Aflion Carrot vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Carrot and Aflion Thunder Shadow are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinctive features catering to different preferences. The Carrot is a tactile switch renowned for its bouncy and tactile experience provided by its long, two-stage spring. It produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making it ideal for users who appreciate a combination of tactile feedback and audible confirmation. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow, also a tactile switch, is known for its pronounced tactile bump and harmonious balance. With a medium weight feel and a neutral sound signature, it appeals to those seeking a tactile switch that offers a tactile bump without being too heavy. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and Aflion Thunder Shadow both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Carrot and Thunder Shadow differ in their bottom housing materials. The Carrot's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Thunder Shadow also uses a nylon bottom housing, offering similar acoustic properties to the Carrot.
While both the Carrot and Thunder Shadow share the same polycarbonate top housing, the differences lie in their respective bottom housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound, but the impact of the material on the sound profile may vary slightly between the two. The split between top and bottom housing materials means that the qualities of each material will affect different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. The bottom housing will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing will impact the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, the overall typing experience on both switches is likely to be quite similar due to the shared polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a more gentle typing experience. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. The actuation force for the Thunder Shadow is not specified. The lighter actuation force of the Carrot may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Thunder Shadow could cater to individuals seeking a more substantial keystroke feel. Both switches provide unique typing experiences based on their respective force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, the Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm while the Thunder Shadow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Carrot offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Thunder Shadow falls on the shallower end of the spectrum. Gamers may prefer the Thunder Shadow for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Carrot with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key press feel.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a clacky and marbly sound profile, which is sharp, snappy, and resonant. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature that complements its balanced tactile experience. While the Carrot switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more percussive sound, the Thunder Shadow switch is ideal for users looking for a versatile sound profile suitable for various environments.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is known for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, providing users with a lively and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offers an invigorating tactile feedback that is firm and reactive, creating an immersive typing sensation. Both switches ensure a comfortable typing feel, with the Carrot switch focusing on a more playful and elastic feedback while the Thunder Shadow switch delivering a balanced actuation force for a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Carrot switch offers a bouncy and marbly sound profile with a lively and snappy feel, the Thunder Shadow switch features a neutral sound signature and an invigorating tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a more playful and bouncy typing experience or a balanced and responsive feel, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and innovation from both Aflion switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter key press and enjoy a bouncy and snappy typing experience with a unique sound profile, then the Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy key press with a pronounced tactile bump and a neutral sound profile, then the Thunder Shadow switch may be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preferences for key feel, sound, and typing experience when deciding between these two switches to ensure that you choose the one that best fits your typing style.
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