Aflion Carrot vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

The Aflion Carrot and the Gazzew U4Tx are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct tactile experiences. The Carrot is renowned for its bouncy tactile feel, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. This switch also creates a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, giving it a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx combines the best of both worlds by offering a cleaner and refined sound profile. Its deep "thock" sound when bottoming out and the whisper-quiet topping out provide a satisfying and luxurious typing experience. Both switches offer a sharp tactile bump, but with different sound profiles. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your preferences.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Gazzew U4Tx differ significantly, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile. Its softness contributes to a more mellow and rounded sound. Thus, while both materials generate pleasing results, the Carrot emphasizes clarity while the U4Tx focuses on depth.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Carrot incorporates a nylon material known for its classic switch housing qualities. Typing on a switch with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature enables it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the U4Tx employs its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, sharing similarities with its top housing. The softness of this "boba plastic" contributes to its rich and deep sound profile. Thus, both nylon and the Gazzew blend offer switches with enhanced resonance and fullness, albeit with potential variations in tonality.

When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play. For both the Carrot and the U4Tx, the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the bottom housing material. As the Carrot features a nylon bottom housing, the resulting sound and sensation will be deeper and fuller. Conversely, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend bottom housing contributes to a rich and deep sound experience when keys are bottomed out. However, the sound when releasing a key is impacted more by the top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot and the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4Tx offer distinct sound profiles upon key release, with the former emphasizing sharpness and the latter focusing on a mellow tone.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Carrot switch has a relatively lighter actuation force of 37 grams, meaning it requires a gentler touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the U4Tx switch is unavailable, so it is uncertain how it compares to the Carrot switch in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Carrot switch requires 45 grams of force, which is still considered light. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, giving it a more substantial and satisfying typing experience.

Weight is an important consideration for switch selection since it affects the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Carrot switch as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, individuals seeking a more robust and substantial push feel may lean towards the U4Tx switch due to its heavier bottom out force. It is worth noting that since the actuation force of the U4Tx switch is unknown, it is uncertain how it compares to the Carrot switch in terms of triggering keystrokes. Overall, the Carrot switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force, while the U4Tx switch is relatively heavier in terms of bottoming out.

Travel distance

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches offer a decent amount of travel distance, with the Carrot having a more traditional distance and the U4Tx being slightly shallower. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the U4Tx's shorter travel distance, as it can allow for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who appreciate a deeper key press may lean towards the Carrot's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a satisfactory travel distance for typing or gaming purposes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Carrot switch can also have a marbly sound, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. However, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound, the Carrot switch might not be your best choice. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is designed for a cleaner, refined sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, combined with a whisper-quiet stealth sound when topping out. This provides a satisfying and luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. If you're looking for a switch with a deeper and richer sound profile, the U4Tx offers a bassy sound characteristic of a lower frequency range. Additionally, it provides a muted sound, which is softer and quieter compared to regular or clacky switches. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard casing and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its bouncy and snappy feedback sensation. With its long, two-stage spring, the keys offer a uniquely lively and elastic feel, providing a rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Carrot switch can be considered stepped, which means it has a two-stage feeling with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This provides a mild tactile experience. Furthermore, the Carrot switch can be described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires minimal effort from your fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. If you prefer a switch with a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, the Carrot switch offers a subtle tactile experience. It is worth noting that these subjective feelings are based on the provided descriptions and may vary depending on an individual's preference and typing style.

In comparison, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is characterized by a sharp tactile bump. This switch provides high feedback intensity with a distinct and prominent tactile bump felt with every keypress. While there is no mention of specific descriptors for the U4Tx's feel, it can be inferred that it offers a sharp and responsive tactile experience. If you enjoy a strong and crisp tactile feedback, the U4Tx switch would be a suitable choice.

In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile with a bouncy, snappy, and feathery feel, while the U4Tx switch offers a cleaner, refined sound profile with a sharp and responsive tactile bump. Selecting between the two switches would highly depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a sharper and more pronounced tactile feedback, the U4Tx switch would be a suitable option. However, if you prefer a switch with a bouncy and feathery feel, along with a crisper sound, the Carrot switch would be a favorable choice. It is important to consider individual typing preferences, as well as the overall keyboard setup, to attain the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is a great choice for those who prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy and lively tactile experience. The Carrot's two-stage spring provides a unique and satisfying feedback sensation, making it ideal for users who value a fun and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Carrot switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a clacky or marbly sound.

On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is best suited for individuals who prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and prioritize a cleaner and refined sound profile. The U4Tx provides a deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out, combined with a whisper-quiet topping out sound, resulting in a luxurious and acoustically pleasing typing experience. The U4Tx also offers a sharp and distinct tactile bump, making it a great choice for those who desire a strong and crisp feedback intensity.

Ultimately, your choice between the Aflion Carrot and Gazzew U4Tx switches will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Consider whether you prefer a lighter or slightly heavier switch, as well as the specific sound characteristics and feedback intensity that align with your typing style and preferences. By taking these factors into account, you'll be able to choose the switch that offers the perfect combination of tactile satisfaction and auditory pleasure for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more