Aflion Carrot vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Two switches that stand out in particular are the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the KTT Wine Red, a linear switch. The Carrot is best known for offering users a uniquely bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, it provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making it a pleasure to type on. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches are loved for their pillowy light feel and satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. They offer a more gentle typing experience compared to the Carrot. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the KTT Wine Red have some similarities when it comes to their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in switch housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting in your keyboard setup. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using both the Carrot and the Wine Red switches.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Carrot has a nylon bottom housing, while the Wine Red has a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches that use nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the stiffer polycarbonate used in the Wine Red's bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound.
When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more pronounced, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The Carrot's nylon bottom housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing will contribute to a sharper and crisper sound. However, the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key, and since both switches have polycarbonate top housings, users can expect similar sound profiles in this aspect.
In summary, the Aflion Carrot and KTT Wine Red share polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. These housings are also ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. However, the Carrot's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Therefore, the two switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot has a lighter feel with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Wine Red has a slightly heavier touch with an actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Carrot switch would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions, providing a more comfortable and effortless typing experience. Conversely, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Wine Red switch. Its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces offer a more tactile and responsive typing feedback.
Though the forces differ between these switches, it is essential to note that both provide a relatively light or medium-light touch. Therefore, individuals seeking similar results in terms of force requirements may find satisfaction in either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience - whether that be a lighter and effortless touch or a more substantial and tactile feel.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. Therefore, there is no difference in the travel distance between these two switches.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. This means that when pressed, the Carrot switch produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. It also has a marbly characteristic, meaning it is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is described as having a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. It offers a bassy sound that is characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches provide unique sound profiles, with the Carrot being more high-pitched and percussive, while the Wine Red is deeper and bass-heavy.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its bouncy and snappy feel. The long, two-stage spring of the Carrot switch provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. This switch is also responsive, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the Carrot switch has a stepped feel which means it has two stages, allowing for some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Lastly, the Carrot switch is considered subtle, offering a gentle resistance that still maintains a light typing feel, and its sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the feel of the KTT Wine Red linear switch. However, linear switches in general are known for their smooth and consistent keystrokes without any tactile bump. Considering this, it can be inferred that the Wine Red switch would provide a smooth and consistent typing experience, without the bouncy and snappy feedback of the Carrot switch.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a unique and fun tactile experience with its bouncy feel and mid-pitched, firm sound profile. It has a lively and responsive typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a pillowy light typing feel and a satisfyingly deep, rich sound profile. While specific information about its feel is unknown, it can be expected to offer a smooth and consistent typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Carrot offering a more tactile and bouncy experience, and the Wine Red providing a smoother and deeper sound profile without any tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a unique and bouncy tactile switch with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, then the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a feathery feel that requires little exertion, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Carrot switch is also described as bouncy and snappy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a super responsive typing experience. In terms of sound, the Carrot is clacky, marbly, and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a pillowy light type feel along with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a slightly heavier feel compared to the Carrot switch. The Wine Red switch is described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. However, in terms of feel, there is no specific description provided for the Wine Red switch. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel.
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