Aflion Carrot vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile 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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, also a tactile switch. The Carrot switch is best known for its uniquely bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. In addition, it offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque strike a delicate balance, providing a medium level of tactility while excelling at noise reduction. These switches feature innovative stem railings with small cutouts, minimizing switch sound while maintaining a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. What sets the WS Silent Tactile switches apart from conventional silent switches is their design without the use of silicone dampeners, creating a typing experience that is both silent and incredibly tactile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile have distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency is useful for RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile employs a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their merits, the Carrot's polycarbonate offers a more clear and vibrant sound, while the WS Silent Tactile's nylon produces a richer and more mellow sound.
Both the Carrot and the WS Silent Tactile share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite having the same housing material, the impact of the bottom housing on the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch will differ between the two models. The Carrot's nylon bottom housing will provide a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound and feel, complementing its polycarbonate top housing's sharper sound. Similarly, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon bottom housing will offer a similar deep and full bottom-out experience, matching its nylon top housing's characteristics. Therefore, while the bottom housing material is the same, its effect will be influenced by the accompanying top housing material in each switch.
When it comes to the impact on sound when releasing a key, the top housing material plays a more significant role. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing will contribute to a distinct sound when letting go of a key, likely matching its sharper and crisper sound profile while typing. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing will result in a more mellow reverberation when releasing a key. Thus, even though the bottom housing material has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing material of each switch will have a more noticeable impact on the sound when the key is released. Whether it be the sharper and clearer sound of the Carrot or the mellow reverberation of the WS Silent Tactile, the top housing material will offer a unique auditory experience for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Carrot has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. Additionally, its bottom out force of 45 grams indicates a relatively light touch required to fully depress the switch. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch lacks available information regarding its actuation force, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial and pronounced typing experience.
Weight should be considered when selecting between these switches, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter feel may gravitate towards the Carrot, as it allows for extended typing sessions without causing excessive strain. This lightweight characteristic makes it a suitable choice for use in work environments or during long gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who prefer a stronger push and desire a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier bottom out force of the WS Silent Tactile switch appealing. This added resistance may provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of solidity during typing.
While the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile switch is unavailable for comparison, it is important to note that both switches serve different preferences. However, if the actuation force between the two switches happens to be the same or similar, users can expect similar results in terms of how the switches feel and respond to keystrokes. Understanding one's personal preference for lighter or heavier switch options will play a significant role in determining which of these two switches suits their typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Carrot switch the longer of the two options. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered more traditional, while 3.0mm is seen as the most shallow. However, there is a growing trend towards shorter travel distances, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a highly responsive switch, the WS Silent Tactile with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and may prefer the Carrot switch's slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference and the desired 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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot is best described as having a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. The sound produced is sharp, crisp, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is known for its neutral and muted sound. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making them ideal for office and work environments where noise reduction is important. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Carrot being more lively and vibrant, while the WS Silent Tactile provides a tranquil and peaceful typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot offers a bouncy and snappy tactile experience. The long, two-stage spring in these switches provides a unique and elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and a pleasant rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Carrot switch is described as having a stepped and feathery feel. The stepped design offers a mild tactile sensation with some pre-travel and post-travel, while the feathery nature of the switch makes it exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is characterized as accented, invigorating, and mild. These switches offer a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. The WS Silent Tactile switch offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable to most users.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Carrot switch provides a bouncy tactile experience with a lively feel, accompanied by a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch strikes a balance between tactility and noise reduction, offering a comfortable and quiet typing experience with a medium level of tactility. If you are looking for a switch with a vibrant feedback and a sharp sound, the Carrot switch would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a switch with a moderate level of tactility and a quiet operation, the WS Silent Tactile switch would be a great option. While they have different characteristics, both switches excel in their own right, providing users with an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a fun tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force and a unique bouncy tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot would be a great choice for you. It offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. The Carrot's feel is described as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle, providing a lively and comfortable typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience in your office or work environment, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch would be suitable for you. It has a slightly heavier bottom out force and strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. The WS Silent Tactile features stem railings with small cutouts to minimize switch sound while maintaining crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike most silent switches, it avoids the usual padded feel and offers an unrivaled blend of tranquility and tactility. The sound profile is described as neutral and muted, and the feel is described as accented, invigorating, and mild.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile would depend on your preferences and requirements. If you prefer a lighter and bouncier tactile switch with a unique sound profile, the Carrot would be the way to go. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience in your office or work environment with a balance between tactility and noise reduction, the WS Silent Tactile switch would be a better fit.
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