Aflion Carrot vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Carrot and the KTT Semi Mute are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and advantages for different preferences. The Carrot is best known for its fun tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring that provides a bouncy and uniquely satisfying feedback. Additionally, it produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switches, despite their misleading name, offer a completely silent operation, making them perfect for those who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. These linear switches feature advanced dampening technology, providing a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that can make the typing experience enjoyable, 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Semi Mute share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the passage of light. Therefore, users can expect similar sound qualities and aesthetic effects from the polycarbonate top housings of both switches.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housings. The Carrot employs nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Semi Mute utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, aligning with the benefits mentioned earlier, such as a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing materials suggests that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will be impacted differently. The Carrot, with its nylon bottom housing, will provide a deeper and fuller sensation, while the Semi Mute, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, may offer a sharper and more resonant experience when pressing down on the keys.
When it comes to the release or letting go of a key, the sound will be influenced more by the top housing of the switch. As both the Carrot and the Semi Mute feature polycarbonate top housings, users can expect a similar impact on the sound when they release a key. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more crisp and resonant sound, ensuring a consistent auditory experience for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are a few key differences to note. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke with a gentle touch. In contrast, the Semi Mute requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams to register a keypress.
Similarly, when considering the bottom out force, the Carrot has a lighter force of 45 grams, indicating that it requires less pressure to fully press a key. On the other hand, the Semi Mute has a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel.
In terms of weight, the Carrot can be considered lighter than the Semi Mute due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter weight can be advantageous for those who prefer to type for longer periods, making it suitable for work environments or extended gaming sessions.
However, it is important to note that while the forces are different, both switches still provide similar results in terms of functionality. The key difference lies in the preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Those who enjoy a more substantial feel and prefer a stronger push may opt for the KTT Semi Mute with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback, making them suitable for typing or gaming purposes. Whether you prefer the Carrot's tactile feel or the Semi Mute's linear response, both switches ensure a comfortable typing experience without any noticeable difference in travel distance.
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 KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 Carrot switch is best described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. This means that it produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound when pressed, similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch is known for being muted and neutral in sound. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The neutral sound profile makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and can be used at home or in a work environment. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Carrot switch provides a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle typing experience. It offers a uniquely bouncy tactile feedback thanks to its long, two-stage spring. The keys have a lively feel, providing a rebound when pressed. Additionally, the longer or dual-staged springs make the typing experience feel more alive with snappy responsiveness. The switch also has a stepped feel, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a more mild tactile experience. Furthermore, it offers a feathery feel with exceptionally light key presses that require little exertion, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Lastly, the Carrot switch has a subtle resistance and a gentle typing feel, suitable for shared spaces and maintaining a light sound signature.
On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience. The buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It offers a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Carrot and Semi Mute switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for those who enjoy sharp and crisp sounds. The Carrot switch also offers a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle typing feel, providing users with a lively and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch delivers a muted and neutral sound profile, minimizing noise and making it ideal for a noise-free environment. The Semi Mute switch also offers a buttery and mild typing experience, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke. Depending on personal preferences and use cases, both switches can provide satisfying results, offering unique qualities in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a bouncy tactile experience with a light bottom out force, and enjoy a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a noise-free typing experience, especially during late-night sessions, and prefer a linear actuation with advanced dampening technology, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is the way to go. In terms of sound, the Carrot switch is clacky, marbly, and high-pitched, creating a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Meanwhile, the Semi Mute switch is muted and neutral, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular switch. In terms of feel, the Carrot switch is bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle, providing a lively and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch is buttery and mild, offering a smooth and gentle typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch depends on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience.
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