Aflion Carrot vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Carrot switch stands out for its fun and bouncy tactile feedback, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, users will appreciate its mid-pitched and firm sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch showcases elegance with a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. It strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it ideal for fatigue-free typing during long sessions. Notably, it offers a delightful auditory experience cherished by enthusiasts, thanks to its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Carrot featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the WS Brown utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings. The use of polycarbonate in the Carrot's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness of polycarbonate also leads to a more clear and resonant sound experience. In contrast, the WS Brown's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucent quality, whereas the WS Brown's nylon top housing lacks this feature.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Carrot and the WS Brown utilize nylon, which results in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics creates a more muted and smoother sound experience. This characteristic drowns out any sharp or high-pitched tones, contributing to a more rounded overall sound. Therefore, the housing material used in the bottom housing of both switches aligns in terms of sound profile and feel when pressing down on the keys.
It's worth noting that, even though the top and bottom housing materials differ for the Carrot, the impact of each housing material on the sound profile will depend on the stage of key usage. While pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the resulting sound. Understanding the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials helps users appreciate the nuanced differences in sound and feel between the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Brown.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, several differences emerge. The Carrot has a relatively low actuation force of 37 grams, which means it requires a light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the WS Brown's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the Carrot's bottom out force of 45 grams suggests that it requires a slightly stronger push to fully press the key down. In comparison, the WS Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it moderately heavier. This disparity in bottom out force indicates that the WS Brown provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Despite the unknown actuation force of the WS Brown, its higher bottom out force suggests that it might require a heavier touch overall. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Carrot, while those desiring a more robust feel may opt for the WS Brown.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it can be observed that the Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although the difference between the two is relatively small, it is worth noting that the Carrot falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance at 4.0 mm, while the WS Brown leans towards the shallower end at 3.8 mm.
For those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers, the shorter travel distance of the WS Brown may be favored. The reduced distance allows for quicker actuation, enabling faster key presses and potentially enhancing gaming performance. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Carrot with its longer travel distance. The added depth provides a satisfying tactile experience, making each keystroke feel more substantial and deliberate.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Brown depends on personal preference and the desired keyboarding experience. Whether opting for the shorter travel distance for heightened responsiveness or the longer travel distance for a more hearty feel, both switches offer different benefits to cater to various user preferences.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, similar to the crisp sound of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is not mentioned in the provided information. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, the sound profile of the WS Brown switch may still offer a delightful auditory experience, but it lacks specific details.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy, snappy, and stepped tactile experience. The long, two-stage spring of the Carrot switch provides users with a uniquely bouncy tactile feedback, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. This switch is also described as stepped, meaning it has two stages in the keystroke, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Furthermore, it is important to mention that the Carrot switch is feathery, which means it requires little exertion and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the specific characteristics of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch's feel are not mentioned in the provided information. Similar to the sound profile, the feel of the WS Brown switch may still offer a pleasant typing experience, but the exact details are unknown.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is best known for its bouncy tactile experience, snappy feel, and a mid-pitched, firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is described as a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, offering a medium-light actuation force to strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort during typing sessions. While the specific sound and feel characteristics of the WS Brown switch are unknown, it is reasonable to assume that it can provide similar results to the Carrot switch in terms of feel and sound. However, it is important to consider individual preferences and factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, as they can influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Carrot switch, with its light bottom out force of 45 grams, is ideal for those who prefer a bouncy and snappy typing experience. Its long, two-stage spring provides a unique feedback sensation, making it a fun switch to use. Additionally, the Carrot switch produces a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound, which may appeal to those who enjoy a sharper and more crisp auditory experience.
On the other hand, the WS Brown switch, with its slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams, strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. It offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. The WS Brown switch is described as elegant and ensures fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. Although there is no specific mention of sound characteristics for the WS Brown, it is likely to have a more subtle sound profile compared to the Carrot switch.
Consider the feel that you prefer when typing. If you enjoy a bouncy, snappy, and feathery typing experience with a lively feel, the Carrot switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a more subtle tactile feedback and a comfortable typing experience, the WS Brown switch may be the way to go. Ultimately, it is important to try out both switches yourself to determine which one suits your typing preferences and needs best.