Aflion Carrot vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Red Panda. The Carrot exemplifies a fun tactile switch with its long, two-stage spring that provides users with a uniquely bouncy tactile experience. Additionally, this switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making it quite clacky and marbly. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility and a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound. Its top-out sound is clackier and higher-pitched, creating a distinctive typing experience. While these general descriptions may help in guiding your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Red Panda share similar housing materials for both their top and bottom sections. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Similarly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and contributes to a duller and rounder sound.
While the housing materials for the top and bottom sections are the same for both switches, it's important to note that their impact and influence differ. When pressing down on either the Aflion Carrot or the Outemu Red Panda, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be felt, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the top housing, which is made of polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the sound emitted when releasing a key. Therefore, while the materials may be the same, the specific sound and feel characteristics will vary depending on which part of the switch is being engaged.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Red Panda share similar housing materials in terms of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. This results in a comparable sound profile for both switches, with the polycarbonate top creating a sharp and resonant sound, and the nylon bottom producing a deeper and fuller sound. However, the impact of these housing materials differs, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater effect on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality, with minor variations depending on the specific housing section engaged.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it becomes evident that they offer different experiences. The Carrot, with its actuation force of 37 grams and bottom out force of 45 grams, provides a lighter touch. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a keyboard that allows them to type for longer periods or engage in marathon gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. In contrast, the Red Panda offers a slightly heavier feel with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, falling into the medium range. For individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and desire a stronger push feel, the Red Panda would be a suitable choice. Although the forces of both switches differ, they cater to different preferences, offering users a range of options to suit their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have different travel distances. The Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Red Panda has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Red Panda switch for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt and prefer the 4 mm travel distance of the Carrot switch for a more satisfying key press. In summary, the Carrot switch has a longer travel distance, while the Red Panda switch has a shorter travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for responsiveness or depth.
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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is best described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a sharp, snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the sound profile of the Carrot switch is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is known for its thocky sound. This means that when you type on these switches, you'll experience a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, like a deep "thud" or a soft "knock".
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle typing experience. The switch has a unique bouncy tactile feedback due to its long, two-stage spring, providing users with a lively and rebounding sensation when pressing the keys. The longer or dual-staged springs also make these switches super responsive, giving the typing experience a more alive feel. Additionally, the Carrot switch feels more mild in comparison to hypertactile switches, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel that adds to the overall feel. Furthermore, the Carrot switch requires little exertion from your fingers, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions and reducing finger fatigue. It has a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel, and its sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provides a more mild typing experience. It offers a gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, falling into a safe middle-ground zone. This means that the sound and feel of the Red Panda switch will be approachable to most users, without any extreme qualities.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and Outemu Red Panda tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle feel. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch produces a thocky sound and provides a mild typing experience. Based on this information, if you prefer a sharper, clean sound with a bouncy and responsive feel, the Carrot switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a deep and satisfying sound with a gentler and more approachable typing experience, the Red Panda switch would be a better fit. Remember that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a feathery and subtle feel that reduces finger fatigue and is comfortable for extended typing sessions. 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 light-medium tactility alongside a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is the way to go. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a mild and approachable typing experience that appeals to most users. The Red Panda switch is described as thocky, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot and Outemu Red Panda switches depends on your preferences for tactility, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a bouncy and feathery switch with a unique sound profile or a mild and approachable switch with a satisfying thocky sound. Both switches offer their own distinct characteristics, so it's important to test them out and determine which one suits your typing style and preferences the best.
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