Aflion Carrot vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Two popular options that stand out from the crowd are the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Phalaenopsis, both of which are tactile switches. The Carrot is best known for its fun and bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, it offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis is celebrated for its translucent design and light actuation force of 37g. This makes typing effortless and minimizes finger fatigue, even during prolonged typing sessions. The Phalaenopsis also boasts a satisfying and discernible tactile bump at 50g, ensuring that each keystroke is a delightful experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the KTT Phalaenopsis have similar housing materials in their top housing - both feature polycarbonate. This polycarbonate material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, when it comes to sound profile and aesthetic appeal with RGB lighting, users can expect similar results from both the Carrot and Phalaenopsis.
However, their bottom housing materials differ. The Carrot utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Phalaenopsis uses polycarbonate. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Phalaenopsis contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The relative stiffness of polycarbonate enhances sound resonance and clarity.
When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be felt. Therefore, the Carrot's nylon bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Phalaenopsis. Conversely, when releasing a key, the effects of the top housing material become more noticeable. In this case, both switches' polycarbonate top housing will contribute to a sharper and clearer sound profile on key release.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Phalaenopsis share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, their housing materials differ in the bottom housing. The Carrot's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, while the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the sharpness and crispness of the sound. Users can expect similarities in sound profile and visual appeal when it comes to the top housing, whereas differences will arise in the bottom-out sound and feel between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, both switches have an actuation force of 37 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the initial sensitivity of the switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a difference between the two switches. The Carrot has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Phalaenopsis has a slightly higher bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Phalaenopsis switch requires a slightly stronger push to fully press the key compared to the Carrot switch.
In terms of weight, both switches can be considered light. The lighter weight of the switches can be advantageous for users who prefer to type for longer periods of time, such as those who frequently use their keyboards at work or engage in extended gaming sessions. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may find the slightly higher bottom out force of the Phalaenopsis switch more suitable for their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding actuation force and bottom out force, as well as the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot and KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches have the same travel distance, both measuring at 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback provided by both switches. Although both switches offer the same travel distance, it is noteworthy that their design and overall feel may differ, leading to varying user 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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 is best described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp and bright profile. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is described as bassy and thocky. This switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones, and producing a satisfying "thud" or "knock" sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its bouncy and snappy qualities. The long, two-stage spring of this switch provides a uniquely bouncy tactile experience, giving users a lively feel and rebound when pressed. It is also described as stepped and feathery, offering a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The light actuation force of the Carrot switch reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is also described as stepped, providing a mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches offer different subjective qualities. The Carrot switch provides a bouncy and snappy feel with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, while the Phalaenopsis switch offers a light actuation force for effortless typing and a satisfying and discernible tactile bump. Both switches have a stepped feel, but the Carrot switch is also feathery, reducing finger fatigue. If you prefer a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and snappy feel, the Carrot switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassy and thocky sound with a light actuation force, the Phalaenopsis switch would suit your preferences. Overall, both switches offer a delightful typing experience based on the available information.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile switch with a light bottom out force, the Aflion Carrot would be a great choice. Its long, two-stage spring offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience and provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize effortless typing and minimizing finger fatigue, the KTT Phalaenopsis would be the better option. With its beautiful translucent switches and light actuation force, typing becomes effortless and finger fatigue is reduced even during prolonged typing sessions. The Phalaenopsis also offers a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, ensuring each keystroke is a delightful experience. In terms of sound, the Carrot produces clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sounds, while the Phalaenopsis offers a deep and rich bassy sound, or a satisfying thocky sound. When it comes to feel, the Carrot is bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle, while the Phalaenopsis is stepped. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preferences for feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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