Aflion Carrot vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Carrot and the Kailh Plum are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique tactile experiences. The Carrot is best known for its long, two-stage spring that provides users with a bouncy tactile sensation. Additionally, it offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Plum switch feels hefty but doesn't feature a significant tactile bump, setting it apart from other tactile switches. Despite its weightiness, the Plum switch provides a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. Both switches offer distinct advantages, and choosing between them depends on personal preferences and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
Comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Kailh Plum, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material leads to similar outcomes in terms of sound profiles. Polycarbonate's stiffness produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, resulting in a resonant and clear sound profile for both switches. Moreover, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, making it a practical choice for the top housing of both switches.
On the other hand, the Carrot and Plum differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Carrot employing nylon and the Plum also utilizing nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This leads to a duller and rounder sound in both switches. Therefore, despite their differences in design and brand, the nylon bottom housing of both the Carrot and Plum provides a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall switch experience, it is important to note that the qualities brought by each material are divided between the two parts. When pressing down on either the Carrot or Plum, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, significantly influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a more prominent effect on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction allows users to differentiate and appreciate the various aspects of the switch's sound profile, regardless of whether they are using the Carrot or the Plum.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is evident that there are significant differences. The Carrot has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, which means it requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, its bottom out force is 45 grams, indicating that it is still on the lighter side in terms of pressure needed for a full press.
On the other hand, the Plum switch provides a contrasting experience. Unfortunately, the actuation force of the Plum switch is not available, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the bottom out force is notably higher at 70 grams, which suggests a medium-heavy pressure requirement to fully input a keystroke.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter switch will likely enjoy the Aflion Carrot tactile switch. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. This lightness can be preferable for individuals who want a keyboard they can comfortably use for extended periods.
However, for users who desire a more substantial and stronger push feel when typing, the Kailh Plum tactile switch may be the preferred choice. Its higher bottom out force provides a more pronounced typing experience, which some find enhances their typing accuracy and satisfaction.
In summary, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, while the specific actuation force for the Kailh Plum tactile switch is unknown, but it has a heavier bottom out force. Understanding one's typing preferences and requirements will help determine which switch is the most suitable for an individual's needs.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Carrot has a slightly longer distance compared to the Plum. This can be a significant factor for those who prefer a deeper key press. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances. If you prioritize a faster response time, the Plum's slightly shorter travel distance may be more suitable for your needs. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker inputs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 switch is known for its clacky and marbly characteristics. The clacky sound it produces is sharp and snappy, giving a crisp and percussive feel when pressed. Additionally, it has a high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch has a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable. It doesn't have any specific descriptors to indicate a distinct sound profile. However, it is worth mentioning that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a more vibrant and pronounced sound, the Carrot switch would be a suitable choice, while the Plum switch provides a neutral and enjoyable sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot switch offers a bouncy and snappy tactile experience. Its long, two-stage spring provides a uniquely elastic feedback sensation, offering a lively feel with rebound when pressed. It is also a stepped switch, meaning it has distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations, adding to its mild tactility. Additionally, it has a feathery and subtle feel, with light actuation force and gentle resistance, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch provides a mild and stepped tactile experience. It offers a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, maintaining a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches provide some level of tactility, but the Carrot switch offers a more lively and bouncy feel, while the Plum switch provides a gentler and milder tactile experience.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Aflion Carrot and Kailh Plum switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, while the Plum switch has a neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Carrot switch offers a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle tactile experience, while the Plum switch provides a mild and stepped tactile experience. If you prefer a more vibrant and pronounced sound, along with a lively and bouncy tactile feel, the Carrot switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a gentler sound and feel, along with a middle-ground tactile experience, the Plum switch would be a good option. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, and depending on individual preferences, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and bouncy tactile switch with a unique tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. The Carrot switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. Additionally, it provides a bouncy and snappy feel, with a stepped and feathery sensation that reduces finger fatigue. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Kailh Plum switch would be a better option. While the Plum switch feels hefty, it doesn't have a significant tactile bump. It offers a neutral sound profile and a stepped feel. Ultimately, your preference for key weight, tactile experience, and sound profile will determine which switch suits your needs and typing style best.
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