Aflion Carrot vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The Carrot is a tactile switch known for its bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, it provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Yellow is a linear switch that offers a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. It features a 22mm double-stage spring, providing a satisfying bounce while typing. Moreover, it has a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. These switches are ideal for those seeking a tactile or smooth and fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow differ in their housing materials. The Carrot utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Yellow features a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. On the other hand, nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both materials have their unique characteristics, they both contribute to enhancing the overall sound experience of the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Carrot and the WS Yellow adopt nylon as their material. The nylon bottom housings in each switch continue the trend established by their respective top housings. They contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded and duller sound. The nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a distinct typing experience. Thus, while the overall sound profile may differ slightly due to the inclusion of different materials in the top and bottom housings, the use of nylon in both switches guarantees a similar effect, offering a desirable sound experience for users.
The choice of housing materials has a direct impact on the overall sound profile when using a mechanical keyboard. In switches that have different top and bottom housings, the qualities associated with each housing material are split between the top and bottom. When pressing down on the switch, the impact of the nylon bottom housing becomes more apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, affects the sound produced when releasing a key. These distinctions in housing materials provide users with a range of options to tailor their typing experience according to their preferences, whether they prefer a crisper and sharper sound or a deeper and fuller one.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the WS Yellow's actuation force is unknown. Similarly, the Carrot has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, whereas the WS Yellow has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Carrot switch offers a lighter and more effortless keystroke experience compared to the WS Yellow, which provides a slightly more substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming might find the Carrot more suitable, while individuals seeking a bit more resistance and feedback might lean towards the WS Yellow. Although the exact actuation force of the WS Yellow is unknown, it is likely to be closer to or slightly heavier than its bottom out force, resulting in a similar overall feel to the Carrot switch.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch have different travel distances. The Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Carrot's travel distance of 4 mm falls into the more traditional range, providing a medium depth to the key press. On the other hand, the WS Yellow with its 3.8 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, appealing to gamers who prefer faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, which is highly desirable in competitive gaming scenarios. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel and a deeper key press, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Carrot would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness for the individual.
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 Yellow comes in at $3.50 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 is described as having a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound, but not overly loud or booming. It has characteristics of being clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. The WS Yellow linear switch, on the other hand, does not have a specific sound description mentioned in the provided information. However, it is noted that the sound of a switch is also dependent on other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Therefore, it is likely that the WS Yellow switch would have a sound profile that is similar to other linear switches, offering a smooth and consistent sound with each keypress.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is described as being bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. The long, two-stage spring in the Carrot switch delivers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a lively feel, offering rebound when pressed. The WS Yellow linear switch is described as creamy, mild, and polished. These switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a gentle and approachable feel. The typing experience with the WS Yellow switch is smooth and refined, thanks to the smooth and polished finish of the switch. While the specific feel of the WS Yellow switch is not mentioned, it can be inferred that it offers a consistent, smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, with a bouncy and subtle feel. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch offers a creamy and polished typing experience, with a mild and gentle feel. While the sound profile of the WS Yellow switch is not mentioned, based on the information provided, it can be inferred that it would offer a smooth and consistent sound like other linear switches. Both switches bring their own unique characteristics to the table, allowing users to choose based on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a light and comfortable typing feel. The Carrot switch is best known for its long, two-stage spring that provides a uniquely bouncy tactile experience. It also produces a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound when pressed. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a lively and responsive typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lightweight and effortless keystroke, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a medium-light typing feel. The WS Yellow switch is best known for its timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering, resulting in a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. It has a creamy and mild feel, and the sound signature is subtle and polished. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a gentle and approachable typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch depends on your personal preference for the tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your typing style and desired experience to make an informed decision. Both switches offer their unique advantages, so take your time to determine which one suits your needs best.
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