Aflion Carrot vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Silver stand out as unique options to choose from. The Carrot is a tactile switch that is celebrated for its bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long two-stage spring. Additionally, users appreciate its mid-pitched and firm sound profile, labeled with descriptors like 'Clacky', 'Marbly', and 'Bouncy'. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is a linear switch that boasts a smooth keystroke without any additional tactile feedback. While the Silver may not have any specific standout features mentioned, it provides a different typing experience compared to the Carrot. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and what qualities you value in a keyboard switch. 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
Standard
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 Outemu Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic. This material is also known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Carrot and Silver differ when it comes to their nylon bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper tones of the polycarbonate top housings.
While both the Carrot and Silver switches share the same top housing material, their nylon bottom housings provide a contrast in sound profiles. The Carrot's bottom housing, being made of nylon, will have a softer and more absorbent quality that creates a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the Silver's nylon bottom housing will also offer a similar deep and full sound, showcasing the properties of the softer plastic material. This difference in bottom housing material adds a layer of versatility to the overall sound profile of each switch, providing options for users looking for either a sharper or rounder sound experience.
The split between the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Carrot and Outemu Silver allows users to experience a blend of qualities from each housing material when typing. The impact of the bottom housing will be felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel, offering a deeper and fuller experience thanks to the nylon material. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing's polycarbonate material, providing a sharper and crisper tone. Overall, the combination of these housing materials in the Carrot and Silver switches creates a dynamic and customizable typing experience for users seeking different sound profiles.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Silver switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push when typing may appreciate the Silver switch for its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of key feel and feedback when using either switch. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance that provides a familiar tactile 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 Silver 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 offers a unique experience with its bouncy tactile feedback and a mid-pitched, firm sound profile that can be described as clacky and marbly. This combination provides a crisp and percussive typing experience that can be satisfying for those who enjoy a more lively sound while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a known sound description provided, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as 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 feel, thanks to its long, two-stage spring design. This switch offers a lively and responsive typing experience with a feathery and subtle resistance, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped tactile feedback of the Carrot switch provides a unique sensation of pre-travel and post-travel, adding to the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a known feel description provided, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch stands out for its bouncy and tactile feel, along with its mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making it a great option for those looking for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have detailed descriptions available for its sound and feel qualities, so it is difficult to directly compare it to the Carrot switch. Ultimately, selecting a switch will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience, but based on the provided information, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch seems to offer a more distinctive and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light and bouncy tactile switch with a unique two-stage spring for a lively feel and mid-pitched sound profile, the Carrot would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and do not have strong preferences for sound or feel characteristics, the Silver may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile.
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