Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. These switches offer distinct experiences, making them suitable for different preferences and environments. The Carrot is a tactile switch, known for its bouncy and tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. It also provides a firm sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is a linear switch that has been silenced, making it perfect for quieter typing environments. It offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, creating a more subdued and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in their housing materials. The Carrot utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. Both materials contribute to creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. However, the Carrot's polycarbonate is known for its stiffer nature, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Both materials are suitable for switches with clear housings, making them compatible with RGB lighting setups.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Carrot employs a nylon material, whereas the Silent Ink Black incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend. Typing on the Carrot's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend bottom housing contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile.

It is important to note that the characteristics of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the overall experience and sound produced by the Carrot and the Silent Ink Black will vary due to their distinct housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Carrot switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke and reach the bottom, providing a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel due to its heavier forces. If a lighter switch is preferred for longer typing sessions or for gaming, the Carrot would be a suitable choice. However, those who prefer a more forceful and substantial feel while typing may find the Silent Ink Black more satisfying. In either case, the actuation force and bottom out force of each switch are different, providing distinct typing experiences for the user.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience, as it determines the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, when using either of these switches, you can expect a similar sensation and feedback as you press down on the keys. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with a travel distance that remains constant throughout. Thus, there is no significant difference in the travel distance between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its unique bouncy tactile experience. This switch produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, which can be described as clacky and somewhat marbly. The sound is sharp, snappy, and crisp, offering a distinctive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is designed to minimize noise, making it ideal for quiet environments. It offers a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is described as bouncy, snappy, and stepped. It provides a lively and spring-like feedback sensation, with a rebound effect when pressed. The keys feel responsive and alive due to its longer, two-stage spring design. Additionally, the Carrot switch has a feathery and subtle feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions and suitable for shared spaces.

Alternatively, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a silky and polished feel. It provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch's smooth and refined finish, as well as potential factory lubing, result in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Carrot switch has a bouncy and snappy feel, with a distinct sound profile that can be described as clacky and somewhat marbly. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel, with minimal audio feedback. While they serve different preferences, if a user prefers a tactile switch with a unique bouncy feel, they can expect a similar result with the Carrot switch. Similarly, if a user prefers a smooth and quiet linear switch, they can expect a similar result with the Silent Ink Black switch.

Conclusion

In closing, if you're looking for a fun tactile switch with a light bottom out force, the Aflion Carrot is the way to go. Its long, two-stage spring provides a bouncy tactile experience and a mid-pitched, firm sound profile. On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is the ideal choice. With its cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this silenced version of the Ink Black switch is perfect for environments that require less noise. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel, as the Carrot offers a clacky and marbly sound, and a bouncy, snappy feel, while the Silent Ink Black provides a muted sound and a silky, polished feel. Consider your typing preferences and the environment you'll be in, and choose the switch that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more