Aflion Carrot vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade are two popular options to consider. The Carrot switch is a tactile switch known for its bouncy tactile experience thanks to its long, two-stage spring. With a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, this switch offers users a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch stands out for its quiet, tactile typing experience and satisfying "thocky" sound. Featuring a translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump, these factory-lubed switches provide a smooth typing experience. While the Carrot switch offers a more bouncy and firm tactile experience, the Silent Yellow Jade switch focuses on providing a quiet and satisfying 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, we can see some differences in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Carrot utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in material leads to varying auditory experiences for users of the two switches. While the polycarbonate in the Carrot provides a clear and resonant sound, the nylon in the Silent Yellow Jade absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, both the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade feature nylon bottom housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Despite both switches utilizing the same material for their bottom housings, the way in which they impact the overall sound and feel of the switch may differ slightly due to other factors such as spring weight and keycap material.
Overall, the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing provides a duller and rounder tone. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deep and full sound profile. These differences in material composition highlight how various plastics can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch, making it important for users to consider their preferences when choosing between the two.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Carrot also has a lighter force of 45 grams while the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier force of 65 grams. Those who prefer a light typing experience may lean towards the Carrot, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Carrot provides a deeper press compared to the Yellow Jade, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for speed and efficiency. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Carrot offering a longer travel distance for a more pronounced keypress, while the Yellow Jade provides a shorter travel distance for rapid responses. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize depth or speed in your typing or gaming 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 Silent Yellow Jade 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 offers a clacky and mid-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are designed to produce a quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound, creating a more subdued typing noise. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Carrot being more lively and percussive, while the Silent Yellow Jade is more muffled and subtle. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of noise in your typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is praised for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, offering users a lively typing experience with a spring-like rebound when pressed. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is not specified. The Carrot switch provides a unique and responsive typing sensation, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and dynamic typing experience. However, without specific information on the feel of the Silent Yellow Jade switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Carrot switch excels in providing a lively and clacky typing experience with bouncy tactile feedback, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch focuses on offering a quiet and satisfying typing experience with a "thocky" sound. If you enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Carrot switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a quieter and more subdued typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade switch could be the perfect choice. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter switch with a bouncy and slightly clacky typing experience, the Aflion Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a quiet and thocky sound profile, along with a satisfying tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should come down to your personal typing preferences and what kind of typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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