Aflion Carrot vs. Outemu Peach (V3)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Peach (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Outemu Peach. The Carrot is a tactile switch, well-known for its unique bouncy tactile experience provided by its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, it offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making it ideal for users who enjoy a clacky and snappy typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach is a linear switch that stands out for its lightweight construction and silent operation. These switches are perfect for linear switch enthusiasts who prefer a feathery light typing experience. With a muted and subtle sound profile, the Outemu Peach delivers a polished typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Outemu Peach differ in terms of the sound profile they produce. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Peach's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, users of the Carrot will experience a sharper and more vibrant sound, while users of the Peach will enjoy a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the top housing materials of the Carrot and the Peach also differ. The Carrot's polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it a great choice for users who want to showcase RGB lighting. This transparency enhances the visual appeal and allows the vibrant colors of the RGB lighting to shine through. On the other hand, the Peach's nylon housing does not offer translucency. While it may not contribute to RGB lighting effects, the classic and solid appearance of nylon provides a more traditional and timeless look.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Carrot and the Peach utilize nylon as the material. As a result, both switches elicit a similar deep and full sound profile when pressed. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound for users of either switch. This similarity in the bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a consistent typing experience and sound regardless of which switch they choose.
In summary, the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Outemu Peach offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and aesthetics. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and more vibrant sound, suitable for users who prefer a clearer and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Peach's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who prefer a more rounded and mellow typing experience. The nylon bottom housing, shared by both switches, guarantees a consistent deep and full sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound characteristics and desired aesthetic.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, compared to the Peach's 40 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light touch, making them suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where finger fatigue can be a concern. In terms of bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams, while the Peach requires 50 grams. It is worth noting that both switches are on the lighter side when it comes to bottoming out, providing a gentle typing experience. Overall, the Carrot is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Peach, making it a favorable choice for those seeking a lighter touch. However, both options offer similar results in terms of providing a comfortable typing experience with light forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers who are looking for faster response times. The shorter distance allows for quicker actuation and can enhance the overall responsiveness of the switch. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper feeling when pressing down on a key, the Aflion Carrot switch with its longer travel distance would be a better choice. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Peach (V3) comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is best described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, similar to the sound of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. It has a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch is described as neutral and muted. It has a more moderate sound profile and produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. The muted sound of the Outemu Peach is perfect for minimizing noise, making it suitable for quiet environments or shared spaces. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a sharper and more distinctive sound, the Aflion Carrot is the better choice. If you value a quieter and more subtle sound, the Outemu Peach is the way to go.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle typing experience. Its long, two-stage spring provides a uniquely bouncy tactile feedback and a lively feel, giving you rebound when pressed. The dual-staged springs make the typing experience feel more alive and responsive. The Carrot switch also has a feathery light actuation force, which reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. It has a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, making it suitable for various activities such as gaming, school, or work. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch is described as mild, subtle, and polished. It offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, if you prefer a more lively and responsive feel, the Aflion Carrot is the better choice. If you prefer a more gentle and polished typing experience, the Outemu Peach is a great option.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its bouncy and snappy feel, accompanied by a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. It offers a lively and responsive typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a unique tactile feedback and a sharper sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch provides a mild and subtle feel, along with a neutral and muted sound profile. It offers a quieter typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics, and the choice between them will depend on personal preferences. If you are looking for a more lively and distinctive tactile experience with a sharper sound, go for the Aflion Carrot. If you prefer a gentler and polished feel with a quieter sound, the Outemu Peach is the way to go. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. By considering all the available information, you can make an informed decision based on your desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a unique and bouncy tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot would be a great choice for you. With its long, two-stage spring, it offers a lively and firm typing feel, providing a fun and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Carrot switch has a mid-pitched and clacky sound profile, which can be described as sharp and snappy, adding a satisfying auditory element to your typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a feather-light typing experience, the Outemu Peach would be the way to go. These linear switches are not only lightweight but also silenced, making them perfect for those who prioritize a quiet typing environment. The Peach switch offers a subtle and mild typing feel, falling within a safe middle ground zone in terms of resistance. Moreover, it has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and providing a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a bouncy tactile experience with a clacky sound profile, the Carrot is the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a feathery light typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Peach switch would be more suited to your needs. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so consider your priorities and choose accordingly.
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