Aflion Carrot vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular tactile switches that stand out are the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Silent Brown. The Carrot switch is renowned for its fun and bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Typing on this switch offers a unique sensation that many users find enjoyable. Additionally, the Carrot switch produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, giving it a distinct auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches by TTC provide a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These switches offer a pleasant rounded tactile bump that provides satisfaction while typing. Furthermore, the Silent Brown switches are known for their muted sound profile, making them a great choice for those who prefer quieter keyboards. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Silent Brown, specifically the polycarbonate top housing, share similar characteristics. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, a relatively stiffer plastic, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect comparable sound profiles and visual effects when using either switch.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Carrot and the Silent Brown differ in their choice of material. The Carrot features a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Brown employs the same polycarbonate material found in its top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing could potentially produce a sound profile that is sharper and crisper.

Considering the impact of the different housing materials, it is worth noting that the qualities introduced by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, users can expect variations in the sound characteristics between the Carrot and the Silent Brown, specifically during key presses and releases.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Silent Brown requires a slightly heavier 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Carrot provides a lighter touch, which may be preferable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Brown offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams of force to fully depress the switch, while the Silent Brown demands a medium-heavy 63.5 grams. In terms of typing experience, this indicates that the Silent Brown offers a more solid feel when pressing all the way down compared to the Carrot. Overall, the Carrot is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, providing a gentler touch, while the Silent Brown is medium-heavy, offering a more substantial and pronounced typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Carrot has a longer travel distance of 4 mm while the Silent Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Carrot's 4.0 mm travel distance can be considered more traditional, providing a deeper press that some users may find satisfying. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, appealing to those who prefer a quicker and more responsive keystroke. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - those seeking a deeper and more pronounced keystroke may opt for the Carrot, while those desiring a quicker and more responsive experience may lean towards the Silent Brown.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a unique clacky sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving them a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. Additionally, they have a marbly quality, which means they have a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound, similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound in your mechanical keyboard, the Carrot switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches have a muted sound profile. These switches are designed to produce a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Silent Brown switches would be the better option.

When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy and snappy typing experience. The long, two-stage spring in these switches provides users with a uniquely elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Carrot switches are described as stepped switches, meaning they have two stages in their tactile feedback. This mild tactile feel allows for some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a more subtle tactile experience. Moreover, the Carrot switch has a feathery quality, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little effort from your fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches offer a buttery and mild typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Silent Brown switches have a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a lighter and more bouncy typing experience, the Carrot switch is a great choice. If you prefer a smoother and more polished typing experience, the Silent Brown switches would be a better fit.

In summary, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. It also offers a bouncy, snappy, and feathery feel, giving users a lively and light typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch has a muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. It provides a buttery and mild feel, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences regarding sound and feel. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with a bouncy and feathery feel, the Carrot switch is the way to go. If you prefer a quieter sound with a smoother and more polished feel, the Silent Brown switch would be the better option.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you prefer a light and bouncy tactile switch with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot would be the ideal choice for you. The Carrot offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience and a clacky or marbly sound profile. Additionally, it provides a snappy and feathery feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. However, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown would be more suitable. The Silent Brown offers a satisfying rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile, which minimizes noise. It provides a buttery and mild feel, ensuring a smooth and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Carrot and the Silent Brown depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn more