Aflion Carrot vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Purple mechanical keyboard switches, both being tactile switches, they each offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The Carrot is praised for its unique bouncy tactile experience provided by its long, two-stage spring, as well as its mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple switch is characterized by its lack of specific standout features. In general terms, the Carrot switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more playful and tactile typing experience, while the Purple switch may be preferred by those seeking a simpler and more subtle tactile feedback. 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
2.00 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 Purple both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting. However, the Carrot's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Purple also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a rounder sound due to the properties of nylon.
Despite the similarities in their top housings, the Aflion Carrot and Outemu Purple differ in their bottom housing materials. The Carrot's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound and contributes to a deeper typing experience, while the Purple's nylon bottom housing offers a similar effect. The split between the top and bottom housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch: the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Purple feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp, clear sound profile. They both also utilize nylon bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. The differences in their bottom housing materials may impact the typing experience slightly, but overall, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile from both switches. Whether it's the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top housing or the deeper sound from the nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is clear that their actuation and bottom out forces greatly differ. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a gentle typing experience. In contrast, the Purple requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, but information regarding its bottom out force is unavailable. Those seeking a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may prefer the Carrot, while those desiring a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Purple's heavier actuation force. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the lighter Carrot or the heavier Purple switch for their specific typing needs.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot and Outemu Purple tactile switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. When comparing these two switches based on their travel distance, it is evident that both will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Aflion Carrot or the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you can expect to get consistent results in terms of keypress feel and 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 Purple 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, there is no available information on the sound qualities of the Outemu Purple tactile switch. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is recognized for being bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. This switch provides a lively and elastic feedback sensation, making typing feel more responsive and dynamic. The keys have a unique bounce to them, offering a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Conversely, there is no information provided regarding the feel of the Outemu Purple tactile switch.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and Outemu Purple tactile switches offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Carrot switch is known for its bouncy and clacky feel along with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Purple switch lacks available information in these aspects. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a keyboard switch with a bouncy and lively feel along with a sharp and crisp sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch may be the ideal choice for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Carrot tactile switch or the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is important to take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force of 45 grams and enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, then the Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an unspecified bottom out force and are more concerned with other factors such as sound and feel, the Purple switch may be worth considering. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing habits.
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