Aflion Carrot vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Carrot and Durock Ice King Tactile switches both offer their own unique advantages. The Aflion Carrot is a fun tactile switch with a long, two-stage spring that provides users with a bouncy tactile experience. It also delivers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a more lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is known for elevating tactile typing to an art form, blending creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump for a satisfying typing experience. While the Carrot switch is categorized as 'clacky', 'bouncy', and 'high-pitched', the Ice King Tactile switch is described as 'silky', 'subdued', and 'frictionless'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile, it is evident that both switches use nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. It is interesting to note that despite this similarity, the switches may still offer slightly different sound experiences based on other factors such as stem type and spring weight.
On the other hand, the top housings of the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Ice King Tactile differ significantly. The Carrot utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This contrast in housing materials highlights how different plastics can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. It is worth noting that the choice between polycarbonate and nylon top housings can significantly affect the typing experience for individuals with different preferences.
Overall, while the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Ice King Tactile share similarities in using nylon for their bottom housings, their top housings present distinct characteristics that lead to different sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile provides a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound profiles, users may prefer one switch over the other based on the top housing material used. Despite these differences, both switches demonstrate how housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience and sound quality of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Carrot requires a lighter touch compared to the Ice King Tactile. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option suitable for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. In comparison, the Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel due to its higher force requirements. This makes the Ice King Tactile a medium-heavy option, better suited for individuals who prefer a firmer keystroke response. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their differing actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Ice King Tactile the shorter option between the two. 4.0mm is a more traditional travel distance, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness, while a 3.5mm travel distance is slightly shorter, providing quicker response times favored by gamers. Both switches offer a tactile feel, but the Carrot provides a slightly deeper press compared to the Ice King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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 characterized as having a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing users with a sharp and crisp auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a more subdued sound, emitting a dampened and subtle noise that is less pronounced. Depending on personal preference, users may opt for the Carrot if they enjoy a crisper sound, while the Ice King Tactile would be more suitable for those seeking a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Carrot is described as bouncy, snappy, and feathery, offering users a lively and light typing experience with a spring-like feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile provides a silky, frictionless, and polished typing feel, emphasizing smoothness and minimal resistance during key presses. Both switches feature a stepped tactile sensation, providing users with a mild and refined tactile bump for enhanced typing precision.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Carrot switch excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and feathery typing experience, the Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its subdued sound profile and silky, frictionless feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users can choose between these switches to customize their typing experience accordingly. Ultimately, both switches provide satisfying tactile experiences, ensuring that users will get similar results no matter which one they choose based on their preferred sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy and snappy typing experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Aflion Carrot may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and crave a silky smooth typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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