Aflion Carrot vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the distinction between tactile and linear options can greatly influence your typing experience. The Aflion Carrot tactile switch stands out with its unique two-stage spring that provides a lively, bouncy feel, letting users revel in a satisfying tactile feedback that many enthusiasts crave. Its mid-pitched, firm sound profile, along with characteristics like being clacky and snappy, makes it an exciting choice for those who enjoy audible and perceptible keystrokes. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch offers a smooth and streamlined experience, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This switch is celebrated for its polished feel and high-pitched bottom-out sound, appealing to gamers and typists who appreciate a quieter and uninterrupted keypress. While the Carrot may ignite your senses with its tactile feedback, the Taichi delivers an effortlessly smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that will suit your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and Bsun Taichi both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences the sound profile of each switch. As a material, polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its rigidity. This commonality means that both switches will likely deliver a similar auditory experience when typing, characterized by clarity and resonance. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for models that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination and creates an aesthetically pleasing visual effect. Consequently, users can expect a consistent sound signature across both switches, ripe for enthusiasts who prioritize auditory feedback and aesthetic presentation.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Carrot and Taichi is crafted from nylon, which brings a distinctive set of qualities to their performance. Nylon is recognized for its softer properties, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials like polycarbonate. This absorption results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the top housing of both switches ensures a crisp sound when releasing keys, it is the nylon bottom housing responsible for the rounded and softer sound when the keys bottom out. This duality of materials in each switch creates a balanced auditory profile, combining the clarity of the polycarbonate top with the warmth of the nylon bottom.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Aflion Carrot and Bsun Taichi illustrates how differing materials can harmonize to create a nuanced feel and sound. While the Carrot's and Taichi's top housings will yield similar crispness, the unique blending with nylon at the bottom ensures each switch retains its distinctive character. Thus, both switches can produce a comprehensive typing experience that seamlessly integrates sharpness, depth, and auditory warmth, appealing to users who desire both refined sound and tactile satisfaction.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch differ in their actuation forces and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence user experience. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which is ideal for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Taichi's actuation force is slightly heavier at 40 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Regarding bottom out force, the Carrot switch has a measurable bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating how much pressure is needed when fully pressed down. The Taichi's bottom out force remains unknown, making it challenging to fully compare that aspect. Overall, if one is looking for a lighter typing experience, the Aflion Carrot would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a heavier feel might lean toward the Bsun Taichi, provided they can adjust to its unknown bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, it's evident that the Carrot switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taichi switch measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Carrot offers a longer travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for users who enjoy a deeper keypress and a more substantial tactile feedback. In contrast, the Taichi's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm aligns with the growing preference among gamers for quicker response times due to its more immediate actuation. If rapid responsiveness is a key priority for you, the Taichi may be the better choice. However, those who favor a more pronounced depth and tactile feedback might prefer the Aflion Carrot for its fuller travel experience.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 and the Bsun Taichi switches produce a clacky profile characterized by a crisp and bright auditory feedback. The Carrot is noted for its mid-pitched tone, which can be described as firm, while the Taichi excels with a high-pitched bottom-out sound. This distinction in pitch may influence the overall audio experience; those who favor a sharper tonal quality may prefer the Taichi, whereas users seeking a slightly richer sound may lean toward the Carrot. However, it’s essential to consider that the overall sound of a switch is significantly affected by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material, meaning that users could potentially achieve a similar auditory experience with both switches depending on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the Carrot switch stands out with its notably bouncy and snappy action, attributed to its long, two-stage spring design. This results in a typing experience that feels lively and responsive, with a distinct tactile feedback that can be appreciated during both gaming and typing. The stepped nature of the Carrot provides an interesting sensation, giving users a sense of two stages in their keystrokes, which some may find engaging. In contrast, the Taichi focuses on a polished feel, emphasizing smoothness and stability, which translates into a refined typing experience. Users who prefer a seamless key travel may gravitate towards the Taichi, while those who enjoy the more dynamic bounce of the Carrot may find it better suited to their preferences.
In summary, while both the Aflion Carrot and Bsun Taichi switches deliver delightful auditory experiences with their clacky sounds, they diverge in the nuances of their pitch. The Carrot offers a more lively tactile feedback through its bouncy design, making it ideal for users seeking an active typing sensation, whereas the Taichi is characterized by its smooth operation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend largely on individual preferences for sound and feel. Depending on your setup, you might achieve similar sound profiles or tactile experiences from either switch, but the distinctive characteristics will guide your selection based on your typing style and acoustic preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a lively, tactile feedback with a bouncy feel and a mid-pitched clacky sound, the Carrot is a fantastic choice. Its light actuation force of 45 grams makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, allowing for quick, snappy inputs that can enhance both gaming and productivity. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, linear typing experience with a polished finish and appreciate the high-pitched, crisp sound profile, the Taichi may be more to your liking. This switch is designed for those who want stability and a refined keystroke without the tactile bumps that characterize other switch types. In the end, your choice should reflect whether you value tactile responsiveness or a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience is perfectly tailored to your style and needs.
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