Aflion Carrot vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer two distinct options for keyboard enthusiasts. The Carrot is a tactile switch, renowned for its uniquely bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, users will appreciate its mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making typing a delightfully clacky and satisfying affair. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is a linear switch that boasts an innovative design. Its semi-silent label refers to its whisper-quiet topping-out sound, while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth without being overly polished. Both switches offer their own set of advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can determine the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, resulting in a more defined auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switch design. Thus, the Carrot and the Semi-Silent Linear share similar sound and aesthetic characteristics due to their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Aflion Carrot and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature nylon. Nylon is a popular and traditional choice for switch housing material due to its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Thanks to its softness, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. This creates a distinct auditory experience when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Therefore, the Carrot and the Semi-Silent Linear exhibit similar sound qualities due to their nylon bottom housings.
When comparing the Aflion Carrot and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, it's important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the characteristics and effects of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound emitted when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Carrot and Semi-Silent Linear may share some similarities in sound due to their respective housing materials, the division of housing materials may result in slight differences in the overall auditory experience between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Carrot has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a light touch. In comparison, the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unavailable, so it is uncertain how it compares to the Carrot in this aspect.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams to fully depress the switch, providing a comfortable typing experience without excessive force. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch requires a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, giving a more substantial and sturdy typing feel.
When it comes to weight, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch can be considered lighter in terms of actuation force as well as bottom out force. This lighter weight can be beneficial for individuals who prefer longer typing sessions, such as those using keyboards for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a heavier and more forceful push feel, providing a more robust typing experience for those who prefer it.
In summary, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, which has a medium bottom out force. The actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Carrot switch slightly longer in terms of travel distance. The Carrot switch with its 4 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch with its 3.7 mm travel distance is on the shallower side. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the 4 mm travel distance of the Carrot switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its uniquely bouncy tactile experience. This switch has a long, two-stage spring that provides a lively feel and rebound when pressed. In terms of sound, the Carrot switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. It can be described as clacky, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound. Additionally, the Carrot switch has a marbly sound, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. If you prefer the crisper and brighter sound profiles of certain keyboard switches, the Carrot switch is a good choice.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is highly innovative. It has a semi-silent label because it offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The feel of this switch is described as silky smooth but not over-polished. It provides a mild typing experience, meaning it has a gentle touch and is approachable to most users. The Semi-Silent Linear switch is also snappy, meaning it is super responsive. This responsiveness is due to longer or dual-staged springs, which make the typing experience feel more alive. If you prefer a more gentle typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is a good option.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch has a bouncy and snappy feel with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a silky smooth feel with a mild and snappy sound profile. While they are different, both switches offer unique experiences that can cater to individual preferences. If you prefer a bouncy and lively feel with a sharp and crisp sound, the Carrot switch is a great choice. If you prefer a smooth and gentle typing experience with a subtle sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch will suit your needs. Despite their differences, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for sound and feel. The Carrot offers a bouncy and snappy typing experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. It is best suited for those who enjoy a lively feedback sensation and a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when typing. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more subdued and mild typing experience with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. It is ideal for those who prefer a gentle and responsive typing experience, with a more dampened sound when pressed. Therefore, if you prioritize a bouncy and lively feel with a mid-pitched and firm sound, the Carrot is the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a more subdued and mild feel with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, the Semi-Silent Linear is the better option. Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing needs when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
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