Aflion Carrot vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Cold Plum, a linear switch, there are significant differences to consider. The Carrot switch is known for its bouncy tactile experience provided by a long, two-stage spring, along with a firm and mid-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Cold Plum switch offers a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes due to its fully nylon construction. While the Carrot switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Stepped', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', the Cold Plum switch lacks categorization. Choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Outemu Cold Plum both feature different materials for their top and bottom housing components, with the Carrot using polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, while the Cold Plum utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. However, both switches share the benefit of having a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the overall typing experience with its ability to create a duller and rounder sound.
When comparing the bottom housings of the Carrot and the Cold Plum, both being made of nylon, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon provides. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing, showcasing the importance of this material in creating a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the differences in the top housings, with the Carrot featuring polycarbonate and the Cold Plum using nylon, will affect the sound when releasing a key. The stiffer polycarbonate of the Carrot will produce a crisper sound upon key release, while the softer nylon of the Cold Plum will result in a more muted sound.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Aflion Carrot and Outemu Cold Plum can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot creates a sharp and resonant sound profile, especially suited for RGB lighting, while the softer nylon top housing of the Cold Plum offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. The shared nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a consistent typing experience by enhancing the overall sound profile with its sound absorption properties, showcasing the importance of housing materials in keyboard design.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch. The Carrot requires 37 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Cold Plum demands 60 grams to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may find the Carrot more suitable, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cold Plum. In terms of weight, the Carrot is lighter than the Cold Plum, providing different typing experiences based on preference.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance compared to the Carrot. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Carrot is more traditional, offering a deeper press, whereas the 3.3mm travel distance of the Cold Plum provides a shallower press, preferred by gamers for faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Cold Plum, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the Carrot. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 sound with bright and percussive tones. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is characterized by a unique thocky sound profile, delivering a clean and resonant sound experience. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Carrot offering a higher-pitched and firm sound while the Cold Plum provides a smoother and more satisfying typing sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is praised for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, giving users a lively and responsive typing experience. The unique long, two-stage spring of the Carrot switch provides a spring-like sensation that rebounds when pressed, offering a satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch does not have specific descriptors available for its feel. However, based on the information provided, it can be inferred that the smooth keystroke of the Cold Plum switch paired with its nylon construction offers a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, when comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is clear that both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Carrot switch excels in providing a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a clacky and firm sound profile, the Cold Plum switch stands out for its thocky sound and smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for sound profile, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing feel with a firm sound profile that is described as clacky, marbly, or high-pitched, then the Carrot switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth keystroke with a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, then the Cold Plum switch is the better choice. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in typing experience and sound profile. Consider what type of typing feel and sound you enjoy the most to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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