Aflion Carrot vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Purple Star stand out as top contenders, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Carrot stands out as a tactile switch, known for its bouncy tactile experience due to its long, two-stage spring. It also offers a mid-pitched sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a clacky and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star is a linear switch constructed entirely out of POM, providing a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature. With a very light 45g bottom-out force, it is an excellent choice for light typists seeking comfort and ease of use. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and KTT Purple Star both use polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharp and clear sound profile. However, the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing is described as creating a higher-pitched and crisper sound, while the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profile can be attributed to the different properties of polycarbonate and POM, with polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic and POM being softer. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound experiences as a result of their distinct top housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Carrot features a nylon bottom housing which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Purple Star also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, offering a similarly deep and muted sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both switches provide a pleasing sound experience that resonates with users who appreciate a deeper and rounder sound profile. The nylon and POM bottom housings enhance the overall typing experience by absorbing more sound and creating a duller sound compared to harder plastics.
The split between top and bottom housing materials in these switches affects the overall sound and feel when typing. The qualities of the bottom housing material have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. This split allows for a more nuanced typing experience, where users can appreciate the differences in sound and feel depending on which part of the switch they are interacting with. Both the Aflion Carrot and KTT Purple Star offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a softer touch when typing. Those who enjoy longer typing sessions or gaming sessions may appreciate the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of these switches. However, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel may find that the Purple Star provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for each keystroke.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Purple Star has a shorter travel distance compared to the Carrot. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who prefer a quicker response time, the Purple Star may be the better choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a deeper press and feel that shorter distances are too abrupt, the Carrot with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference 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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as both clacky and marbly, offering a sharp and snappy sound with a resonant and clean quality. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is characterized as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. These qualities contribute to a typing experience that is lively, responsive, multi-staged, light to press, and gentle in resistance. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is described as mild and easy-to-press, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal force required for activation. Both switches offer qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel, whether it be for a more lively and bouncy sensation or a smoother and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Carrot switch provides a bouncier, snappier typing experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Purple Star switch offers a smoother, easier-to-press feel paired with a low-pitched sound. Depending on your preferences for typing experience and sound, both switches can provide a unique and satisfying mechanical keyboarding experience that caters to different needs and desires. Ultimately, trying out both switches will give you a better understanding of which one suits your style best in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy and snappy tactile feel with a mid-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light and easy-to-press linear switch that offers a mild and gentle typing feel, the Purple Star switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound profile or smoothness and ease of typing.
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