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Aflion Carrot vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion

An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options available on the market. If you're torn between the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, a linear switch, there are specific features that set these two apart. The Carrot is best known for its uniquely bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Alongside that, this switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, adding an element of satisfaction to your typing. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, providing a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. Additionally, it offers a crisp, responsive feel and a neutral sound profile. 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

N/A

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

63.5g

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

Partial box

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

WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Onion have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through effectively. However, while both switches share the same description for their polycarbonate top housings, it is unclear whether there are any variations in terms of design or other features that may set them apart.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Carrot and WS Onion switches use nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for enhancing the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic of the nylon bottom housing contributes to a more satisfying and immersive typing experience on both switches.

It is important to note that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the two parts of the switch. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing will influence the sound when the key is released. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the housing materials used in both the top and bottom parts of a switch to achieve the desired sound and feel during typing.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams, which is considered relatively light, while the WS Onion's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams, which is still relatively light, whereas the WS Onion has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Carrot tactile switch would be a suitable choice, as its lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push, the WS Onion linear switch with its heavier bottom out force would provide a more satisfying typing experience.

It is important to note that the exact actuation force of the WS Onion is not specified, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, if the actuation force is similar to the Carrot, the results would be similar in terms of requiring a lighter touch for triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to personal preference regarding typing sensation and the desired weight of the keystrokes.

Travel distance

Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Whether you choose the Carrot or the WS Onion, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when using the switches. Since both switches have the same travel distance, there is no difference in terms of which one is shorter or longer.

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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.

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 is best known for its uniquely bouncy tactile experience, provided by its long, two-stage spring. This switch also offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch features a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. It has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, contributing to its smooth and refined finish. When using the WS Onion switches, users can expect a crisp, responsive feel and a neutral sound profile. While the Carrot switch produces a sharper and more percussive sound, the WS Onion switch remains more moderate and suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, the Carrot switch provides a bouncy, snappy, and stepped experience, with feathery key presses and a subtle resistance. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch offers a buttery and polished feel, characterized by a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction. Overall, the Carrot and WS Onion switches provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. However, both switches offer satisfying and unique experiences in their respective categories.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a fun and unique tactile experience with a light bottom out force, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch would be a great choice. Its long, two-stage spring provides a bouncy feel and a mid-pitched sound profile, making typing an enjoyable and lively experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch is the way to go. With its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, these switches offer a satisfyingly smooth and responsive feel, along with a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback and bottom out force. Whether you go for the bouncy and clacky Carrot or the buttery smooth WS Onion, both switches offer their own unique typing experiences to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.

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