Aflion Carrot vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between tactile and linear switches can greatly influence your typing experience. The Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its fun and responsive feel, characterized by a long, two-stage spring that provides a uniquely bouncy tactile action. This switch not only delivers a satisfying, mid-pitched sound profile, but also boasts a range of textures including clacky, snappy, and feathery, making it ideal for users who enjoy a pronounced feedback during typing. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is a linear switch prized for its super smooth operation and balanced sound profile—it’s neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This makes it a favorable option for those who seek a more muted, fluid typing experience, free from the tactile interruptions found in switches like the Carrot. Each switch caters to distinct user preferences, with the Carrot appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate tactile feedback and the Strawberry Latte catering to those who enjoy the seamless glide of a linear switch. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and Huano Strawberry Latte both utilize polycarbonate and nylon in their constructions, but they approach sound profiles differently due to the materials used for their respective top housings. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enables a clearer resonance that enhances the sound when RGB lighting is incorporated. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte employs a polyketone (POK) top housing. While POK is celebrated for its smoothness and durability, it favors a clackier sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Both materials, however, excel in delivering distinct auditory experiences, suggesting that while the Carrot leans towards high-end clarity, the Strawberry Latte leans towards a rounded and dynamic sound.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which significantly impacts their overall sound experience. Nylon, recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, helps absorb vibrations better than harder plastics. Thus, when both switches are pressed, users will experience similar bottom-out sounds due to the properties of nylon, which tend to soften and deepen the overall auditory feedback. Regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, the bottom housing's commonality ensures a consistent experience in terms of tactile feedback and sound when bottoming out.
While the juxtaposition of materials creates unique sound profiles for the Aflion Carrot and Huano Strawberry Latte, the similarities in their nylon bottom housings present a bridge between the two. The contrasting properties of polycarbonate and POK in the top housing reveal distinct tonal characteristics, yet it is the nylon base that provides a common foundation of richness in sound. Thus, the overall sound experience of both switches showcases how the differences in the top housing materials can complement the consistent qualities of nylon, leading to engaging and versatile typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find some intriguing similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Strawberry Latte requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 45 grams, meaning that users will experience a similar resistance once the switch is fully pressed down. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Carrot is the better choice, as it facilitates longer typing sessions and can reduce fatigue. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte, with its heavier actuation force, offers a more substantial push feel, catering to users who enjoy a firmer response while typing or gaming. Overall, while both switches share the same bottom out force, the Carrot provides a lighter typing experience compared to the slightly heavier Strawberry Latte.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Carrot measuring 4 mm and the Strawberry Latte at 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch with a more substantial feel and deeper engagement, the Carrot would be the better choice due to its longer travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a faster and more responsive keystroke, the Strawberry Latte’s shorter travel distance might be more appealing, as it's designed to provide quicker actuation. Overall, if you're seeking a switch that offers a more responsive experience easy on the fingers, the Strawberry Latte is the way to go, while the Carrot offers a traditional typing feel with its greater depth.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 profiles of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Carrot produces a mid-pitched and firm sound, characterized by its clacky and high-pitched qualities, resulting in a sharp and snappy auditory experience upon keystroke. This contributes to an overall crisp and bright sound profile that can be quite resonant, especially depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile, which is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, creating a more subdued yet smooth auditory experience. While the Carrot is more embellishing with its bright tones, the Strawberry Latte maintains a more neutral and blended sound.
In terms of tactile feel, the Carrot switch shines with its unique bouncy and snappy characteristics, thanks to its long, two-stage spring design. This rollercoaster-like sensation provides a lively and responsive typing experience, akin to a spring-loaded mechanism that offers great feedback. The stepped nature of the Carrot's tactile response allows for a delightful pre-travel and post-travel feel, enhancing the typing experience. The Carrot can also be described as feathery and subtle, making it suitable for extended use with less finger fatigue. However, the tactile feel of the Strawberry Latte remains unspecified, leaving room for curiosity about its smoothness and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch presents a vibrant sound and an engaging tactile feedback experience, making it ideal for users who enjoy responsiveness and liveliness in their typing. Meanwhile, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch provides a more balanced auditory experience but lacks detailed information on its tactile characteristics. If you're seeking similar outcomes in sound or feel, the Carrot’s unique qualities may cater to your preferences while the Strawberry Latte offers pleasant smoothness and subtle responses. In any case, both switches can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience, depending on your desired typing sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're someone who enjoys a lively, engaging typing experience with a bouncy and snappy feel, the Carrot switch is an excellent choice. Its tactile feedback, characterized by a unique two-stage spring, provides a fun and responsive interaction that can enhance both typing and gaming sessions. Additionally, if you prefer a clackier sound profile that offers a sharp, high-pitched feedback, the Carrot will certainly cater to your auditory desires. On the other hand, if you value smoothness and a more subdued acoustic atmosphere, the Strawberry Latte is the way to go. Its linear design delivers an exceptionally smooth keystroke, making it ideal for rapid typing and extended use without the interruption of tactile bumps. The balanced sound profile also makes it a versatile option, perfect for both quiet environments and bustling workspaces. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize tactile sensations and sound or smoothness and silence—each switch has its unique appeal tailored to distinct typing needs.
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