Aflion Carrot vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Ice King offer unique experiences for users. The Carrot is a tactile switch that stands out for its bouncy tactile feedback provided by a long, two-stage spring. This switch also produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch boasts a smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. This switch is known for its silky and frictionless feel, perfect for users who enjoy a more subdued and polished typing sensation. While these general descriptions can help guide your decision, it's important to delve deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch to determine which one best suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is evident that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. However, the two switches differ in terms of their top housing materials. The Carrot utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile.
While both the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Ice King Linear share the use of nylon for their bottom housings, the differences in their top housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. This distinction highlights the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall sound quality of a switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Carrot's top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, giving it an aesthetic advantage over the Ice King Linear.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Ice King Linear will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic preferences. The Carrot's use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a distinct sharp and clear sound, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, ensuring a consistent deep and full sound profile. Ultimately, the selection between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, with the Carrot being lighter and the Ice King being heavier. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. In comparison, the Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium in weight. Those who prefer a softer typing experience may opt for the Carrot, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Ice King may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches offer unique experiences based on the force required, with users being able to choose according to their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Ice King Linear the shorter of the two switches. The Carrot's 4 mm travel distance falls in the more traditional range, offering a deeper key press feel, while the Ice King Linear's 3.5 mm travel distance provides a shallower press more favored by gamers for quicker response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference for key press depth.
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 Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 best described as having a clacky and marbly sound profile with a high-pitched tone. This creates a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed, similar to tapping on a hard surface or two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offers a subdued sound, which is dampened and more subtle compared to most switches. Therefore, if you prefer a sharper and more resonant sound, the Carrot switch would be the better choice, while the Ice King Linear switch provides a quieter and more muted typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Carrot switch is characterized by a bouncy and snappy feedback, providing a lively and responsive typing experience due to its two-stage spring design. Additionally, this switch offers a stepped feel, allowing users to sense pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a silky and frictionless feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. The creamy and polished qualities of the Ice King Linear switch further enhance the smoothness and ease of typing, making it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, it can be concluded that the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Carrot switch provides a bouncy and snappy feel with a clacky and marbly sound profile, while the Ice King Linear switch offers a silky and frictionless feel with a subdued sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the unique characteristics of each switch to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches deliver quality performance and can result in a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, then the Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and desire a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider factors such as the type of feedback you prefer, the sound profile you find appealing, and the level of smoothness you desire in a switch when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing preferences and needs.
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