Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and Gateron Smoothie Silver offer unique experiences for users to consider. The Aflion Carrot is a tactile switch that stands out for its bouncy tactile experience thanks to its long, two-stage spring, along with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is a linear switch known for its lightning-fast actuation with a short travel distance, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Carrot's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and deeper sound, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing complements the top housing with its pleasing sound profile. Despite using different materials for their top and bottom housings, both switches aim to provide a distinct typing experience based on the qualities of each material.
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it is clear that each material brings its own unique characteristics to the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot results in a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound when typing. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Carrot offers a softer plastic that absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver complements the top housing with its pleasing and unique sound. Despite the differences in material, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through distinctive sound profiles.
Overall, the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Smoothie Silver play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles of each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot results in a sharper and crisper sound, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver creates a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Carrot offers a fuller and deeper sound experience, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver complements the top housing with its unique sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Carrot is the lighter option overall. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a light and easy switch to use. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is heavier than the Carrot. However, the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unknown. This means that while the Smoothie Silver may require more force to actuate, it is unclear how much force is needed to bottom out. In terms of weight, the Carrot would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while the Smoothie Silver may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches mentioned. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option. If you prefer a switch with a deeper keypress feel, the Carrot may be the better choice for you. However, if you prioritize faster response times and a shallower keypress, the Smoothie Silver may be more suitable. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 mid-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and firm sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, characterized by unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch. While the Carrot switch produces a more percussive and crisp sound, the Smoothie Silver switch offers a smoother and softer sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is described as bouncy, snappy, and stepped, providing users with a lively and responsive typing experience. The keys offer a spring-like feedback sensation, making each keystroke feel more alive. In contrast, details about the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch are unknown, but given its short travel distance and lightning-fast actuation, it can be inferred that the switch offers a quick and effortless typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences. While the Carrot switch excels in providing a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Smoothie Silver switch focuses on a smooth and fast actuation with a thocky sound. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a clacky sound or a smooth and swift typing experience with a thocky sound.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider your preferences in terms of feel and sound. If you enjoy a bouncy, tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Carrot switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should be based on what type of typing experience you value most - whether it's the unique bounciness of the Carrot or the lightning-fast actuation of the Smoothie Silver. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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