Aflion Carrot vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the SP-Star Polaris Purple are both popular choices among enthusiasts. The Carrot is best known for its unique tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring that offers a bouncy sensation while typing. Along with this bounciness, users can expect a mid-pitched and firm sound profile that adds an extra layer of satisfaction to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple stands out for its exhilarating tactile bump, which provides a satisfying and responsive typing experience. The switch emits a snappy sound profile, enhancing the overall experience. While the Carrot offers a range of tactile qualities like being clacky, marbly, and high-pitched, the Polaris Purple is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished. Both switches have their own unique selling points, and depending on your preferences, you may be drawn to either one. However, let's dig into the details a bit more so you can make an informed decision on which switch is the best fit for you.
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 the SP-Star Polaris Purple both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Thus, both the Carrot and the Polaris Purple offer a clear and resonant sound experience when typing, especially on the release of a key.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Carrot features a nylon bottom housing, while the Polaris Purple utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches that use a nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Carrot and Polaris Purple not only affects the sound but also the aesthetics, especially when utilizing RGB lighting. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, creating a clear and resonant sound profile. However, the Carrot's nylon bottom housing leads to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. The combination of different housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience, emphasizing different aspects of the sound and feel in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we can see some key differences. The Carrot has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less effort. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's actuation force is unavailable, which means we can't compare it directly to the Carrot. However, the Carrot's bottom out force of 45 grams is lighter than the Polaris Purple's 67 grams, which indicates that the Carrot provides a gentler typing experience when pressing all the way down.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Carrot would be the more suitable option as it requires a lighter force to trigger keystrokes and less force to bottom out. This can be beneficial for individuals who spend long hours typing, such as those who use a keyboard at work or engage in extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Polaris Purple offers a medium-heavy bottom out force, which may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push.
Overall, the Carrot switch offers a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Polaris Purple. However, it's important to note that without the information on the actuation force of the Polaris Purple, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Nevertheless, for those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Carrot switch is a suitable choice.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key, both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. So, whether you choose the Carrot or the Polaris Purple, you can expect to feel a consistent and satisfying keypress with the same 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 Purple 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 Purple 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 Carrot tactile switch is best described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This unique sound profile adds a lively and energetic aspect to the typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Polaris Purple tactile switch is described as neutral. It has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using the keyboard at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle typing experience. The long, two-stage spring of the Carrot switch provides a uniquely bouncy tactile feedback that gives a spring-like or elastic sensation to the keys. This switch also has a snappy and responsive feel, thanks to the longer or dual-staged springs that make the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the stepped design of the Carrot switch provides some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the tactile feedback. The feathery light actuation force of the Carrot switch reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Finally, the subtle resistance of the Carrot switch offers a gentle typing feel without being overly featherlight, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In comparison, the Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. It provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of the Polaris Purple switch are approachable to most users as its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Polaris Purple switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This could be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
Overall, the Carrot tactile switch offers a fun and bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. It provides a unique typing experience with its long, two-stage spring and offers a range of subjective qualities such as bounciness, snappiness, and subtlety. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a big tactile bump that provides an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. While the two switches differ in their subjective qualities, they both offer satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences. For users looking for a lively and bouncy experience, the Carrot switch is recommended, while users seeking a more moderate and polished typing experience may prefer the Polaris Purple switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a light and bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is the way to go. The Carrot's long, two-stage spring offers a uniquely fun typing experience, complemented by its lively and rebounding feel. Additionally, the Carrot provides a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, adding to the overall enjoyment of typing on this switch.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more moderate actuation force and a snappy tactile bump, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is a great choice. Its exhilarating typing experience, characterized by a big tactile bump, offers a satisfying feeling while typing. The Polaris Purple also provides a more neutral sound profile, which is suitable for various settings and preferences.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel and sound. If you enjoy a bouncy, lively feel and a sharper sound, the Carrot is the switch for you. If you prefer a more moderate feel with a snappy bump and a neutral sound, the Polaris Purple is worth considering. Consider your typing style, environment, and personal preferences when choosing between these two switches.
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