resistance. Conversely, details on the tactile feel of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch are not provided.
Overall, based on the available information, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch stands out for its unique bouncy tactile experience, mid-pitched and firm sound profile, as well as a range of tactile feedback qualities. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch remain unknown, users seeking a tactile switch with specific characteristics like those offered by the Carrot may find similar results in the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light and bouncy tactile experience with a firm sound profile, then the Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a unique sound profile and potentially no bottom out force, the Milk Blue switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize feel, sound, or other factors in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
