Aflion Carrot vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Carrot and the SP-Star Yanyu. While both switches offer their own unique features and benefits, they cater to different preferences and requirements. The Carrot switch is well-known for its fun and tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring that offers a bouncy feeling when typing. Additionally, the Carrot switch has a firm and mid-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is tailored for individuals seeking a delicate typing experience or those who engage in prolonged typing sessions. Its material blend gives it a crisp sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Carrot and the SP-Star Yanyu have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile, leaning towards the brighter side and not particularly sharp. While they differ in sound characteristics, both housings are designed to work well with RGB lighting due to their translucent properties.

When it comes to the bottom housings, the Carrot employs a nylon material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Comparatively, the Yanyu combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing, creating a similar, yet unique, sound profile. The blend offers a pleasant sound experience, not particularly sharp but slightly brighter. Both bottom housings contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing having a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.

While the Carrot and Yanyu differ in their respective top and bottom housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend provides a pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side, both in its top and bottom housings. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to enhance the sound and feel of typing, making them suitable options for individuals seeking distinct sound characteristics in their keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Yanyu's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a relatively light actuation force.

In terms of bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams of force, while the Yanyu requires 43 grams. Again, both switches have a light bottom out force.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find both options suitable, as both switches have light actuation and bottom out forces. This is advantageous for individuals who use their keyboards for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions.

However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel, neither switch would provide the desired level of resistance. In such cases, it would be advisable to explore alternative options with heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the Carrot and Yanyu switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires.

Travel distance

Both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the results obtained from using these switches will be similar in terms of the distance you feel when using them.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch is best known for providing a uniquely bouncy tactile experience. This switch utilizes a long, two-stage spring which gives it a lively feel and provides rebound when pressed. In terms of sound, the Carrot switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, which can be described as clacky and marbly. The clacky sound is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive, while the marbly sound is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding.

On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is perfect for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or those who type for extended periods of time. The Yanyu switches have a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience. Similar to the Carrot switch, the Yanyu switch is also described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue. In terms of sound, the Yanyu switch has a crisp sound profile due to its material blend, providing a satisfying thocky sound, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released.

In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a bouncy and snappy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a more delicate and mild typing experience with a crisp and satisfying thocky sound. Although they offer different qualities, both switches have a feathery feel, reducing finger fatigue and providing comfort for extended typing sessions. Additionally, it is important to note that the sound of the switches is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Based on the available information, you can expect similar results in terms of the feathery feel between the Carrot and Yanyu switches, but they differ in their tactile experience and sound profile.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile switch with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot would be a great choice for you. Its long, two-stage spring offers a uniquely lively typing experience. The Carrot switch is known for producing clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profiles. Additionally, it provides a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or plan to type for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be a better fit. It offers a crisp sound profile and a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. Overall, the Yanyu switch is described as neutral and thocky in terms of sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for sound and feel during typing.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more