Aflion Carrot vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Silent Ocean. The Carrot switch boasts a tactile design with a long, two-stage spring that provides a bouncy and unique tactile experience. Additionally, users can expect a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch is a linear switch with a silent operation. While the Carrot switch offers characteristics like being 'clacky', 'marbly', and 'bouncy', the Silent Ocean switch is in a category of its own. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a bouncy feel and distinct sound, the Carrot switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and silent typing experience, the Silent Ocean switch could be the ideal option. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Ocean both utilize polycarbonate top housings, which result in sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles due to the stiffness of the material. This creates a clear and resonant sound for both switches, making them ideal for users who prioritize sound quality in their keyboards. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Carrot and the Silent Ocean use nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is distinct from the top housing's characteristics. This combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housings of both switches allows for a unique typing experience that balances sharpness and depth in sound quality.
While both switches have similar housing materials for the top and bottom, the distribution of qualities between the two may vary. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during key presses, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a greater role in the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience of a switch.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams, while the Silent Ocean needs 65 grams, making it significantly heavier. These differences in weight can play a significant role in the typing experience and preferences of users. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Carrot for longer typing or gaming sessions, while users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Ocean for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in that aspect. When comparing the two, they both offer a consistent travel distance that provides a satisfying typing experience. This means that whether you choose the Carrot or the Silent Ocean, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel. The 4 mm travel distance on both switches ensures that users will feel a satisfying keypress each time they type, making them both reliable options for keyboard enthusiasts. Overall, the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches are equally matched in terms of travel distance, providing a consistent and enjoyable typing experience for users.
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 Ocean 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 clacky and marbly sound profile, characterized by a sharp, snappy noise with a clean, high-pitched resonance. This unique sound can add an enjoyable auditory element to typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch's sound profile remains unknown, making it difficult to compare to the distinctive qualities of the Carrot switch. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is praised for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, thanks to its dual-stage spring design. This results in a lively and responsive typing experience, with a subtle feel that is comfortable for extended use. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is not stated, leaving users uncertain about the tactile feedback and responsiveness it may offer. Without this information, it is challenging to make a direct comparison with the unique characteristics of the Carrot switch.
Considering the available information, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch stands out for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, as well as its clacky and marbly sound profile. These qualities make it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a unique and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch lacks defined descriptors for both sound and feel, making it challenging to determine its subjective qualities compared to the Carrot switch. Ultimately, individuals looking for a tactile switch with a distinctive sound and feel may find the Aflion Carrot to be a more appealing option, while those interested in a quieter and linear switch experience may need to seek further information or try out the Silent Ocean switch for themselves to make a final judgment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should opt for the Carrot if you prefer a light bottom out force, a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, and descriptors such as "bouncy," "snappy," or "feathery" in terms of feel. On the other hand, you should choose the Silent Ocean if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a quieter typing experience without any specific sound descriptors or feedback characteristics specified for this switch. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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