Aflion Carrot vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options on the market are the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, a linear switch. The Carrot switch is praised for its unique tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring that provides a bouncy feel when typing. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their smooth and substantial keystrokes, offering a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out for clear and tactile feedback. While the Carrot switch is characterized by its high-pitched and firm sound profile, the Matcha Green Pro switches produce resonant clacks that add to the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and intended use. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound to be produced. Additionally, polycarbonate is commonly used in switches with clear housings for aesthetic purposes and is particularly useful in switches intended for RGB lighting. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate top housings, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when typing.
In terms of bottom housings, the Carrot and the V3 Matcha Green Pro both feature nylon materials. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. With both switches incorporating nylon bottom housings, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, as the qualities of the nylon material will impact the sound profile when pressing down on the switch.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. With both the Carrot and the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizing different materials for their top and bottom housings, users can appreciate a well-rounded typing experience that incorporates the unique characteristics of both polycarbonate and nylon materials.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. The Carrot offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches offer a satisfying amount of travel for typing or gaming, the Carrot provides a slightly deeper press compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Carrot. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
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 known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, offering a crisp and resonant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch also produces a clacky sound but with a touch of resonance, giving users a sharp and clean sound profile. Both switches provide a satisfying sound when typing, with the Carrot offering a more distinct marbly characteristic compared to the Matcha Green Pro's resonant tone.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is recognized for its bouncy and snappy feedback, providing users with a lively and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Carrot switch is described as having a stepped feel, offering a two-stage tactile sensation during keystrokes. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is known for its bouncy feel, giving users a spring-like feedback that adds to the overall typing experience. The Matcha Green Pro also offers a creamy and polished sensation, providing a smooth and refined keystroke feel.
Considering all the available information, both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Carrot switch excels in providing a bouncy and marbly sound profile with a snappy and stepped feel, the Matcha Green Pro switch offers a clacky and resonant sound with a creamy and polished sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on the user's preference for sound and feel, as both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience that enthusiasts will appreciate.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing sensation with a fun sound profile, the Carrot switch with its 45g bottom out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and substantial keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, the Matcha Green Pro switch with its 63g bottom out force may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a bouncy and tactile feel (Carrot) or a smooth and responsive feel (Matcha Green Pro) in your mechanical keyboard switches.
Mentioned in this article
