Aflion Carrot vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch with the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Carrot switch offers a bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy a unique feel while typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch boasts resonant and clacky notes, paired with a silky smooth keystroke due to its impeccable factory lube job. While the Carrot switch is characterized as 'clacky', 'marbly', 'high-pitched', and 'bouncy', the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is labeled as 'clacky', 'resonant', 'silky', and 'high-pitched'. Overall, both switches have their own unique advantages that cater to different preferences in 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both use polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes POM for its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials have unique qualities, the choice between polycarbonate and POM will depend on the desired sound experience.
The Aflion Carrot features a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Nylon has the ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Similarly, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in both switches contributes to a more satisfying typing experience with its unique sound characteristics.
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), it is evident that they both offer distinct sound profiles based on their top and bottom housing materials. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for different qualities to be felt during typing and key release. While the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper sound on key release, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing delivers a deeper and more muted sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the preference for sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have a relatively light bottom out force of 45 grams for the Carrot and 50 grams for the Strawberry Wine (V2). This means that while the Carrot requires less force to trigger a keystroke, both switches provide a similar experience when it comes to bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Carrot may be the better choice, while those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force may lean towards the Strawberry Wine (V2). Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the Carrot has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2) which has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Carrot's 4 mm travel distance offers a deeper key press feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) with its 3.4 mm travel distance provides a shallower key press, catering to individuals who prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience, such as gamers. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for travel distance – whether one prefers a longer, more satisfying key press or a shorter, faster response time.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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, both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch are described as having a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. This means that both switches will produce sharp, crisp, and percussive sounds when pressed, making them ideal for users who enjoy a more lively auditory experience while typing. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its bouncy and snappy feedback, providing users with a spring-like sensation and a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is described as silky smooth, offering an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Carrot switch gives a more lively and bouncy feel, the Strawberry Wine switch focuses on providing a seamless and comfortable typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch will come down to personal preference. If you prefer a switch with a bouncy and snappy feel, as well as a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Carrot switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a silky smooth typing experience with resonant and clacky sound notes, the Strawberry Wine switch would be a great option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you'll get a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, you should consider your preferences for the typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy and firm tactile feel with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Carrot switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with resonant and clacky sound notes, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel and sound when typing on your mechanical keyboard.
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