Aflion Carrot vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Silent Frozen. While they both offer distinct features, they cater to different preferences. The Carrot, a tactile switch, is best known for its uniquely bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Along with this enjoyable feedback, it also produces a firm, mid-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen, a linear switch, stands out for its extreme quietness and smoothness. The switch provides a pillowy type feel while typing, and its sound profile is characterized as low-pitched and creamy. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and TTC Silent Frozen both use polycarbonate in their top housing, which results 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 makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Similarly, the Silent Frozen also utilizes polycarbonate in its top housing, providing the same benefits in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
However, the housing materials for the bottom of the switches differ between the Carrot and Silent Frozen. The Carrot features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen utilizes polycarbonate in its bottom housing, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This disparity in the bottom housing materials gives each switch its unique sound when pressed down.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Thus, users can expect different characteristics when engaging and disengaging keys on both the Aflion Carrot and TTC Silent Frozen, despite the similarities in their top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, with the Carrot requiring 37 grams and the Silent Frozen requiring 39 grams. This means that users will experience a relatively light touch when triggering a keystroke on both switches. Similarly, their bottom out forces are also light, with the Carrot requiring 45 grams and the Silent Frozen requiring 43 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, users will still experience a relatively light resistance.
In terms of weight, both switches can provide advantages depending on individual preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may benefit from the Carrot switch as it requires slightly less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This can be particularly useful for those who need to type for extended periods, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Frozen switch. Although the difference in forces between the two switches is minimal, this slight variance could still be noticeable for those seeking a slightly heavier resistance.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches provide a relatively light touch for typing, making them suitable for extended use. However, the Silent Frozen switch may offer a slightly heavier resistance compared to the Carrot switch, catering to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch have different travel distances. The Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Frozen has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Carrot's travel distance is 0.5 mm longer than the Silent Frozen.
Typically, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm in the Silent Frozen switch may be more suitable for you.
On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer a deeper key press. In this case, the Carrot switch with its longer travel distance of 4 mm would be a better option. It provides a more satisfying depth to each key press.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for heightened responsiveness, the Silent Frozen would be the way to go. Conversely, if you enjoy a deeper key press, the Carrot with its longer travel distance would be more suitable.
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 TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, the Carrot switch is described as having a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. It can be described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound. Additionally, it is also described as marbly, which means it has a resonant and high-pitched sound, similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is known for being extremely quiet and muted. It produces a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is also described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. The Silent Frozen switch has a low-pitched and bass-heavy tone.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The Carrot switch is also described as snappy and stepped, meaning it is super responsive and has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is considered feathery, exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions. Furthermore, it is described as having a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel without being too feather-light. This switch is suitable for shared spaces as it provides a gentle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature.
The TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, in terms of feel, is described as creamy and buttery. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. It provides a seamless and uniform typing sensation, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Similar to the Carrot switch, the Silent Frozen switch is also considered feathery, requiring little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue, and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. It is also described as subtle, having a gentle resistance that is not too heavy but still maintains a light typing feel. The Silent Frozen switch is also mentioned to be polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Carrot switch is known for its bouncy tactile experience, mid-pitched and firm sound profile, and various feel descriptors such as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile, smooth and buttery feel, and descriptors like thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished. While the Carrot switch provides a more tactile experience with a distinctive sound, the Silent Frozen switch focuses on delivering a smooth and quiet typing experience. Depending on personal preference, these switches can provide similar results in terms of certain qualities such as being feathery and subtle.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile switch with a unique two-stage spring and a firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a light and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent sound profile and a super smooth, pillowy feel, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, it is also a light switch that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prefer the clacky and high-pitched sound of the Carrot or the thocky and muted sound of the Silent Frozen, as well as the bouncy and snappy feel of the Carrot or the creamy and polished feel of the Silent Frozen. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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