Aflion Carrot vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between tactile and linear options based on their preference for feedback and sound. The Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, is designed for users who enjoy a playful typing experience, characterized by its long, two-stage spring that delivers a unique bouncy feel along with a mid-pitched, firm sound profile. This switch is particularly appealing to those who like a pronounced tactile bump, making it satisfying for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll offers a contrasting experience with its linear switch design, featuring a Y3 stem that guarantees smooth key travel devoid of the clicky feedback typical in tactile switches. This switch is perfect for users seeking a quieter typing experience with a focus on fluid, uninterrupted keystrokes, ideal for extensive typing sessions or late-night gaming. While both switches cater to different preferences in feedback and sound, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your keyboard experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Ragdoll switches, one immediately notices a stark contrast in top housing materials. The Aflion Carrot utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity enhances the resonance of the sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a distinctly bright audio feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll features a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This material choice results in a sound that is more muted and rounded, appealing to users who enjoy a softer auditory experience. Thus, while both switches have unique characteristics in their top housings that cater to different preferences, their structural materials play a pivotal role in shaping the sound produced.
Interestingly, when we examine the bottom housing of both switches, we find a unifying factor. Both the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Ragdoll switches employ nylon for their bottom housing. As a result, this component will produce a darker, fuller sound profile for both, as nylon’s properties allow it to absorb sound and produce a softer auditory experience when bottoming out. This shared bottom housing material contributes to a more grounded and satisfying feel during key presses, ensuring that regardless of the differing top housing materials, both switches deliver an enhanced tactile experience with a consistent sound quality during key actions.
In conclusion, the distinctiveness in sound profiles can be traced to the contrasting top housing materials, while both switches share similarities in their bottom housings, offering a balanced auditory experience. Users seeking a bright, crisp sound will likely prefer the Aflion Carrot, while those who enjoy a deeper, more rounded audio experience may gravitate towards the Bsun Ragdoll. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that users will experience a complementary fullness and depth when typing. This hybrid design allows an interesting interplay between different sound profiles, proving that material combinations can effectively deliver diverse auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we notice distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, particularly beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ragdoll switch has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, which provides a slightly heavier feel. This difference in actuation force suggests that the Carrot switch may be more comfortable for those who prioritize ease of use, while the Ragdoll could appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Carrot is the lighter option, whereas the Ragdoll is heavier, and this distinction can help users choose based on their preferences for typing fatigue and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, it’s clear that the Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ragdoll measures 3.8 mm. This difference means that the Carrot provides a slightly longer travel distance, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. In contrast, the Ragdoll, with its shorter 3.8 mm travel distance, caters to those who may prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference; if you favor a more pronounced feedback and depth in your keystrokes, the Aflion Carrot would be the better option. However, if you lean towards a snappy and efficient typing experience, the Bsun Ragdoll would suit you well.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 switch offers a mid-pitched, firm profile characterized as clacky and high-pitched, making it crisp and bright when pressed. This results in a sharp and percussive auditory feedback that can be quite satisfying, especially for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is known for its clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, but specific descriptors for its sound profile were not provided. Nevertheless, both switches can be expected to produce engaging sounds, with the Carrot’s unique clarity adding to its appeal.
When considering the tactile feel, the Carrot switch stands out with its bouncy and snappy characteristics, providing a lively and responsive typing experience. Its long, two-stage spring contributes to this, offering a delightful rebound effect that can enhance the overall typing pleasure. Additionally, the stepped feel allows users to notice different stages during activation, making it a versatile option for various typing preferences. In contrast, the feel characteristics of the Ragdoll are not detailed, leaving its tactile feedback unknown. However, generally, linear switches tend to offer smooth keystrokes without pronounced feedback, which could cater to those who prefer a quieter and more fluid experience.
Overall, both the Aflion Carrot and Bsun Ragdoll switches have their unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Carrot’s engaging sound and lively tactile feedback make it an attractive option for those who enjoy a dynamic typing experience. While the Ragdoll's characteristics remain somewhat ambiguous, it could still provide a pleasing experience for users who prefer linear switches. Ultimately, if you appreciate the lively, bouncy feedback of a tactile switch, the Carrot is likely the better choice; however, if you lean toward a different feeling or sound, exploring the Ragdoll may still yield enjoyable results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch largely boils down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a lively and engaging typing experience, the Carrot is an excellent choice, thanks to its light bottom-out force of 45 grams and its unique two-stage spring that provides both a bouncy feel and an exciting tactile response. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a sharp, clacky sound profile and typists who often type quickly, as the Carrot allows for a snappy feedback that keeps your fingers energized during extended sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, more consistent keystroke that still maintains a pleasant sound, the Bsun Ragdoll, with its medium-light actuation force of 52 grams, might be your best bet. Its linear design ensures a quiet typing experience, ideal for shared environments, and its Y3 stem is known for providing exceptionally smooth travel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value tactile feedback and sound over a softer linear experience. By considering these factors, you'll be well-equipped to choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment.
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