Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and Gateron Quinn are two popular options to consider. The Carrot is renowned for its fun tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring that provides a uniquely bouncy feel. Additionally, it offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the Quinn switches offer a distinct combination of crisp and light switch-like tactility, along with a deep and resonant sound profile, thanks to their specially designed nylon housings. Each keystroke on the Quinn switches immerses users in a rich and immersive sound, adding a touch of character to the typing experience. The tactile bump on the Quinn switches is precise, clean, and crisp. Both switches have their own unique qualities and choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and desired typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Quinn have different materials used in their top and bottom housings. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Quinn produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Therefore, the Carrot will provide a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Quinn will offer a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing has an advantage if you plan to use RGB lighting. This is because polycarbonate is translucent, allowing the RGB lighting to shine through and create visually appealing effects. The Quinn, with its nylon top housing, may not offer the same translucent effect. However, both switches still have top housings made of different materials that will impact the sound when you let go of a key. Therefore, in terms of sound and feel upon release, the Carrot and the Quinn will have distinct differences.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Carrot and the Quinn have nylon bottom housings. Since the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the use of nylon in both switches will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, making it ideal for creating a more rounded sound. Therefore, despite the difference in their top housings, both the Carrot and the Quinn will provide a similar experience in terms of the sound and feel when pressing down keys.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Quinn differ in their top housing materials, with the Carrot featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Quinn utilizing a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Quinn produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the Carrot and the Quinn will depend on the desired sound characteristics and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Quinn's heavier actuation force of 59 grams. This means that the Carrot requires less force to trigger a keystroke, providing a lighter and potentially faster typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Carrot has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Quinn has a bottom out force of 67 grams. This indicates that the Carrot requires less force to fully press down the keys compared to the Quinn, giving a softer and potentially more comfortable typing feel.
The difference in weight between the two switches is worth considering based on individual preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Carrot more suitable, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for professional settings or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Quinn with its heavier actuation and bottom out force options.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot offers a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Quinn, providing a softer and potentially faster typing experience. However, it's important to select the switch that aligns with individual preferences, taking into account the desired level of force required and the comfort level during extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a traditional distance for switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Quinn switch more suitable for gamers who prioritize faster response times, as the shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a switch with a more substantial depth or a smoother keystroke, the Aflion Carrot switch with its longer travel distance would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Carrot switch is known for its mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp, crisp, and bright sound. On the other hand, the Quinn switch offers a deep, resonant sound profile described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant. This results in a sound with a lower frequency range and a clean, sharp quality. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that add character to the typing experience, but they differ in terms of pitch and resonance.
In terms of feel, both switches offer desirable tactile feedback. The Carrot switch is described as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. This means that it provides a lively and spring-like sensation, with a responsive and elastic feedback. It also offers a light and comfortable typing feel that reduces finger fatigue. The Quinn switch, on the other hand, is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. This indicates that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. It also provides a spring-like feedback and a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, it offers a buttery and creamy typing sensation, with seamless and effortless keystrokes. Both switches offer a variety of desirable tactile qualities, providing a satisfying and comfortable typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch each have their own unique qualities. The Carrot switch offers a bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, while the Quinn switch offers a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a deep and resonant sound profile. Both switches provide satisfying and unique typing experiences, but they differ in terms of sound pitch and richness. If you prefer a higher-pitched and bouncy tactile switch with a clacky sound, the Carrot switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a crisp and light tactility, along with a deep and resonant sound profile, the Quinn switch would be a suitable option. Overall, both switches offer pleasant and enjoyable typing experiences, allowing users to find their preferred combination 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 would be a great choice for you. It offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. The Carrot also provides a bouncy and snappy feel, making each keystroke feel lively and spring-like. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn is a recommended option. It offers a crisp, light switch-like tactility, accompanied by a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. The Quinn is described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant in terms of sound. In terms of feel, it is snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot and Gateron Quinn depends on your preference for key weight, sound profile, and typing feel.
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