Aflion Carrot vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, a linear switch. The Carrot switch offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Along with its mid-pitched and firm sound profile, typing on the Carrot switch provides a satisfyingly clacky and snappy feedback. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches provide a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. These switches boast a medium-weight, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel. The combination of a very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The Aflion Carrot and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in terms of their housing materials. While the Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile, offering a unique auditory experience.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Carrot is constructed with a nylon material, while the Sunset Yellow incorporates a POM bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Carrot is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a distinct typing experience. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, delivering a pleasing sound sensation while typing.

Though the top and bottom housings of the Carrot and Sunset Yellow differ, they both offer unique qualities to the switches. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing characteristics, such as impact and bottom-out sound, will be more prominent. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite their distinctions, both switches provide exceptional sound profiles, with the Carrot focusing on clarity and resonance, while the Sunset Yellow offers a more muted and pleasing auditory experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that there are some noticeable differences. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 43 grams, making the Carrot easier to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Carrot also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams as opposed to the Sunset Yellow's 51 grams. This means that the Carrot provides a lighter and more effortless typing experience overall.

For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Carrot would be the preferable choice, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, especially for those who bring their keyboards to work or indulge in prolonged gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel might find the Sunset Yellow more suitable with its slightly heavier forces.

While the actuation and bottom out forces are not the same for both switches, it is important to note that both options fall within the lighter to medium-light range. Therefore, regardless of the choice made, users can expect relatively similar results in terms of force required for triggering keystrokes and bottoming out. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch will depend on personal preferences and typing habits.

Travel distance

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Carrot has a slightly longer distance compared to the Sunset Yellow. A 4.0 mm travel distance is considered to be more traditional, while a 3.0 mm travel distance is shallower. However, nowadays, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing the shorter travel distance option, in this case, the Sunset Yellow, can provide a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt, and may prefer switches with longer travel distances, such as the Carrot, for a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the preference for travel distance will depend on individual typing preferences and requirements.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is described as having a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. This means that when the keys are pressed, they produce a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. The Sunset Yellow switch has a deeper and richer sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Overall, the Carrot switch produces a clacky and marbly sound, while the Sunset Yellow switch offers a bassy and thocky sound.

When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for providing a uniquely bouncy and snappy tactile experience. The long, two-stage spring in the Carrot switch offers a lively feel and rebound when pressed, giving users a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Additionally, the Carrot switch is described as being stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactility and allows for some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is important to note that the Carrot switch is not exceptionally light, but rather has a gentle resistance that still maintains a light typing feel.

On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, and polished. With a unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method, these switches offer a distinct gliding feel. Typing on the Sunset Yellow switch is smooth and buttery, like effortlessly melting into each keystroke. The switch provides an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The polished finish of the switch also contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Carrot switch provides a bouncy and snappy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy and polished feel with a rich, bassy, and decadent sound profile. While the Carrot switch may not offer an exceptionally light typing feel like the Sunset Yellow switch, it still provides a satisfying and responsive typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and the specific use case when choosing between these two switches, as the Carrot switch may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a tactile feel and a bouncier sound, while the Sunset Yellow switch caters to those who prefer a smoother and more indulgent typing experience with a bassy sound.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are a few key factors to take into account. Firstly, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Carrot with its 45 grams would be a suitable choice, whereas the Sunset Yellow offers a slightly heavier bottom out force at 51 grams.

In terms of sound, the Carrot switch is described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched, producing a sharp and snappy sound. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow is known for its bassy and thocky sound, which offers a deeper and richer experience. If you enjoy a crisper and brighter sound, the Carrot may be more to your liking. However, if you prefer a deeper and more resonant sound, the Sunset Yellow would be a better option.

When it comes to feel, the Carrot switch provides a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle typing experience. This means that the keys have a lively feel, offering rebound upon being pressed. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch is described as creamy, frictionless, and polished, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you value a lively and bouncy feel, the Carrot would be the way to go, but if you prefer a silky and effortless typing experience, the Sunset Yellow is the choice for you.

Ultimately, choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider how you prioritize these factors and select the switch that aligns best with your preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more