Aflion Carrot vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer unique experiences for users. The Carrot switch is a tactile switch that is loved for its bouncy tactile experience provided by a long, two-stage spring. Additionally, it offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making it stand out among other switches. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze switch is a clicky switch that is known for its simplicity without any specific standout features. If you are looking for a switch that is 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Stepped', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', the Carrot may be the way to go. Meanwhile, the Spring Breeze may be more suitable for those who prefer a simpler clicky 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze differ in their housing materials, with the Carrot featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Spring Breeze boasts a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a clear and resonant tone, ideal for those who prefer a crisper sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze gives a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Despite these differences, both materials offer unique sound profiles based on their distinct properties, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Spring Breeze utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder tone. This similarity in housing material ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for users of both switches. While the bottom housing may have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, the properties of nylon in both switches contribute to a cohesive typing experience appreciated by enthusiasts of tactile and auditory feedback.
Overall, the choice of housing material in mechanical keyboard switches plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of typing. The Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Spring Breeze showcase how different materials, such as polycarbonate and nylon, can result in distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. While the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper typing experience, the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches demonstrate the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, showing that enthusiasts can achieve similar results through different material choices.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams while the Spring Breeze needs 55 grams, making the Spring Breeze the heavier option overall. The lighter actuation force of the Carrot may appeal to those who want a more sensitive typing experience, allowing for quicker key presses, while the heavier bottom out force of the Spring Breeze may provide a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Carrot being lighter and the Spring Breeze being medium-light, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on keys with either of these switches, users will experience a similar depth of travel. While some switches may have shorter or longer travel distances, the Carrot and Spring Breeze switches offer a standard 4 mm travel, providing consistent feedback and feel for users. In conclusion, both switches offer a comparable travel distance, resulting in a consistent typing experience regardless of which one is chosen.
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 Spring Breeze 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 bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. It is described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison in this aspect. However, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is characterized as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. With its two-stage spring mechanism, it offers a lively and responsive typing experience with a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is not specified, leaving a gap in comparison between the two switches in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing feel.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch stands out for its bouncy and tactile experience with a unique sound profile, making it a popular choice for those seeking a dynamic typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch lacks specific descriptors for both sound and feel, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison with the Carrot switch. However, with similar qualities such as bounciness and tactility, users can expect comparable results in terms of typing experience between the two switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering which switch to choose between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Aflion Carrot switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a clicky switch option, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch could be more suitable. Be sure to consider factors such as sound profile, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing needs.
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