Aflion Carrot vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile. The Aflion Carrot is a tactile switch that is revered for its bouncy tactile experience due to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, users enjoy its mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a distinctive feel and sound while typing. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile by Wuque Studio offers a smooth and snappy tactile bump with a neutral sound signature. Its easy-to-press keys make it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions. However, 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
50g
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
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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Carrot and the WS Light Tactile also both utilize nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile have similar top and bottom housing materials, the split between the qualities of each housing material is important to consider. The bottom housing, made of nylon, has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. This creates a deeper and fuller typing experience. Conversely, the top housing, constructed from polycarbonate, affects the sound when a key is released. This results in a sharper, crisper sound profile as the key returns to its resting position.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile contribute to their distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound and nylon bottom housings for a fuller sound, the split between these materials in the top and bottom of the switch creates a unique tactile experience for the user. Whether it be the crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, still considered light compared to other switches. Both switches offer a similar light typing experience, with the main difference being that the WS Light Tactile requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out. Depending on personal preference, some users may find the Carrot's lighter forces more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier forces of the WS Light Tactile for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switches have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of movement. Therefore, the resulting typing experience will be similar in terms of the travel distance between the 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 Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, offering a sharp and resonant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches offer distinct acoustics that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Carrot switch leaning towards a more pronounced and lively sound, while the WS Light Tactile switch maintains a balanced and unobtrusive sound.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is characterized by its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, providing users with a spring-like sensation and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Carrot switch offers a subtle resistance that is comfortable for extended use. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch also features a stepped tactile feel, providing users with a mild and easy-to-press typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different typing preferences, with the Carrot switch focusing on a more lively and rebounding feel, while the WS Light Tactile switch prioritizes a gentle and effortless key press.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches each bring their own strengths in terms of sound and feel to the table. The Carrot switch offers a lively and bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, while the WS Light Tactile switch provides a balanced and easy-to-press feel with a neutral sound signature. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users can choose between these switches to achieve a tailored and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can contribute to a satisfying mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: If you enjoy a bouncy and firm tactile experience with a mid-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Aflion Carrot switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and snappy tactile bump with a neutral sound signature, the WS Light Tactile switch is a great option. Additionally, if you like switches with a light bottom out force of 45 grams, opt for the Carrot, whereas if you prefer a slightly heavier 50 grams bottom out force, go for the WS Light Tactile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Consider trying out both switches to see which one enhances your typing experience the most.
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