Aflion Carrot vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Dash represent two intriguing yet distinct options. The Carrot, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its fun and bouncy feel, thanks to its long, two-stage spring, which provides a uniquely satisfying tactile feedback. Its mid-pitched and firm sound profile, categorized as clacky and snappy, makes it an appealing choice for users who enjoy a pronounced and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Dash is a hall effect switch, known for its bright and clacky sound signature, refined from the popular Magnetic Jade. It offers a silky smooth keystroke that many typists and gamers appreciate, delivering both performance and elegance. While the Carrot excels in tactile feedback for a lively touch, the WS Dash shines in its smoothness and refined sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Dash both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which leads to similarities in the overall sound profile of both switches. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiff and transparent plastic, enhances clarity and resonance in the auditory experience. Users can expect a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when pressing the switches on either model, making them ideal for a transparent aesthetic that complements RGB lighting. Given that both switches share this common material in their top housings, it’s likely that users will find comparable auditory characteristics when using either switch, particularly when paired with backlighting.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Carrot and WS Dash switches are made of nylon, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a distinctive contrast to the clarity provided by the polycarbonate top. This dichotomy allows for a unique auditory experience: while the top housing defines the higher end of the sound spectrum, the nylon bottom enhances the lower frequencies. As a result, both switches deliver a rich sound experience when pressed, with a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel that users can appreciate regardless of their choice between the two.
Given that both switches employ the same materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—their overall sound characteristics ultimately intertwine and produce a cohesive auditory experience. The sharp and crisper sound from the polycarbonate top complements the deep and fuller tones from the nylon bottom, allowing users to enjoy well-rounded audio feedback while typing. Thus, whether one chooses the Aflion Carrot or the Wuque Studio WS Dash, the combination of materials ensures that similar results in sound quality and tactile feedback will be achieved, allowing enthusiasts to select based on aesthetic or branding preferences rather than significant differences in performance.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions and a more effortless experience. In contrast, the WS Dash has a slightly lighter actuation force of 30 grams, but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the WS Dash feel medium-light while providing a more substantial push at the bottom. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Carrot might be the better choice for comfort during long use, whereas the WS Dash, with its heavier bottom out force, caters to individuals who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback and a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, while both switches have relatively similar actuation forces, the significant difference in their bottom out forces highlights their unique characteristics and user experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the differences are quite notable. The Carrot features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional and offers a deeper feel with a more substantial bottom out. This depth can provide a more satisfying typing experience for users who prefer tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Dash has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to gamers who often favor quick response times and quicker actuation for enhanced performance. If you prioritize a more responsive feel, the WS Dash might be more suitable, but those who enjoy a hearty depth may gravitate towards the Carrot. Therefore, while both switches serve different user preferences, the Carrot's travel distance is the longer option at 4 mm, compared to the WS Dash's 3.5 mm.
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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, both offer a clacky nature that gives a snappy and lively auditory feedback when typing. The Carrot has a mid-pitched and firm sound that aligns with the characteristics of a bright, crisp sound signature, making it pleasant for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response without being overly bass-heavy. In contrast, the WS Dash is described as having a bright and clacky sound that shares similar high-pitched qualities, ensuring a sharp and percussive experience. Both switches effectively engage users with their respective sound, making them ideal for environments where feedback is desirable, while it is important to note that the final sound will also depend on factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the Aflion Carrot excels in delivering a fun and engaging tactile experience. The long, two-stage spring contributes to a bouncy and snappy sensation, allowing for an active typing experience that feels both responsive and lively. Additionally, the stepped nature of the tactile bump offers a unique tactile feedback that separates it from overly tactile switches, giving a balance of mild resistance during the keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Dash offers a smooth and polished typing experience characterized as silky and refined. This switch minimizes friction, making keystrokes feel effortless and seamless, which is particularly appealing in longer typing sessions or fast-paced gaming scenarios. While the feel of both switches caters to different preferences—one emphasizing tactile engagement and the other focusing on a smooth experience—they can both provide satisfying results depending on individual taste.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Carrot's bouncy, snappy feedback and vibrant sound provide an exciting typing adventure, while the WS Dash focuses on silky smoothness and refined sound signature, appealing to those who favor a polished experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you lean more towards tactile engagement or a refined, smooth typing experience, but both options are designed to enhance your keyboard interactions significantly.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch largely depends on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and the overall typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a light and bouncy typing feel with a prominent tactile bump, the Carrot switch may be your ideal pick. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it particularly suited for those who type or game for extended periods, as its feathery nature can help minimize finger fatigue. Additionally, the Carrot's sharp, high-pitched clackiness adds a fun, engaging sound to your keystrokes, making every press feel lively and responsive. Conversely, if you favor a more polished and refined tactile experience, the WS Dash may be the better choice for you. With its medium-light 55-gram bottom-out force and silky smooth operation, this switch offers a more sophisticated typing experience that complements a quieter environment and provides a bright, clacky sound profile. Ultimately, if you prefer a straightforward, snappy feedback that feels alive, lean towards the Carrot, whereas if you seek smoothness and elegance in your keystrokes, the WS Dash will likely satisfy your needs. Balancing comfort, sound, and feel will help you decide which switch fits your style and typing habits best.