Aflion Carrot vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Darling stand out with unique features that cater to different preferences. The Carrot, a tactile switch, is praised for its bouncy tactile experience due to its long, two-stage spring. Known for its mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Carrot switch is described as clacky, marbly, and snappy. On the other hand, the KTT Darling, a linear switch, offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation that is complemented by a pronounced bounciness for a springy responsiveness. This switch delivers a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, blending tactile and auditory feedback seamlessly. While the Carrot appeals to those who enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience, the Darling caters to individuals who prefer a satisfyingly chewy sensation along with a resonant sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Darling feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Carrot and the Darling differ in their bottom housing material. The Carrot's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Darling's nylon bottom housing also absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Carrot and the Darling utilize polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile, the difference lies in their nylon bottom housing. The Aflion Carrot's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the KTT Darling's nylon bottom housing also absorbs sound effectively for a rounder sound experience. The split qualities of the bottom and top housing materials affect the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Darling both prioritize the use of polycarbonate for their top housing to achieve a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, the differentiation in their nylon bottom housing materials results in a variance in sound experience, with the Carrot offering a deeper and fuller sound and the Darling creating a duller and rounder sound due to the softer plastic composition. Overall, while their top housing materials may provide similar results, the bottom housing materials contribute to distinct typing experiences for each switch.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch to the KTT Darling linear switch, it is clear that the Carrot has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Darling. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Darling requires a slightly heavier force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Carrot. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Carrot would be the better option, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Darling offers a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback when pressed, but the Carrot offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Darling. Gamers may prefer the Carrot for its longer travel distance, as it provides a more substantial feel, while those looking for faster response times may opt for the Darling with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 switch is known for its clacky and marbly characteristics, delivering a sharp and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Darling switch also offers a clacky sound but with a high-pitched and resonant quality. Both switches provide an engaging auditory experience with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the bouncy and sharp sound of the Carrot or the chewy and resonant sound of the Darling, you can expect a satisfying sound profile from either switch.
Moving on to feel, both the Aflion Carrot and KTT Darling switches are described as bouncy, providing users with a spring-like feedback sensation that enhances the typing experience. The Carrot switch is also known for its snappy and stepped feel, offering a two-stage tactile feedback that adds to the typing dynamics. While the Darling switch focuses primarily on its bouncy feel, both switches deliver a satisfying and responsive typing experience that is sure to please tactile switch enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback like the Carrot or a substantial and bouncy feel like the Darling, both switches offer a tactile experience that will elevate your typing sessions.
Overall, both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch provide unique and engaging typing experiences with their distinct sound and feel profiles. Whether you prioritize a sharp and bouncy sound with a tactile typing sensation like the Carrot or a chewy and substantial feel with a resonant sound profile like the Darling, both switches offer qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter touch, the Carrot with a 45-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. The Carrot offers a bouncy tactile experience and a mid-pitched sound profile. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch, the Darling with a 53-gram bottom out force may be the better choice. The Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and a resonant, high-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style.
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