Aflion Carrot vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl present two intriguing options that cater to different preferences. The Carrot, known for its fun, tactile experience, boasts a long, two-stage spring that delivers a bouncy feel and a mid-pitched, firm sound profile. Users who appreciate tactile feedback often find the Carrot appealing, as its rich texture and snappy response enhance the typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more interactive connection with every keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Pearl offers a smooth, almost surreal typing experience thanks to its innovative ball-bearing design that minimizes friction. This results in keystrokes that feel creamy and silky, complemented by a medium-high pitched sound signature. Typists who prefer a linear switch may gravitate towards the Pearl for a more fluid and unobstructed keypress, perfect for users who prioritize speed and efficiency. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl differ significantly in their top housing components. The Carrot utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance when a key is pressed. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through effectively, creating an appealing visual effect. In contrast, the WS Pearl employs nylon for its top housing, which, while being a classic material for mechanical switches, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This distinct tonal quality makes the Pearl's typing experience feel more rounded and warm, showcasing the interplay of materials in their respective sound profiles.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to similarities in their acoustic characteristics. The use of nylon, a classic switch housing material, in both the Carrot and WS Pearl contributes to a duller and more subdued sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon's higher sound absorption qualities compared to polycarbonate, making the bottom-out sound softer and more pleasant. As a result, regardless of the different materials used in their top housings, both switches will deliver a consistent foundation of sound quality, owing to the shared nylon bottom housing. This material not only impacts the acoustic experience but also contributes to the overall feel when a key bottoms out.
When considering the cumulative effects of each housing material on the switches, it becomes evident that the unique pairing can yield different tactile responses. The Carrot’s polycarbonate top housing sharpens the sound when a key is released, contrasting with the WS Pearl’s nylon top housing, which retains a more muted character. The interplay between the firm polycarbonate and soft nylon creates a distinct contrast in sound when engaging each switch. Therefore, while both switches share the same nylon material in their bottom housings leading to a deeper bottom-out sound and feel, the differences in their top housing materials will influence the overall auditory experience and response, making each switch unique despite their similarities.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the WS Pearl's 30 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the WS Pearl has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the Carrot's 45 grams, which provides a more substantial feel upon bottoming out. This suggests that while the Carrot may be preferred for its lighter touch, the WS Pearl offers a firmer experience that some users might find desirable. Overall, those seeking a lightweight switch for prolonged use may lean toward the Carrot, whereas those wanting a stronger and more tactile feel at the bottom could opt for the WS Pearl.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in distances highlights the potential user experience each switch offers. The Carrot, with its 4 mm travel, provides a more traditional feel, allowing for a deeper and potentially more tactile keypress. In contrast, the WS Pearl, at 3.5 mm, caters to those who prefer a quicker actuation, making it suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. If you value depth and a hearty actuation, the Carrot would be the preferable choice, while the WS Pearl is ideal for users who prioritize a snappier feel due to its shorter travel distance. Overall, the Carrot has a longer travel distance, whereas the WS Pearl is the shorter option.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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 presents a mid-pitched, clacky profile that evokes a crispness reminiscent of a snappy and percussive keyboard. Users will appreciate its bright and lively character, making it well-suited for environments where auditory feedback is preferred. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch offers a medium-high pitched sound signature that combines elements of a clacky quality with a marbly resonance. The voice of the WS Pearl is described as sharp and clean, akin to the sound of colliding billiard balls, providing a unique auditory experience that stands out in its own right. Both switches have high-pitched characteristics, inviting users who favor a bright sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Carrot switch excels with its notably bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, courtesy of its long, dual-stage spring design. This feature enhances responsiveness and imparts a lively sensation during typing, making it feel more interactive. Additionally, the subtle stepped nature of its tactility offers a mild, engaging sensation throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Pearl impresses with its silky and creamy action achieved through the incorporation of ball-bearings that minimize friction. This results in an exceptionally smooth typing experience that feels effortless and luxurious, allowing for seamless transitions between keystrokes. While both switches offer distinct typing sensations, their approaches cater to different preferences, with the Carrot providing a more dynamic feel and the WS Pearl focusing on smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch present unique auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to diverse user preferences. The Carrot is celebrated for its energetic, clacky sound and bouncy feel, while the WS Pearl stands out with its high-pitched, marbly audio and extraordinarily smooth typing experience. Choosing between them will depend on whether one prioritizes a lively tactile response or a silky, frictionless sensation. Both types deliver engaging experiences, albeit with different focuses, allowing potential users to find satisfaction in either option based on their typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a bouncy, responsive feel and prefer lighter actuation with a sound profile that is both clacky and high-pitched, the Carrot will serve you well. Its unique two-stage spring design makes it a great choice for typing enthusiasts who appreciate tactile feedback during prolonged typing sessions, whether for work or gaming. Conversely, if you value smoothness and a somewhat heavier keystroke, the WS Pearl is the better option. Featuring innovative ball-bearing technology, it delivers an exceptionally smooth experience with a medium actuation force and a marbly sound character that many users find satisfying. Therefore, consider what aspects of the typing experience are most important to you—whether that’s the tactile response and lighter feel of the Carrot or the smooth precision and medium resistance of the WS Pearl. Make your choice based on your personal comfort and the specific tasks you plan to undertake, ensuring a keyboard experience that enhances your workflow or gaming enjoyment.
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