Aflion Carrot vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two compelling options stand out: the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the Akko Dracula, a linear switch. The Carrot is celebrated for its fun tactile feedback, featuring a long, two-stage spring that creates a unique bouncy sensation with each keystroke. Its mid-pitched, firm sound profile also contributes to an engaging typing experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate the feedback that tactile switches provide. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula switch shines with its POK material, which not only enhances durability but also ensures an ultra-smooth typing experience. Its innovative design, complete with an extra stem hole for improved airflow, caters to those who prefer a seamless and quiet keystroke, perfect for gaming or long typing sessions. While both switches have their distinct advantages—whether you lean towards the tactile engagement of the Carrot or the smoothness of the Dracula—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
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
When examining the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Akko Dracula switches, it becomes clear that while they share some similarities, they also emphasize different auditory characteristics through their materials. The Carrot utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, renowned for its stiffness which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Conversely, the Dracula's top housing is made from POK, or polyketone, which balances durability with smoothness, contributing to a clacky sound profile. This difference in top housing materials suggests that while both switches can produce satisfying auditory feedback, the Aflion Carrot is likely to provide a brighter, more resonant "ping," whereas the Akko Dracula may deliver a somewhat softer, more subdued sound upon release.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, utilize nylon material, marking a notable point of comparison. The nylon used in the Carrot and the Dracula offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This shared choice contributes to the overall tactile experience of both switches, as the softer nature of nylon rounds out the sound produced during typing. Thus, while the top housings diverge in their materials and resultant sound profiles, the use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures a similarity in depth and warmth during key presses, allowing users to experience a cohesive auditory texture across both models.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches culminates in distinct sound signatures while retaining a familiar tactile experience. The Carrot’s use of polycarbonate on top yields a sharper, clear response when releasing keys, complemented by the fuller sound from its nylon base. Alternatively, the Dracula’s POK material in the top housing allows for a robust yet smooth auditory pleasure, balanced by the nylon's rich tones below. Despite their differences, both switches leverage the properties of nylon similarly, enabling them to provide satisfying auditory experiences while distinctly marking each switch's personality through their top housing choices.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch exhibit similar characteristics in terms of bottom out force, as both switches have a bottom out force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to actuation force, the Carrot switch has a slightly higher force of 37 grams compared to the Dracula, which requires only 35 grams to actuate. This makes the Akko Dracula linear switch the lighter option overall in terms of actuation force, providing a more effortless typing experience, which can be beneficial for extended use. Conversely, the Carrot switch, while still light, offers a slightly stronger push feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer tactile response. Both switches, being on the lighter side, cater well to users looking for comfortable and prolonged typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, the Aflion Carrot features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Dracula has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This marginal difference may seem minimal, but for users who value deeper feedback, the Carrot provides a more pronounced tactile experience compared to the more abrupt feel of the Dracula switch. If you're someone who enjoys a hearty depth to your keystrokes, the Aflion Carrot would be the preferable choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Akko Dracula might be more advantageous, especially for gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference regarding keystroke 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 Akko Dracula has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dracula for $3.29.
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 switch boasts a distinctive mid-pitched and firm sound profile that is characterized as clacky and high-pitched. This gives it a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a lively auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, which leaves its acoustic qualities somewhat unknown. However, it’s worth noting that the final sound experience can greatly depend on the keyboard build and keycap choice, so users might still achieve a satisfying sound profile with the Dracula switch depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Carrot switch excels with its long, two-stage spring that provides a uniquely bouncy and lively typing experience. Users will enjoy a snappy and responsive feedback, augmented by its stepped tactile nature; this means it offers a noticeable bump during the keystroke without being overly aggressive. The feel can be described as both feathery and subtle, allowing for comfortable typing with reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, there are no specific descriptors for the feel of the Akko Dracula switch available, leaving its tactile feedback and overall experience undetermined.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch stands out for its engaging sound and dynamic feel, making it a fun choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback in typing. While the sound profile of the Akko Dracula remains unspecified, its potential for ultra-smooth performance due to the innovative materials suggests users can still enjoy a refined typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lively tactile switch, the Carrot would be an excellent option, whereas the Dracula's performance can be better evaluated once its tactile qualities are understood.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, your choice should align with your typing style and what you prioritize in your keyboard experience. If you enjoy a lively, bouncy feel with a satisfying tactile response, the Carrot is your go-to option. Its dual-stage spring and snappy action make it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, making it perfect for gaming or typing where responsiveness is key. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, more linear typing experience, the Dracula switch excels in that regard. Its unique POK material and innovative design enhance durability and typing fluidity, which is ideal for users seeking less texture and more effortless keystrokes. Additionally, its design provides improved airflow for even greater smoothness, making it suitable for long typing sessions or a quieter environment where sound may be a consideration. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value tactile feedback or a smoother linear feel, guiding you toward a switch that enhances your overall typing experience.
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