Aflion Carrot vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring are two popular options to consider. The Carrot is renowned for its fun and unique tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. This switch not only offers a satisfying bounce but also produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring variant of the Aflion Shadow switch provides a medium level of tactility. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, this switch offers a more approachable tactile experience. Additionally, it boasts a deep and thocky sound profile. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches have similar polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, the housing materials of the bottom portion of the switches differ. The Carrot features a nylon bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on the Carrot switch with its nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a difference in the typing experience between the Carrot and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring due to the variation in their bottom housing materials. The Carrot's nylon bottom housing will result in a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing will contribute to a sharper and crisper sound.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, meaning less force is required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience.
When it comes to bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams of force to fully press down, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires 55 grams. This indicates that the Carrot switch is lighter in terms of bottoming out, allowing for a smoother keystroke with less effort. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires a slightly heavier force for bottoming out, providing a more solid and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Considering weight, the Carrot tactile switch offers a lighter key feel overall, which is beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods, such as during work or long gaming sessions. The reduced actuation and bottom out forces of the Carrot switch allow for a more effortless and comfortable typing experience. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel while typing, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch may be a more suitable option. Although both switches have their differences in actuation and bottom out forces, individuals seeking a similar result to the Carrot switch but with a slightly heavier touch may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance of travel for both switches. Therefore, the results from using these switches will be similar in terms of the distance you feel when typing. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other; they provide the same level of tactile feedback.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for $3.57.
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 best described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. When pressed, it produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound. This unique sound profile adds a lively and vibrant element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so we cannot provide specific information about its sound characteristics. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, both the Aflion Carrot and Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches are described as bouncy. They provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively and responsive feel. This bounciness adds a sense of rebound when the keys are pressed, enhancing the typing experience. Additionally, the Aflion Carrot switch is also described as snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. It offers a super responsive typing experience, with the longer two-stage spring providing a more alive feel. The switch has a gentle resistance, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Its overall feel is light and comfortable, suitable for various typing tasks. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch's feel profile is limited to being bouncy. While we don't have additional details, we can assume that it shares some similarities with the Carrot switch in terms of the bounciness.
Considering the available information, it's evident that both the Aflion Carrot and Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switches offer unique qualities. The Carrot switch stands out for its bouncy and snappy feel, providing a lively and elastic typing experience. It also offers a distinctive sound profile, being clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch focuses on being approachable and bouncy, providing a medium level of tactility. While its sound profile is unknown, we can expect it to have similar bouncy characteristics to the Carrot switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for specific sound and feel qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile switch with a light bottom out force, the Aflion Carrot is the perfect choice for you. Its long, two-stage spring offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience and a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is highly recommended. It provides a very approachable tactility and features a deep and thocky sound profile. Both switches offer a bouncy feel when pressed, but the Carrot also has additional descriptors such as snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle, making it more versatile in terms of feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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