Aflion Carrot vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a unique tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot switch might be the perfect choice for you. With its long, two-stage spring, this switch offers a bouncy and satisfying tactile feedback that sets it apart from other options. Additionally, the Carrot switch boasts a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, adding to the overall enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a smooth and comfortable feel may find the KTT Strawberry switch more appealing. With its attractive pink and clear housing, the Strawberry switch not only looks great but also delivers a reliable and frictionless performance. Its low-pitched sound and buttery actuation make typing a delight. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Strawberry, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared material choice means that both switches will have a similar sound profile, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound, which is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. From an aesthetic standpoint, both the Carrot and the Strawberry will exhibit a visually appealing appearance with their clear top housings.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Carrot employs a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of its top housing. This choice ensures a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound output from the bottom-out sensation of the switch.
Despite these differences, it is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced more by the bottom housing material. Conversely, the sound upon releasing a key will be more influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. Therefore, while the overall sound profile may differ slightly between the Carrot and the Strawberry due to their contrasting bottom housing materials, both switches will still offer users a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Strawberry requires 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Carrot is more sensitive and easier to activate with a lighter touch. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Carrot requires a force of 45 grams, whereas the Strawberry has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams. Therefore, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Strawberry switch as it provides a stronger push feel. It is worth mentioning that if one prefers a lighter overall experience, both switches offer comparable results as their actuation and bottom out forces are relatively close in range. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience when pressing down on a key, as they will travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. Whether using the Carrot or the Strawberry, users can expect a consistent and comfortable travel distance that enhances their typing or gaming 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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch is best known for its uniquely bouncy tactile experience. When pressed, this switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. The clacky sound is sharp and snappy, giving the keyboard a crisp and bright sound. The marbly sound is resonant and clean, similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. The high-pitched sound is sharp and crisp, perfect for those who prefer a lighter and more defined sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of the Carrot switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. In terms of sound, the Strawberry switch is described as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This provides a pleasant and rich sound experience. Similarly to the Carrot switch, the sound produced by the Strawberry switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Carrot switch has a variety of descriptors that can give users different sensations. It is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback that gives a lively feel with rebound when pressed. The snappy characteristic of the Carrot switch makes it super responsive, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs that make the typing experience feel more alive. The stepped feel of the Carrot switch gives a mild tactile experience, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Moreover, the Carrot switch can also be considered feathery, as it is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Lastly, the Carrot switch is also described as subtle, offering a gentle resistance and light typing feel, suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for its frictionless feel. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The silky characteristic of the Strawberry switch ensures an overall smooth typing feel, enhancing the typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The buttery feeling of the Strawberry switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Lastly, the Strawberry switch is described as polished, offering a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This can be achieved through the materials used in the switch or factory lubing.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and KTT Strawberry switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, while the Strawberry switch offers a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. It is essential to consider factors such as individual preferences, keyboard boards, and keycaps when choosing between these switches to ensure the desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a light and bouncy tactile switch with a unique tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot switch is the way to go. Its long, two-stage spring provides a lively and rebounding feel when pressed, making it a fun option for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Carrot switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a crisp and bright keyboard sound.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is a great choice. With its attractive pink and clear housings, the Strawberry switch not only looks good but also offers a comfortable feel and reliable performance. This switch provides a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It is ideal for those who prioritize a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch comes down to personal preference. If you value a bouncy tactile experience and a mid-pitched sound profile, the Carrot switch is an excellent option. However, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing feel with a frictionless and silky experience, the Strawberry switch is the way to go. Consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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