Aflion Carrot vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When comparing the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Jupiter Banana mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Carrot is a tactile switch known for its bouncy tactile experience due to its long, two-stage spring, while also providing a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana by Gateron stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, coupled with two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel. Each switch falls into its own category of characteristics, with the Carrot being described as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Stepped', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', while the Jupiter Banana is categorized as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Jupiter Banana both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Carrot and Jupiter Banana differ in their bottom housings, with the Carrot featuring a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. Conversely, the Jupiter Banana also has a nylon bottom housing that produces a similar effect on sound profile.

While both the Carrot and Jupiter Banana have different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that the overall sound profile and typing experience of the switch will be affected by both the top and bottom housing materials. Despite this difference, both switches ultimately offer a unique typing experience with a combination of sharper and higher-pitched sounds from the polycarbonate top housing and deeper and fuller sounds from the nylon bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch to the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is evident that the Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Jupiter Banana has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams. The Carrot provides a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which may be preferred by those who desire a stronger push feel. Both switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with the option to choose based on their personal preference for typing experience.

Travel distance

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Carrot switch the longer option compared to the Jupiter Banana switch. The 0.6 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and response of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana switch, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Carrot switch. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on their respective travel distances, ensuring that users can choose the one that best suits their preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot switch offers a clacky and marbly sound profile, providing a sharp and clean auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is described as high-pitched and resonant, delivering a sharp and immersive sound. Both switches share a high-pitched sound profile, so users can expect similar results in terms of sound when choosing either the Carrot or the Jupiter Banana.

When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is known for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, offering a lively and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Carrot switch features a stepped and feathery feel, providing users with a comfortable and light typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is characterized by its polished and creamy feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. While the feel of these switches may differ slightly, users can expect a similar level of comfort and smoothness in typing when using either the Carrot or the Jupiter Banana switch.

Overall, both the Aflion Carrot and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a bouncy and clacky experience with the Carrot switch or a polished and creamy feel with the Jupiter Banana switch, both options provide a satisfying typing experience. Consider your personal preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these switches to find the best match for your typing needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider the key differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. The Carrot switch with its lighter bottom out force of 45 grams offers a bouncy and mid-pitched typing experience with a clacky and marbly sound profile. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 69 grams provides a strong return and consistent feel with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. If you prefer a lighter and bouncier typing experience with a slightly softer sound, the Carrot may be the choice for you. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel and a crisper sound, the Jupiter Banana could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more