Aflion Carrot vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available on the market. For those seeking a tactile switch, the Aflion Carrot stands out with its unique features. With a long, two-stage spring, it offers users a bouncy tactile experience that is truly one of a kind. Additionally, the Carrot switch provides a firm and mid-pitched sound profile, adding to its appeal. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch, the TKC Tangerine is a top choice. Renowned for its incredibly smooth feel, every keystroke becomes a pleasure to type. The use of UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the world of mechanical switches, contributes to this seamless experience. However, beyond these generalities, let's dive deeper into each switch to help you make the best decision for your needs.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

TKC Tangerine Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$6.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the TKC Tangerine switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Carrot utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic creates a more clear and resonant sound, particularly beneficial when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Tangerine employs a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material known for its bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. While both materials contribute to an enhanced sound experience, the Carrot's polycarbonate offers a sharper sound, whereas the Tangerine provides a distinctly bright and resonant tone.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Carrot features a nylon material known for its classic characteristics. When typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE bottom housing, aligning with its top housing material but emphasizing its bright sound signature and resonant clacks. Therefore, while the Carrot's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing amplifies its bright and resonant qualities.

In terms of experiencing the differences between the top and bottom housing materials, pressing down on either switch exposes the qualities of the corresponding housing material at the bottom. This means that, for example, when pressing down on the Carrot, users will feel the impact and experience the bottom-out sound and feel associated with the nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the release of the key will be accompanied by the top housing material's impact on the sound. Similarly, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing predominantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Therefore, although the housing materials differ between the two switches, their impact on the overall typing experience is segregated between the top and bottom of the switch.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The Carrot offers a lighter experience with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lightness is ideal for individuals who prefer longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods, as it reduces strain and fatigue on the fingers. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a medium actuation force, which unfortunately is not available in the given information, and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This heavier force gives a stronger push feel, appealing to those who seek a more pronounced tactile response with each keystroke. Overall, the Carrot is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, while the Tangerine offers a potentially heavier experience.

Travel distance

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes. Whether you choose the Carrot or the Tangerine, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot switch is best described as clacky and mid-pitched. The sound produced when typing on the Carrot switch is sharp, snappy, and crisp. It has a distinct and lively sound profile. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is described as high-pitched. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Carrot being more clacky and mid-pitched while the Tangerine is high-pitched.

When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is known for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback. The Carrot switch provides a spring-like sensation, giving users a lively and responsive typing experience. It is also described as having a stepped feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the Carrot switch is feathery, meaning it requires little exertion and reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is described as frictionless and buttery. It offers an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction. The Tangerine switch provides a fluid travel and a uniform typing sensation.

Based on the available information, the Aflion Carrot switch and the TKC Tangerine switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch has a more clacky and mid-pitched sound, while the Tangerine switch is high-pitched. In terms of feel, the Carrot switch is bouncy, snappy, and feathery, while the Tangerine switch is frictionless and buttery. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a lively and bouncy tactile experience, along with a mid-pitched clacky sound, the Carrot switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience, with a high-pitched sound, the Tangerine switch would be a suitable option. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board used and the keycaps chosen.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light bottom out force and a unique bouncy tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as clacky and marbly. The Carrot switch also provides a bouncy and snappy feel, making your typing experience more lively and responsive. Moreover, it is a feathery switch, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.

On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the TKC Tangerine switch would be a great option. It is best known for its incredibly smooth feel, offering a frictionless and buttery typing experience. The Tangerine switch produces a fairly high-pitched clack sound when typing on them. It offers a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a bouncy and snappy feel with a light bottom out force, as well as a unique sound profile, the Carrot switch would be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a slightly higher bottom out force, along with a polished and refined finish, the Tangerine switch would be the more suitable choice. Consider the sound profile, feel, and bottom out force that align with your typing preferences to make the right decision.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

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TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more