Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Carrot and Gateron Weightlessness offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Aflion Carrot stands out with its fun and bouncy tactile feedback, thanks to its long, two-stage spring that enhances its mid-pitched and firm sound profile. Users who enjoy a lively, engaging typing experience may find the Carrot to be an exhilarating choice, as it delivers a unique combination of snappy and subtle tactile sensations. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness presents a more understated tactile experience, featuring a subtle to moderate feel that prioritizes balance and smoothness over pronounced feedback. Its harmonious sound profile further complements its tactile characteristics, making it an ideal option for those who prefer a quieter, more refined typing experience. Both switches offer compelling reasons for selection, depending on whether you gravitate towards a more vibrant or a more subdued typing environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Weightlessness, we see a distinctive divergence in the choice of materials for the top housing. The Carrot utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This rigidity allows for a clearer resonance, making it particularly effective when utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucence of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal by showcasing the illumination. In contrast, the Weightlessness opts for a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials leads to varying sound characteristics between the two switches, with the Carrot producing higher-pitched sounds while the Weightlessness leans towards a mellower tone.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a noteworthy similarity between the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Weightlessness. Both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, leading to similar sound characteristics in that aspect. As nylon is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, both switches deliver a fuller auditory experience when the switch bottoms out. When pressed down, users can expect a soft and rounded sound from either switch due to the nylon material absorbing excess sound. Consequently, despite the difference in top housing materials, the bottom housing for both switches ensures that the tactile and acoustic feedback remains consistent and pleasant.
The contrasting materials in the top housings of the Carrot and Weightlessness underline how varied sound profiles can arise from different design choices. While the Carrot's polycarbonate top contributes to a higher-pitched and clearer sound, the Weightlessness’s nylon top offers a more subdued and rounded listening experience. However, given that both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, users can still expect a cohesive and balanced sound profile when typing. The integrated effects of both the top and bottom materials dictate the overall performance: the nylon bottom focuses on the richness of the bottom-out experience, while the top housing influences the accentuated sound during key releases. Therefore, regardless of the materials used, both switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences shaped by their respective designs.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch present distinct actuation forces, influencing the typing experience significantly. The Carrot boasts a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Weightlessness features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams; however, its bottom out force remains unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison. This heavier actuation force may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel during typing. Overall, while the Carrot offers a lighter switch experience, the Weightlessness provides a firmer push, making the choice between them depend on personal preference for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, a notable difference arises. The Carrot features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that while pressing the Carrot switch, users will experience a deeper, more traditional feel, which some may find more satisfying. In contrast, the Weightlessness, with its reduced travel distance, may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more immediate feedback upon actuation. Therefore, if a user prefers a heartier depth in their key presses, the Aflion Carrot would be the better choice, while those favoring responsiveness might lean toward the Gateron Weightlessness. Overall, the Carrot offers a longer travel distance than the Weightlessness, providing distinct tactile experiences based on user preference.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch produces a distinctly sharp and vibrant sound profile, characterized as clacky and high-pitched. This means that when you press a key, you’re met with a crisp and percussive noise that resonates with a brightness that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a more balanced auditory experience, although specific descriptors for its sound characteristics are unknown. This means the Weightlessness could provide a more muted or softer noise, particularly appealing for those who wish to minimize the disruption of their typing in shared environments.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Carrot switch truly stands out with its unique two-stage spring design that delivers a bouncy and snappy typing experience. This enhances responsiveness, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging while ensuring a tactile sensation that is undeniable. Additionally, the stepped nature of the Carrot switch gives it a characteristic tactile bump that differentiates it from traditional tactile designs. The specifics regarding the feel of the Weightlessness switch are not provided, leaving a gap in comparison; however, given its name, one might expect it to have a lighter and less intense tactile engagement.
In summary, users seeking a lively and sharp auditory and tactile experience will likely gravitate towards the Aflion Carrot switch, while those who favor a more subdued and possibly balanced typing experience may be interested in the Gateron Weightlessness. While some qualities of the Weightlessness remain unknown, the differences in sound and feel between the switches highlight their unique character, catering to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, your choice will ultimately depend on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience, the Carrot's 45-gram bottom-out force, coupled with its bouncy and snappy feel, provides a fun tactile feedback that can make typing feel more dynamic. Its clacky, high-pitched sound profile is also a great choice for those who appreciate a crisp auditory response while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and balanced experience, the Weightlessness switch may be more suitable for you, especially if you want a softer tactile feel that doesn’t draw too much attention in shared spaces. Since the Weightlessness has an unknown bottom-out force, it may offer a unique feel that you can explore based on your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only how you want your keyboard to feel but also how its sound might impact your surroundings.
Mentioned in this article
