Aflion Carrot vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. The Aflion Carrot is a tactile switch known for its bouncy tactile experience provided by a long two-stage spring. This switch also offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making typing on it a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. This switch also delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, further setting it apart from other switches in the market. While the Carrot switch is characterized by its bouncy and tactile feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a smooth and creamy typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream use different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Carrot utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharp, higher-pitched sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream opts for a proprietary KTT blend that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. In contrast, the Carrot's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing provides smoothness, clackiness, and exceptional durability.
While the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing is known for its translucency and its ability to enhance RGB lighting effects, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend remains a mystery, offering a unique sound experience without compromising on aesthetics. The use of nylon in the Carrot's bottom housing provides a different tactile feel compared to the smooth and durable POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream. Interestingly, both switches showcase how the combination of different housing materials can impact the typing experience, with the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel.
In terms of durability and performance, the Aflion Carrot's nylon bottom housing offers a classic and reliable typing experience, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's POK material excels in smoothness, shock resistance, and wear resistance. The Carrot leans towards a fuller and deeper sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, while the Vanilla Ice Cream leans towards a sharper and clackier sound with its POK bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in dictating the overall typing experience and sound profile of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch which has an actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams of force, while the Vanilla Ice Cream needs 48 grams. So, while both switches have light actuation forces, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a bit more resistance for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offers a slightly heavier feel overall.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Carrot switch. A 0.5 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Aflion Carrot switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer a high-pitched and crisp sound profile, with the Carrot switch also being described as clacky and marbly. The distinct sound characteristics of both switches can provide a satisfying auditory experience for users who prefer a sharper and more prominent typing sound. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is known for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, offering users a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as providing a buttery and creamy feel, giving typists a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing feel, whether you enjoy a vibrant and springy response or a silky and uniform typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch have distinct sound and feel profiles, they both offer satisfying typing experiences tailored to different preferences. Whether you prefer a bouncy and snappy tactile switch like the Carrot or a smooth and creamy linear switch like the Vanilla Ice Cream, both options provide unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a firm sound profile, the Carrot switch with its two-stage spring may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, featuring POK material in the stem and bottom housing, could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. Whether you prefer a bouncy and clacky experience or a buttery and creamy sensation, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles. In the end, it all comes down to what feels right for you as you explore the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
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