Aflion Carrot vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer unique experiences for users. The Aflion Carrot is a tactile switch known for its bouncy tactile experience provided by its long, two-stage spring. This switch also offers a firm and mid-pitched sound profile, making it a favorite among users who enjoy a clacky and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is a linear switch designed specifically for gamers, offering smooth keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound. With a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, this switch is ideal for scenarios where speed is paramount. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetics of the switches. Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials result in variations in sound profiles.
While both the Carrot and the V3 Silver Pro feature a nylon bottom housing, the impact of this material choice is felt in the deeper and fuller sound profile created when typing on the switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience where the qualities of each material contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Akko V3 Silver Pro play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, the nylon bottom housings bring a deeper and fuller sound profile to the typing experience. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on switch performance allows users to choose a switch that best suits their preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a light actuation force and bottom out force. The Carrot has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 40 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to press the keys all the way down. The lighter actuation force of the Carrot may be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the V3 Silver Pro's slightly heavier actuation force may cater to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Carrot offers a more traditional travel distance, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a slightly shallower experience. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial depth feeling when typing may appreciate the longer travel distance of the Carrot. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so it ultimately depends on individual preference for which one would be the better choice.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, offering users a sharp, snappy, and resonant sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is described as producing a high-pitched sound, sharp and crisp with each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Carrot being more on the bouncy and mid-pitched side, while the V3 Silver Pro leans towards a bassy and high-pitched sound. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is best known for its bouncy and snappy feedback, providing users with a lively and responsive typing experience. The keys offer a rebound effect when pressed, giving a tactile yet smooth feel to each keystroke. The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, on the other hand, is described as easy-to-press and creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. Both switches provide a unique feel, with the Carrot offering a bouncy and stepped sensation while the V3 Silver Pro delivers a silky and polished typing experience. Whether you prefer a lively bounce or a smooth glide, both switches cater to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Carrot provides a bouncy, snappy sound and feel, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a high-pitched and easy-to-press experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches promise a unique and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards will find their desired tactile or linear switch option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Carrot tactile switch or the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is important to keep in mind their unique characteristics and intended uses. If you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile switch with a more firm sound profile, the Carrot may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking switches engineered for high performance with light actuation force and shortened travel distance, the V3 Silver Pro would be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and intended usage scenario. Choose wisely based on what best fits your typing style and needs.
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