Aflion Carrot vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot, and the Durock Koala both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Carrot is known for its bouncy tactile experience due to its long, two-stage spring, and it produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Koala provides a moderate tactility with a pronounced bump that doesn't cover the entire keystroke, offering some resonance without being too noisy. While the Carrot is described as 'clacky', 'marbly', and 'high-pitched', the Koala is characterized as 'polished', 'low-pitched', and 'accented'. If you prefer a more bouncy and tactile typing experience, the Carrot may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you lean towards a smoother tactility with a pronounced bump, the Koala might be more suitable. 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
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
4.00 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
Both the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Koala use polycarbonate for their top housings, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, it provides a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is visually appealing and allows for customizable lighting effects. The similarities in their top housing materials ensure that both the Carrot and Koala offer a consistent sound profile and visual experience.
In contrast, the Carrot utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Durock Koala also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile. While the bottom housing materials may differ between the two switches, they both offer a tactile and satisfying typing experience with their nylon housings.
The split between the top and bottom housings in a switch allows for a unique combination of qualities that affect the sound and feel of typing. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Aflion Carrot and Durock Koala offer a well-balanced typing experience with a mix of sharpness and depth in their sound profiles. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate top or the softer nylon bottom, each housing material contributes to the overall typing feel of the switches.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Durock Koala tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Carrot is 45 grams, while the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. The Carrot is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Koala provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preferences, with the Carrot being lighter and the Koala being heavier.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Koala tactile switches have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be the same. This can result in a similar typing experience and feel for users who prefer a 4mm travel distance. Overall, the Carrot and Koala switches are on par with each other when it comes to their travel distance, providing a consistent tactile feel for users looking for a key switch with a 4mm travel distance.
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 Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, reminiscent of tapping on a piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for a variety of environments. While the Carrot provides a firm and mid-pitched sound, the Koala offers a bit of resonance without being overly loud. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, the sound of a switch can vary significantly.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is described as bouncy and snappy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a lively feel. It also offers a stepped tactile experience, giving a mild yet noticeable bump during keystrokes. In contrast, the Durock Koala tactile switch is polished and accented, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium level of tactility. Additionally, it features a stepped tactile feel similar to the Carrot, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and post-travel during keystrokes.
Overall, the subjective qualities of the Aflion Carrot and Durock Koala tactile switches offer unique experiences in both sound and feel. While the Carrot provides a bouncy and clacky sound with a firm typing feel, the Koala offers a mellow and polished sound paired with a refined and medium-tactile typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer satisfying results, with the Carrot offering a more lively and snappy experience and the Koala providing a smoother and more neutral option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference in sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light and bouncy typing experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Carrot may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, the Koala might be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a clacky or marbly sound profile, the Carrot is the way to go, whereas if you prefer a low-pitched or neutral sound profile, the Koala is the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. Consider these factors when making your decision between the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Koala switches.
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