Aflion Carrot vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Aflion Carrot and Durock Daybreak mechanical keyboard switches, we see distinct differences in their design and performance. The Carrot switch stands out as a tactile option, offering a bouncy tactile experience with a firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Daybreak switch from Durock is a linear switch that provides a heftier typing experience with a quiet operation. While the Carrot switch is noted for its clacky and high-pitched feel, the Daybreak switch is praised for its polished and muted typing experience. If you prefer a bouncy and tactile feel, the Carrot switch may be the way to go. However, if you value a heavier touch and a quieter operation, the Daybreak switch could be more suitable for your needs. But beyond these generalities, let's dive in a bit deeper so you can determine the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Durock Daybreak both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings creates a more resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it ideal for those looking for a clear and defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for showcasing RGB lighting, adding a touch of customization to the overall look of the keyboard. The similarities in the top housing material of these switches will likely result in comparable sound profiles and aesthetic appeal.
On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Daybreak differ in their bottom housings, with the Carrot featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Daybreak also opting for nylon. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other housing materials. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. Both switches benefit from the unique sound characteristics offered by nylon, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a deeper sound profile.
When considering the overall typing experience, the differences in the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Carrot and Durock Daybreak become apparent. The impact of each housing material is felt differently during key presses, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite these distinctions, both switches offer unique sound profiles and characteristics that cater to varying preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it's evident that the Carrot is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Daybreak. The Carrot requires an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Daybreak's actuation force is unknown. The Carrot's bottom out force is 45 grams, whereas the Daybreak's bottom out force is 67 grams. The Carrot offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch when typing for extended periods. On the other hand, the Daybreak provides a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier force requirements, which may appeal to those seeking a more pronounced keypress sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Daybreak linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Carrot switch offers a slightly deeper keypress compared to the Daybreak switch. The 0.2 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Daybreak switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Carrot switch. Both switches offer a moderate travel distance that strikes a balance between shallow and deep keypresses, providing a comfortable typing or gaming experience for users.
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 Durock Daybreak has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Daybreak for $5.41.
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 often described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched, offering a sharp and snappy sound profile that is crisp and bright. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is characterized as muted and low-pitched, providing a softer and quieter typing experience with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its bouncy and snappy feel, giving users a lively and responsive typing sensation thanks to its long, two-stage spring. This switch also offers a stepped and feathery feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Carrot switch provides a bouncy and clacky typing experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Daybreak switch delivers a quieter and smoother typing feel with a muted sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing sound, feel, and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, you should consider your preferences in typing experience. If you enjoy a light, bouncy feel with a unique tactile feedback and a mid-pitched, firm sound profile, then the Carrot switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a quiet operation and a polished, smooth key travel, the Daybreak switch with its heavier actuation force would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a clacky, marbly, or high-pitched sound profile, the Carrot switch offers a more vibrant typing sound, whereas if you prefer a muted or low-pitched sound, the Daybreak switch would be more appropriate. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound in order to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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