Aflion Carrot vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Venus offer distinct experiences to cater to different preferences. The Carrot is a tactile switch known for its bouncy tactile experience thanks to its long, two-stage spring, as well as a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Venus is a linear switch with a unique internal configuration that provides a smooth, frictionless glide coupled with a "Q-texture" sensation reminiscent of biting into a chewy mochi. The Venus also boasts very light actuation for rapid typing and a muted sound signature for a subdued auditory experience. Each switch has its own set of characteristics and benefits that appeal to different users, but 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Aflion Carrot and TTC Venus differ in their choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom components. The Carrot incorporates polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially ideal for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Venus utilizes POM for its top housing, yielding a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the Carrot's nylon bottom housing produces a fuller and deeper sound when typing, thanks to its softer plastic composition. Conversely, the Venus opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing a sharper and clearer sound profile.
Despite their differences, both the Aflion Carrot and TTC Venus prioritize the sound profile of their switches by carefully selecting housing materials that enhance specific characteristics. While the Carrot focuses on utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing to achieve a sharper sound, the Venus aims for a unique and pleasing deeper sound with its POM top housing. On the other hand, the Carrot's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and rounder sound upon keystrokes, contrasting with the Venus's decision to use polycarbonate for a clearer and resonant typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials for the Aflion Carrot and TTC Venus significantly impacts the sound profile and overall typing experience of the switches. Whether it be the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate used in the Carrot or the deeper and more muted sound from POM in the Venus, each material brings its distinct qualities to the table. Ultimately, understanding the characteristics of different housing materials is crucial in selecting a switch that aligns with individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Carrot is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Venus is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Carrot, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Venus. Both switches provide distinct tactile feedback, with the Carrot being on the lighter end of the spectrum and the Venus falling into the medium-light category. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. In terms of travel distance, the Carrot offers a slightly longer press compared to the Venus. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances for switches, the slight difference may be noticeable to users who prefer a specific feel. Gamers, in particular, may opt for the Venus switch with its shorter travel distance for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial press may lean towards the Carrot switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 is described as producing a clacky and mid-pitched sound profile, giving users a sharp and firm auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch is known for its low-pitched, muted, and thocky sound characteristics, offering a more bass-heavy and quieter sound profile that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. While the Carrot switch delivers a more pronounced and crisp sound, the Venus switch provides a softer and more refined typing experience in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for providing a bouncy, snappy, and stepped typing experience, with a two-stage spring that offers a uniquely elastic feedback sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch is described as offering a buttery, frictionless, and mild typing experience, with an extremely smooth and effortless keystroke characterized by its unique Q-texture. Both switches provide a lighter typing feel, with the Carrot switch emphasizing a lively and dynamic rebound while the Venus switch focuses on a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Carrot switch delivers a sharper and more tactile sound profile with a bouncy typing experience, the Venus switch provides a smoother and quieter sound with a buttery and frictionless typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the more lively and crisp experience of the Carrot switch or the smoother and more refined typing sensation of the Venus switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying and engaging typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the characteristics that align with your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Carrot switch may be the ideal choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth, linear feel with a gummy sensation and muted sound signature, the Venus switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you value most. Whether you prioritize the unique bounce of the Carrot or the smooth glide of the Venus, both switches offer distinct qualities to enhance your typing experience.
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