Aflion Carrot vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the Akko Penguin, another tactile switch. The Carrot switch is known for its bouncy tactile experience thanks to its long, two-stage spring, and it also offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Penguin switch from Akko is designed for silent tactile input, making it a great choice for quiet office environments. The Penguin switch features a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback with each keystroke, and it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, ideal for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them appealing choices, 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
43g
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
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Akko Penguin, it is evident that they both use nylon for their bottom housings. This means that typing on switches from either keyboard will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the top housings differ between the two keyboards, with the Carrot using polycarbonate and the Penguin using nylon. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for the Carrot due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, compared to the Penguin's deeper sound produced by nylon.
One important distinction between the Aflion Carrot and the Akko Penguin is their choice of materials for the top housing. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile that is especially useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Penguin's nylon top housing absorbs more sound and produces a deeper sound profile. This difference in top housing material will impact the sound when pressing down on the keys, with the Carrot providing a sharper sound upon release compared to the Penguin's rounder sound.
In summary, while both the Aflion Carrot and the Akko Penguin share nylon as the material for their bottom housings, they differ in their choice of top housing material. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Penguin's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in housing materials will affect the overall sound profile and feel of typing on the keyboards, with the bottom housing playing a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the Carrot is lighter. The Carrot requires a mere 37 grams of force to actuate, while the Penguin needs 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Carrot still remains lighter, needing 45 grams compared to the Penguin's 60 grams. This means that the Carrot is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Penguin provides a more substantial push feel due to its heavier force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Carrot has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin, making it the longer option between the two. The extra 0.7 mm of travel distance on the Carrot may provide a slightly more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation feeling. On the other hand, the Penguin's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or individuals looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Carrot offering a longer travel distance and the Penguin providing a shorter travel distance for different typing experiences.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 has a distinctive clacky and marbly sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp and bright. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its muted and neutral sound, providing a quieter typing experience suitable for office environments. While the Carrot switch produces a high-pitched sound, the Penguin switch focuses on minimizing noise production, catering to users who prefer a more subdued typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is characterized by its bouncy and snappy feedback, giving users a lively and responsive typing sensation. It also features a stepped feel, offering a two-stage tactile experience that feels mild and comfortable. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished and mild, providing a smooth and gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches share the feathery and subtle qualities, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions.
Considering all available information, individuals seeking a vibrant and bouncy tactile switch with a firm and clacky sound profile may prefer the Aflion Carrot switch. On the other hand, those looking for a quiet and polished typing experience with a balanced tactile bump might find the Akko Penguin switch more appealing. Both switches offer a unique set of qualities catered to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the right fit based on their sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, while the sound and feel may differ between the two switches, users can expect similar levels of comfort and functionality depending on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Aflion Carrot if you prefer a light bottom out force of 45 grams and enjoy a bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. The Carrot switch is also described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched in terms of sound, offering a unique typing experience. On the other hand, opt for the Akko Penguin if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams and prioritize a silent typing experience suitable for office environments. The Penguin switch features a rounded tactile bump, providing satisfying feedback with each press, and is described as muted and neutral in terms of sound. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and intended use case.
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