Aflion Carrot vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and Outemu Silent Green offer unique experiences for users. The Carrot switch is a tactile switch that stands out for its long, two-stage spring, providing a bouncy tactile experience that is accompanied by a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Green switch is a linear switch without any standout features mentioned. The Carrot switch is described as 'clacky', 'marbly', 'high-pitched', 'bouncy', 'snappy', 'stepped', 'feathery', and 'subtle'. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch does not come with any distinctive characteristics. If you are looking for a keyboard switch with a unique tactile feel and sound, the Carrot switch may be the way to go. 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
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Silent Green, both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, the Carrot uses nylon for the bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green.
In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, the use of polycarbonate in the top housings of both the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Silent Green provides a similar outcome. Both switches will have a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when pressing the keys, and the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through. However, where the two switches differ is in the bottom housing material. The Carrot's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer properties, while the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing results in a clearer and more resonant sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how different materials can impact the overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
When considering the split qualities between the top and bottom housings of a switch, it becomes apparent how each material choice impacts the typing experience. The bottom housing material, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing material, also polycarbonate in this case, plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when letting go of a key. This divide highlights the importance of both housing materials in determining the overall sound profile and tactile feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the Carrot is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, the Silent Green offers a medium weight feel for those who desire a bit more resistance. Overall, the Aflion Carrot provides a lighter typing experience, whereas the Outemu Silent Green delivers a heavier touch for a more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Despite their similarities in travel distance, the Carrot switch provides a tactile feedback when pressed, while the Silent Green switch offers a smoother linear feel. So, while the travel distance may be the same, the overall typing experience will vary between the two switches based on their unique 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 Silent Green 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 offers a unique and fun experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile that can be described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has no specific sound descriptors provided. While the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the Carrot switch seems to have a more defined and distinctive sound profile compared to the Silent Green.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its bouncy and snappy feedback, thanks to its two-stage spring mechanism. It also provides a feathery and subtle typing experience, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have any specific feel descriptors listed. This lack of information suggests that the feel of the Silent Green switch may not be as varied or unique as that of the Carrot switch.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch stands out for its lively and distinctive sound profile, as well as its bouncy and comfortable typing feel. While the Outemu Silent Green linear switch may offer a quieter typing experience, it lacks the detailed descriptors that highlight the unique qualities of the Carrot switch. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a more defined sound and feel profile, the Carrot switch may be the better choice. However, if you prioritize a silent typing experience, the Silent Green switch could still provide satisfactory results.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force at 45 grams and enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Carrot switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force at 60 grams and prioritize a silent typing experience without any sound descriptors provided, the Silent Green switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you when typing on your mechanical keyboard.
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