Aflion Carrot vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of tactile and linear options, such as the Aflion Carrot and the Akko Rosewood. The Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its unique bouncy feel, thanks to a long, two-stage spring that delivers a snappy tactile feedback. Users enjoy a mid-pitched sound profile that is both clacky and feathery, making it an engaging choice for typing and gaming alike. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood represents the linear switch category, revered for its deep, thocky sound, which is further enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This switch excels in providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience without the tactile bumps. Each switch caters to distinct preferences; the Carrot for those who enjoy tactile feedback and a responsive sound, and the Rosewood for those who favor a seamless, satisfying 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

Aflion Carrot Tactile

Akko Rosewood Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Akko Rosewood, it becomes evident that they cater to distinct auditory experiences dictated by their respective materials. The Carrot's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is beneficial for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing, as the polycarbonate's translucency also harmonizes beautifully with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. In contrast, the Rosewood features a nylon top housing that is softer and more sound-absorbing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material choice lends itself to a more subdued auditory experience, appealing to those who prefer a less aggressive sound while typing.

Interestingly, both the Aflion Carrot and the Akko Rosewood utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a commonality in how each switch responds in terms of sound. Nylon’s propensity to absorb sound ensures that the typing experience remains consistent across both keyboards' bottoms, leading to a duller and rounder bottom-out sound. This means that regardless of the materials used for the top housing, users can expect a similar auditory depth when the key is fully pressed down. Therefore, both keyboards provide a blend of sound characteristics influenced by their materials, but the Carrot and Rosewood will diverge in experience depending on whether the user values a sharper sound or a fuller one.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in both keyboards suggests a complex interplay in sound and feel. Since the impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced in the typing experience, the nylon used in both the Carrot's and Rosewood's bottom housings ensures a consistency that complements their unique top housing sounds. This means that while the Carrot may offer a crisp and bright auditory response when keys are released, the full timbre from the nylon bottom housing promotes a rich typing experience across both models. Therefore, users can expect to enjoy a textured blend of sonic characteristics, even as they navigate the differences brought forth by the contrasting materials of silicon and polycarbonate in the top housings.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch to the Akko Rosewood linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, but with slight differences. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option of the two. In contrast, the Rosewood switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches are designed for users who prefer a lighter feel, those who choose the Carrot will experience a marginally easier keystroke with less resistance. For individuals seeking a heavier typing experience, the Rosewood may be more appealing despite both switches being categorized as light. Ultimately, the differences in force can affect typing endurance and comfort during prolonged use, further guiding users in their selection based on personal preference.

Travel distance

Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. This similarity means that users will experience the same depth of keypress when using either switch, likely resulting in comparable feedback and responsiveness during typing. Consequently, those who prefer either switch can expect similar results when it comes to the feel and actuation point of their key presses, thus making them interchangeable for users who prioritize a consistent travel experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the Carrot produces a mid-pitched, firm sound that is often characterized as clacky and high-pitched. This means that when you type on a Carrot switch, you can expect a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that makes each keystroke feel more pronounced. In contrast, the Rosewood excels in delivering a deep, thocky sound, thanks to its factory-applied lubricant, providing a satisfying auditory experience that feels rich and mellow. Thus, while the Carrot has a crisper and brighter sound profile, the Rosewood delivers a more resonant thock, showcasing a distinct difference in their acoustic qualities.

In terms of feel, the Carrot tactile switch is notably recognized for its bouncy and snappy feedback. The long, two-stage spring design enhances this lively experience, giving users a distinct rebound when pressed. The tactile nature of the Carrot can also be characterized as having a stepped feel, which allows for a more nuanced tactile feedback as you engage the key. Additionally, the Carrot has a feathery aspect, making it light to press, which can help reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Rosewood linear switch does not have a described tactile feedback, which typically means that it provides a smoother keystroke without the tactile bump. This difference results in the Carrot offering a much more engaging and dynamic typing experience compared to the rather unassuming feel of the Rosewood.

Analyzing the available information on both switches reveals distinct preferences for potential users. If you prefer an engaging, tactile experience with a lively sound signature, the Carrot will be an excellent choice. It offers both a responsive, bouncy feel and a sharp auditory feedback. Meanwhile, if you're in search of a quieter and more subdued typing experience, the deep thock of the Rosewood would cater to that need with its smooth linear progression. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you value tactile feedback and liveliness or a more muted and smooth experience in your mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you’re seeking. If you enjoy a lively and playful typing experience, the Carrot switch, with its bouncy feel and mid-pitched clacky sound, is an excellent choice. It shines in scenarios where you need a bit of feedback and responsiveness, making it suitable for both casual use and fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more subdued typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound, the Rosewood linear switch could be your best bet. The slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams provides a more solid feel, ideal for those who value consistency and a deeper auditory feedback during longer typing sessions. Ultimately, consider the environment in which you're typing and the tactile experience you desire, as both switches cater to different sensations and sound profiles for varied preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more