Aflion Carrot vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the Jwick Splash Brothers, a linear switch. These two mechanical keyboard switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Carrot is well-known for its fun and bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, its mid-pitched and firm sound profile adds to its appeal. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers linear switches boast a shorter activation and a long pole stem, providing a satisfying typing feel. Notably, these switches produce a creamy sound signature. While these general details might give you an idea of which switch to choose, let's delve deeper into their characteristics to help you make the best decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Jwick Splash Brothers both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the effective transmission of RGB lighting, making it ideal for those who desire vibrant lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics with the polycarbonate top housing of both switches.
In contrast, while the top housing material is the same, the Aflion Carrot and the Jwick Splash Brothers differ in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the softness of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the sound created is duller and rounder. This variance in bottom housing material contributes to differences in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. The sound and tactile experience of the Carrot's nylon bottom housing will differ from that of the Splash Brothers.
In summary, the top housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Jwick Splash Brothers share similar qualities, delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, the bottom housing materials differ, with the Carrot utilizing nylon and the Splash Brothers also utilizing nylon. Typing on the Carrot will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Splash Brothers will provide a distinct bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, while the top housing may have similar effects, the choice of bottom housing material sets these switches apart in terms of sound and tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it becomes evident that both switches have relatively light forces. The Aflion Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Jwick Splash Brothers has an undisclosed actuation force but a bottom out force of 48 grams.
In terms of weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This would be ideal for those using a keyboard for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. Both the Aflion Carrot and Jwick Splash Brothers fall into this category, showcasing their suitability for such purposes.
However, there are users who crave a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel. For them, heavier forces are desirable. In this case, neither the Aflion Carrot nor the Jwick Splash Brothers would be the optimal choice as they both offer lighter actuation and bottom out forces.
To summarize, both the Aflion Carrot and Jwick Splash Brothers switches provide a relatively light typing experience. While the actuation force of the Jwick Splash Brothers remains unknown, its bottom out force of 48 grams is comparable to the Aflion Carrot's 45 grams. Thus, users can expect similar results in terms of force requirements when using either switch. However, those seeking a heavier typing feel should explore alternative options beyond these two switches.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional option. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4.0mm distance of the Carrot switch provides a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more satisfying depth to their typing experience. However, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Splash Brothers switch appeals to gamers and individuals seeking faster response times, as the shorter distance allows for quicker keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one values the responsiveness of a shorter travel distance or the deeper keystroke sensation of a longer travel distance.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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 it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a distinct clacky sound with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. It also has a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as having a creamy sound signature. It is categorized as a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile. This means that the Splash Brothers will have a more moderate and less pronounced sound compared to the Carrot switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used, so individual results may vary.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers several descriptors to describe its tactile experience. It is described as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. These qualities combine to provide a switch that is lively, with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The Carrot switch has a gentle resistance that is not too heavy, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is also described as snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. This means that it offers a typing experience that is responsive, with a spring-like feedback and a gentle resistance. The polished finish ensures smooth and refined keystrokes with reduced friction.
Taking all the available information into account, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Carrot switch provides a fun, bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. Its feel is characterized by a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle sensation. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch offers a neutral sound profile with a creamy sound signature. Its feel is described as snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. While the two switches have some similarities, such as the snappy and bouncy feel, they also have notable differences in their sound profiles and overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences, whether you prefer the bouncy tactile experience of the Carrot switch or the neutral sound and polished feel of the Splash Brothers switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun tactile switch with a light bottom out force, the Aflion Carrot is a great choice. It offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience with its long, two-stage spring, giving you a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, it has a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a light bottom out force, the Jwick Splash Brothers is worth considering. These "speed" switches provide a great typing feel with their shorter activation and long pole stem. They are described as neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile feel with a distinctive sound, the Aflion Carrot is the way to go. However, if you prefer a smoother and more subtle typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness, the Jwick Splash Brothers is a solid choice. Consider your personal preferences and needs when making a decision.
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