Aflion Carrot vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the SP-Star Polaris Gray 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray, a linear switch. The Carrot switch is best known for providing a uniquely bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Along with this enjoyable feel, users can expect a mid-pitched and firm sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch offers a bouncy typing experience as well, making it suitable for those who prefer that sensation. These switches stand out for their clean and clacky sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and SP-Star Polaris Gray both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice of material creates a similar effect for both switches, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize sound quality. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate also allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. Therefore, both the Carrot and Polaris Gray offer comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their polycarbonate top housing.
Where the Aflion Carrot and SP-Star Polaris Gray differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Carrot utilizes nylon, which lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with its top housing material. This creates a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, with the same sharp and crisp qualities found in the top housing. While the Carrot's nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with its deep sound, the Polaris Gray offers a consistent and resonant sound from top to bottom.
When pressing down on either the Aflion Carrot or the SP-Star Polaris Gray, you will feel the impact of the bottom housing. The bottom-out sound and feel are more influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing material. In the case of the Carrot with its nylon bottom housing, the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a softer and more cushioned bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a crisper and firmer bottom-out feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound profile is more influenced by the qualities of the top housing material. Both the Carrot and Polaris Gray, with their polycarbonate top housing, provide a sharp and resonant sound upon key release, emphasizing the importance of the top housing material in this aspect.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Carrot offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter actuation force allows for a smoother and quicker keystroke, making it desirable for those wanting comfortable and extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Polaris Gray switch presents a medium-heavy feel with an actuation force of unknown grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. While the Carrot provides a lighter option for users seeking longer and more effortless typing sessions, the Polaris Gray switch caters to individuals who enjoy a more robust and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. It is the tactile feedback that one feels while pressing down on a key. In the case of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either of these switches, you will experience the same tactile feedback and travel distance. Therefore, the Aflion Carrot and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches provide similar results in terms of 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 mid-pitched and firm sound profile. It is described as clacky, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, it is also described as marbly, with a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile. It is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate sound profile with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is also described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Overall, the Carrot provides a unique bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, while the Polaris Gray offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. It offers a lively feel with rebound when pressed. It is also described as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive due to its longer or dual-stage spring design. In comparison, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience. It falls in the safe middle-ground zone with qualities that are approachable to most users. It is also described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Carrot offers a bouncy and snappy feel, while the Polaris Gray provides a mild and polished typing experience.
Based on the available information, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Carrot switch provides a fun and bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. It has a unique two-stage spring design that offers a lively and snappy feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch offers a bouncy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. It has a mild and polished feel, providing a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for the desired tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile experience with a light bottom out force, the Aflion Carrot switch is the way to go. Its unique two-stage spring provides a lively rebound when pressed and offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. The Carrot switch is also described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is an excellent choice. These switches provide a clean and clacky sound profile, while also being described as low-pitched, neutral, and thocky. The Polaris Gray switch offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for various typing preferences.
Ultimately, your decision between the Aflion Carrot and SP-Star Polaris Gray switch should be based on your desired typing experience. If you prefer a light and bouncy tactile switch with a unique sound profile, the Carrot switch is a great option. On the other hand, if you want a medium-heavy switch with a clean and clacky sound, the Polaris Gray switch will suit your needs. Consider your personal preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force when choosing between these two switches.
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