Aflion Carrot vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique qualities and benefits. The Carrot is widely known for its bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. This switch provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, promising a delightful clacky sensation while typing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear by Wuque is designed to enhance office and work experiences. These linear switches boast ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, resulting in reduced switch noise and impeccable responsiveness. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches do not use silicone dampeners, offering a distinct typing experience that is tranquil yet precise. While the Carrot appeals to those seeking a tactile and audibly pleasing switch, the WS Silent Linear caters to individuals prioritizing a quiet and accurate typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide 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
63.5g
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear differ in terms of the materials used. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Silent Linear utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that the Carrot switch will offer a higher-pitched and more resonant sound, while the WS Silent Linear will provide a more rounded and duller sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot switch is translucent, making it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Linear does not possess this characteristic. Therefore, if your intention is to use RGB lighting, the Carrot switch would be the better choice due to its polycarbonate top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches share the same material - nylon. This choice of material ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch. Nylon's ability to absorb sound creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, both the Carrot and WS Silent Linear switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, while the Carrot and WS Silent Linear switches may differ in their top housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles, they share the same nylon bottom housing, ensuring a similar typing experience. If you prioritize a sharper and crisper sound with the option of RGB lighting, the Carrot switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound without the need for RGB lighting, the WS Silent Linear switch would be a better fit.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are notable differences. The Carrot has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unavailable grams, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the WS Silent Linear is 63.5 grams, which suggests a medium-heavy feel.
Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals prefer a lighter option like the Carrot. This allows for longer typing sessions and is ideal for bringing the keyboard to work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial and stronger push feel may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this scenario, the WS Silent Linear with its medium-heavy bottom out force could be a suitable choice.
While concrete information on the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unavailable, it is worth noting that a similar actuation force to that of the Carrot may yield comparable results. Both switches provide tactile feedback and actuation, albeit with potential variations in force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the Carrot and the WS Silent Linear will depend on personal preferences for typing experience and the desired level of force exertion.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional and deeper travel distance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers who are looking for faster response times. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Carrot switch provides a more hearty and deeper feel when pressing down on a key, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Silent Linear 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a unique experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. This means that when pressed, it produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that can be described as clacky or marbly. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch provides a more subdued and muted sound. The switch is designed to reduce switch noise without the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. It offers a more tranquil and precise typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer a sharper and livelier sound, the Carrot switch would be more suitable, while the WS Silent Linear switch provides a quieter and more peaceful typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy and snappy typing experience. This is because of its long, two-stage spring that provides a uniquely elastic feedback sensation, giving users a rebound when pressed. Additionally, it has a subtle and feathery feel with a gentle resistance, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch offers a more mild typing experience. It falls in the safe middle ground zone, providing a gentle and approachable feel without any pronounced characteristics. Thus, if you prefer a switch with a lively and responsive feel, the Carrot switch would be the better choice, while the WS Silent Linear switch offers a milder and more universally accessible typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Carrot switch provides a clacky and marbly sound profile, along with a bouncy and snappy feel. It offers a unique and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch provides a more subdued and muted sound, accompanied by a mild and gentle typing feel. It offers a quieter and more tranquil typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between the sharper and livelier qualities of the Carrot switch or the quieter and more universally accessible qualities of the WS Silent Linear switch. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile switch with a light bottom out force, the Aflion Carrot would be a great choice for you. It offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience with a firm sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that reduces noise while delivering unparalleled responsiveness, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear is the switch for you. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force and features ingeniously designed stem railings to reduce switch noise. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear offers a distinct typing experience without the usual cushioned sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and feathery feel, go for the Carrot. If you prefer a more neutral and muted sound with a mild typing experience, the WS Silent Linear is the way to go.
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