Aflion Carrot vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When choosing between the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Tomcat mechanical keyboard switches, users find themselves torn between a delightful tactile experience and the smooth elegance of linear feedback. The Aflion Carrot is celebrated for its unique bouncy feel, derived from a long, two-stage spring that delivers a satisfying tactile bump during each keystroke. This switch not only boasts a mid-pitched and firm sound profile but is also categorized with descriptors like "clacky" and "bouncy," providing a lively typing atmosphere that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch offers a completely different vibe, featuring Ly stems that ensure a super smooth typing experience, complemented by a resonant sound profile that some users find incredibly satisfying for both casual and gaming applications. While the Carrot engages users with its tactile feedback and sound dynamics, the Tomcat emphasizes a seamless keystroke with its linear design. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Carrot and Bsun Tomcat share a commonality in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles. Polycarbonate is well-known for its rigidity, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant. This material's translucency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, particularly when integrated with RGB lighting, but also ensures that users experience a vibrant illumination beneath the keycaps. Because both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, users can expect similar auditory results when typing, characterized by the crisp and clear tones that enhance both functionality and aesthetic enjoyment.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Aflion Carrot and Bsun Tomcat are equipped with nylon. This classic material is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when keys are pressed. The softer properties of nylon allow for a rounded and dulled sound profile when compared to stiffer materials. Thus, while the two switches utilize varying characteristics in their top housing (polycarbonate) and bottom housing (nylon), both switches will elicit a satisfying typing experience. The combination of a clear, resonant top with a more muted, fuller bottom means that the overall sound will be balanced, allowing for a unique acoustic experience.

When considering the interaction between the top and bottom housings, it is essential to recognize how they contribute to the overall feel and sound during use. The switch's bottom housing, made of nylon, primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, while the polycarbonate top housing influences the sound released upon key release. Given that both the Aflion Carrot and Bsun Tomcat have identical materials for both top and bottom housings, users can anticipate a remarkably similar typing experience – one that offers clarity combined with warmth. This synergy between materials plays a crucial role in delivering a harmonious feel and sound profile, making both switches highly comparable in terms of user experience.

Weight

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch present distinct profiles in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence user preference and typing experience. The Carrot features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who favor prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat boasts a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. This difference effectively categorizes the Carrot as the lighter option and the Tomcat as medium-light. While both switches offer a bottom out experience, the heavier forces of the Tomcat provide a more pronounced feedback, which some may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, for users desiring less resistance and a light touch, the Carrot would be the better fit, while those appreciating a bit more heft might lean towards the Tomcat.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Aflion Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that provides a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which might appeal to users who prefer a quicker response time, especially in gaming. Consequently, those who appreciate the robust depth of a keypress might lean towards the Carrot, while the Tomcat would be better suited for individuals seeking a more immediate feedback with a snappier action. Both switches cater to different preferences, highlighting the importance of individual taste in switch selection.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch produces a mid-pitched tone with a firm resonance that adds to its overall charm. It delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, creating a snappy auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. The crispness of the Carrot's sound can enhance the typing experience, making it enjoyable even in quieter environments. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch features a resonant sound profile, but without the detailed descriptors available, it’s difficult to draw a direct comparison regarding its quality. This means that while the Carrot may provide a more defined auditory signature, the Tomcat likely offers a different experience, potentially quieter or smoother.

In terms of feel, the Carrot switch shines with its bouncy and snappy characteristics that make every keystroke feel alive. The two-stage spring design introduces a lively rebound effect, resulting in a typing experience that remains engaging through extended use. The tactile step provides a clear distinction in the keystroke, which many users appreciate for its responsiveness. However, details about the Tomcat switch’s feel remain unknown, making it tough to juxtapose the tactile feedback directly. Therefore, if you seek a noticeable tactile experience, the Carrot is the way to go, but the Tomcat's attributes in this regard remain a mystery.

In summary, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is praised for its lively sound and engaging, bouncy feel, enhancing the typing experience with a clear tactile feedback and an enjoyable audio signature. While the Tomcat's sound profile leans toward a resonant quality, its exact characteristics remain unspecified, leaving a potential gap in comparison. If you favor an engaging auditory and tactile experience, the Carrot is a strong contender, while the Tomcat might appeal for its smoothness but lacks available details for a comprehensive understanding. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should align with your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, as each offers its unique advantages.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're someone who enjoys a lively, tactile feedback with a bouncy and snappy sensation, the Carrot is likely your best bet. Its lighter actuation force of 45 grams paired with a high-pitched, clacky sound profile makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a fun and responsive typing experience, especially for gaming or quick typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and steady feel without the tactile bump, then the Tomcat with its medium-light 54 grams of actuation force is the way to go. It offers a more linear typing experience that allows for fluid keystrokes and is especially beneficial in scenarios where quietness is key. The resonant sound profile, while not as pronounced as the Carrot’s, still provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. Ultimately, your decision should revolve around whether you prioritize tactile feedback and playfulness or smoothness and subtlety in your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more