Aflion Carrot vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, players and typists often find themselves choosing between tactile and linear options, each offering distinct experiences. The Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its bouncy, two-stage spring that delivers a uniquely satisfying tactile bump, making it a great choice for users who enjoy a more dynamic and engaged typing feel. Its mid-pitched and firm sound profile adds to the auditory enjoyment, appealing to those who appreciate a clacky and snappy response. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai, a linear switch, presents a completely different typing experience characterized by its deep, rounded sound and incredibly light actuation force. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a gentler, smoother keystroke, allowing for quick and effortless typing. While both switches have their merits—whether you seek the engaging feedback of the Carrot or the smooth elegance of the Yunhai—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

TTC Yunhai Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Yunhai, it is essential to highlight that the top and bottom housings for each switch exhibit significant differences. The Aflion Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound profile. This material ensures that the sound emitted when pressing the switches is clear and resonant, especially beneficial when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai opts for a nylon top housing, which is softer and tends to absorb more sound. This results in a deeper and rounder sound profile, contrasting sharply with the Carrot's more defined and high-pitched sound.

On the other hand, both switches share a common material for their bottom housing: nylon. This reinforces the idea that while the top housing materials differ significantly in their acoustic properties, the bottom housings bring a consistent quality to both switches. The nylon bottom housing in both the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Yunhai contributes to a fuller and deeper sound when the key bottoms out. The nylon's ability to absorb sound leads to a more muted and rounded experience in terms of auditory feedback, creating a cohesive feel when typing across either switch.

Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings leads to unique sound profiles for each switch, even though they share commonalities in their bottom materials. While the Carrot's polycarbonate top creates clarity and brightness, the Yunhai's nylon construction produces a softer, softer key release, highlighting the differences in sound depending on whether one is pressing down or letting go of the keys. Therefore, while the bottom housings of both switches yield similar results in terms of sound thanks to their nylon construction, the distinct top housing materials ultimately shape the overall auditory and tactile experiences in contrasting ways.

Weight

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch both possess relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer less resistance during extended typing or gaming sessions. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Yunhai requires a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction makes the Carrot switch the lighter option, which could be more comfortable for users looking to type for longer periods without fatigue. Conversely, the Yunhai, though still light, offers a firmer push feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, which may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are designed for light usage, the Carrot provides a softer touch compared to the Yunhai's more pronounced force response.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional choice that offers a hearty depth for those who appreciate a more robust keystroke experience. In contrast, the Yunhai switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, aligning with the recent trend towards quicker response times, particularly favored by gamers. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the TTC Yunhai linear switch may be the more suitable option. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel to your keystrokes, the Aflion Carrot would be the better choice. Ultimately, the Carrot's 4 mm travel distance is the longer of the two, while the Yunhai's 3.6 mm travel distance is the shorter.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, a distinct contrast emerges. The Carrot switch produces a mid-pitched, firm sound that can be characterized as clacky and high-pitched, resulting in a crisp, bright auditory experience with each keystroke. This sound is energetic and might be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. In contrast, the Yunhai switch delivers a deep, rounded sound profile that fosters a quieter and more subdued typing experience. While it lacks the sharpness of the Carrot, its sound is still pleasant and might suit users who prefer a more understated acoustics during their typing sessions.

In terms of feel, the differences between the two switches are also notable. The Carrot switch features a bouncy and snappy tactile sensation, largely thanks to its long, two-stage spring which provides both a lively rebound and a discernible bump in feedback. This makes the typing experience feel engaging and responsive, ideal for those who appreciate a tactile presence in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Yunhai switch is defined by its feathery lightness, requiring minimal effort to press the keys. This reduces finger fatigue, making it a comfortable option for prolonged typing. While the Carrot delivers a more tactile engagement, the Yunhai focuses on effortless actuation, catering to typists seeking ease and comfort.

In conclusion, choosing between the Aflion Carrot and TTC Yunhai switches boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Carrot offers a lively, percussive auditory experience paired with an engaging tactile feedback, making it great for those who enjoy an active typing experience. Conversely, the Yunhai provides a gentler sound and an ultra-light touch, perfect for users seeking comfort and reduced typing effort. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, allowing users to find a switch that best suits their needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're someone who enjoys a more tactile typing experience filled with bouncy feedback and a fun sound profile, the Carrot is an excellent option for you. Its low bottom-out force and snappy feel can make for an exhilarating typing experience, especially if you enjoy the clacky and bright sound that accompanies each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more effortless typing experience without the tactile bump, the Yunhai linear switch might be your better choice. With its deeper sound profile and gentle actuation, it caters to those who want a quiet, feathery touch ideal for long hours of typing or gaming. Thus, your decision should reflect not only the feel and sound you desire but also the environment in which you will be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more