Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer unique experiences for users. The Carrot is a tactile switch known for its bouncy tactile feedback provided by a long, two-stage spring, as well as its mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° by Gateron is a linear switch that stands out for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback or smooth linear action, each switch has its own advantages. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. Both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound quality and aesthetics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches. The Carrot utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° also features a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the sound profile of the switch by creating a more muffled and rounded tone. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with their choice of bottom housing material.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° results in a well-rounded sound profile. The top housing impacts the sound when pressing down on a key, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. While the top housings may be the same in both switches, the differences in bottom housing material contribute to the individual characteristics and typing experience of each switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique blend of materials that enhance the overall sound profile and typing feel for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is clear that the Carrot is the lighter option. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams, which is lighter than the 45 grams required for the Zero Degree 0°. In terms of bottom out force, the Carrot also requires less force at 45 grams compared to the Zero Degree 0°, where the force is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Carrot makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Zero Degree 0° may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Carrot has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Zero Degree. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Zero Degree switch may result in faster response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quick actions. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Carrot switch may provide a more profound tactile feedback and a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly characteristics, providing a sharp and resonant sound profile that can be likened to tapping on marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch focuses on reducing noise with its self-padding design, resulting in a silent typing experience without a specific sound description provided. Depending on personal preference and the rest of the keyboard setup, users can expect a unique auditory experience from both switches.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is praised for its bouncy and snappy feedback, offering a lively sensation and responsive keystrokes with its two-stage spring design. Additionally, the switch provides a stepped feel, giving users distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. In contrast, details on the feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch are not available. Despite the lack of information, it is clear that the Carrot switch emphasizes a tactile and engaging typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy dynamic key presses with varying levels of feedback.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Carrot switch boasts a clacky and bouncy nature accompanied by a mid-pitched sound profile, the Zero Degree 0° switch prioritizes smoothness, stability, and noise reduction without specific sound and feel descriptions provided. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired. If a user enjoys a more tactile and interactive typing experience with a unique sound profile, the Carrot switch would be a suitable choice, whereas the Zero Degree 0° switch may cater to those seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing feel with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Carrot switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and silent typing experience with a soft, elastic feel that reduces noise, the Zero Degree 0° switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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