Aflion Carrot vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch. The Carrot is renowned for its unique tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring that offers a bouncy feel when typing. Additionally, it produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a similar typing experience to the classic MX Red switch but with the added benefit of silent operation, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. While the Carrot excels in providing a bouncy and tactile typing experience, the MX Silent Red stands out for its silent operation. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Cherry MX Silent Red, we can see that both switches use nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing qualities. This means that both switches will likely produce a similar sound when bottoming out keys, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to the overall typing experience. However, the top housing materials differ between the two switches. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in top housing materials will impact the sound produced when lifting a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot likely providing a different sound experience compared to the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red.
While the nylon bottom housings of both the Aflion Carrot and the Cherry MX Silent Red contribute to a similar typing experience, the differences in their top housing materials create distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red results in a deeper and fuller sound. This means that when typing on these switches, users may notice a variance in sound depending on whether they are pressing down on a key or releasing it. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Carrot's top housing leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, while the softer nylon in the MX Silent Red offers a duller and rounder sound experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Cherry MX Silent Red play a significant role in determining the sound profiles of these switches. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound, they differ in their top housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot and the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red offer contrasting sound experiences, with the former producing a sharp and crisp sound and the latter providing a duller and rounder sound. The combination of these housing materials in each switch contributes to their unique typing experiences, as the qualities of the top and bottom housings impact the sound produced when pressing down and releasing keys.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Carrot is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the MX Silent Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The Carrot provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended use such as in work settings or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red may appeal to those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer their benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Carrot being the lighter option and the MX Silent Red having a slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's preference for actuation force and bottom out force in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Aflion Carrot. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can actually make a noticeable impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red can result in faster response times, which may be preferred by gamers looking for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Aflion Carrot may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a more traditional feel. In conclusion, while both switches offer similar performance, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
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 Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 sharp and snappy noise with a touch of resonance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is designed for a muted and thocky sound, providing a softer and deeper typing experience without the traditional mechanical keyboard noise. If you prefer a livelier and more percussive sound, the Carrot switch would be the optimal choice, while the Silent Red switch is ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is praised for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, offering a lively and responsive typing experience. It also features a stepped feel, providing a two-stage feedback sensation for a more dynamic keystroke. Alternatively, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, potentially implying a touch of friction for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their key presses. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Carrot switch focusing more on a bounce and responsiveness, while the Silent Red switch caters to individuals seeking a smoother and quieter typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Carrot switch provides a bouncy and snappy typing experience with a clacky and marbly sound profile, the Silent Red switch offers a quieter and thocky typing experience with a focus on smoothness. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, you can choose the switch that best suits your preferences for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and noise levels. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Carrot switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with silent operation and a muted sound profile, the MX Silent Red switch is a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience and sound profile that aligns with your preferences. Consider trying out both switches to determine which one suits your needs best.
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