Aflion Carrot vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, and two popular options are the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the Huano Sakura, a linear switch. The Carrot is celebrated for its unique and bouncy tactile experience, characterized by a long, two-stage spring that creates a mid-pitched, firm sound profile. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing, enhancing the overall engagement and enjoyment of the typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura switch offers a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions, where comfort and ease of use are paramount. While the Carrot excels in providing tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction, the Sakura prioritizes a smooth and effortless experience, ideal for those who may be typing for hours on end. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

Huano Sakura Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Aflion Carrot and Huano Sakura both feature distinctive top housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Carrot’s polycarbonate top housing is lauded for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound that enhances the overall clarity of the keystrokes. This is largely due to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, which enables it to resonate more effectively, especially in setups where RGB lighting is utilized, given its translucent quality. In contrast, the Sakura utilizes POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which may not achieve the same level of clarity as polycarbonate but excels in smoothness and durability. The slightly higher coefficient of friction of POK makes for a velvety typing experience, although it produces a sound profile that some might consider clackier rather than outright crisp.

When examining the bottom housing of both switches, there is notable alignment in their material choice, as both are crafted from nylon. This classic switch housing material is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, which enhances the overall acoustic experience. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounded tonal quality that contrasts with the sharper characteristics of the Carrot's polycarbonate top. Despite the differences in their upper housings, the nylon bottom for both the Carrot and Sakura plays a crucial role in shaping the bottom-out feel and sound, serving as a unifying factor in their audio output.

Ultimately, while the Aflion Carrot and Huano Sakura exhibit distinct properties due to their different top housing materials, they find common ground in their nylon bottom housings. This allows for a balanced sound experience, wherein the higher-frequency contributions of the Carrot’s polycarbonate top are complemented by the rounded, absorbing qualities of nylon from both switches. Users can expect similar results in terms of sound depth and fullness due to the nylon bottom housing, ensuring a satisfying tactile and auditory experience, regardless of the top material’s characteristics. As a result, while each switch offers a unique typing feel and sound signature, the durability and resonance afforded by both top and bottom housings provide a cohesive switching experience.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch to the Huano Sakura linear switch, we find some interesting similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Sakura is slightly lighter at 35 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams, which signifies that regardless of the actuation difference, both switches offer a consistent end stop when fully pressed. This means users can expect a similar experience in terms of bottoming out. For those who favor lighter switches for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Sakura would be the preferred option due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, users who appreciate a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Carrot, despite its relatively minor push weight. Overall, while both switches are categorized as light, the Huano Sakura offers an even lighter actuation, making it a finer choice for those who prioritize ease of keystroke actuation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch to the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sakura offers a shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Carrot is designed to provide a more pronounced and tactile feedback with its longer travel distance, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial keypress experience. On the other hand, the Sakura's shorter travel distance is ideal for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more rapid actuation, though it may feel less intuitive for those who prefer the depth of a longer switch. Thus, if you're after deeper engagement and feedback, the Carrot would be the better choice, while the Sakura caters to those who prioritize speed and efficiency.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profiles of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch differ notably, affecting the typing experience in distinct ways. The Carrot provides a mid-pitched sound that is both clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that can be quite pronounced during typing. This characteristic contributes to a lively atmosphere, especially if you enjoy the percussive, bright sounds. In contrast, while specifics about the Sakura's sound aren’t detailed, it is mentioned to have medium acoustics, suggesting a more subdued and softer sound compared to the Carrot. If you prefer a quieter typing experience that is less intrusive in office environments or shared spaces, the Sakura may be more appealing.

When it comes to feel, the Carrot shines with its unique long, two-stage spring design. This results in a bouncy and snappy typing experience, as users can expect a spring-like sensation that not only feels responsive but offers an engaging tactile feedback with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. The tactile bump of the Carrot enhances the overall engagement in each keystroke, making typing feel more alive and dynamic. In contrast, the Sakura switch is described as feather-light, catering to those who favor an effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. Its light actuation force is ideal for lengthy sessions, making it comfortable for various activities, though it might not provide the same tactile feedback as the Carrot.

In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch each present unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Carrot’s clacky sound and bouncy feel create an energetic typing experience that many enthusiasts may enjoy, while the Sakura’s feather-light touch with medium acoustics offers a more subdued option that prioritizes comfort during extended use. If you're looking for a lively and tactile feedback experience, the Carrot is the way to go, but if a quieter, lighter touch is your preference for prolonged typing, you might find the Sakura more suitable. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value auditory feedback and tactile response or a lighter, more muted experience in your mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that offers a lively and engaging typing experience with a distinctive tactile feedback, the Carrot would be an excellent choice. Its bouncy feel and snappy responsiveness are perfect for those who enjoy a playful typing experience, making it ideal for both gaming and rapid typing tasks. Moreover, the clacky sound profile adds a satisfying auditory element, which can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a light and smooth keystroke for longer typing sessions, the Huano Sakura linear switch may be more suitable for you. Its feather-light touch is designed specifically for comfort during extended use, reducing finger fatigue significantly. With its moderate acoustics, the Sakura is also a fantastic choice if you need a quieter option that won't disrupt your surroundings, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value tactile feedback and sound or if you prefer a smooth and comfortable experience for long typing sessions.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more