Aflion Carrot vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Light Tactile, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct tactile experiences. The Carrot switch is a fan-favorite for its uniquely bouncy tactile feel, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Alongside this exciting tactile feedback, users will appreciate the mid-pitched and firm sound profile of the Carrot switch. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its super gentle tactility, providing a welcome contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on the Light Tactile switch offers an angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches excel in their respective tactile experiences, offering users a range of options to suit their preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
52g
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
The Aflion Carrot and the Durock Light Tactile both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing materials. This material choice brings forth similar qualities in terms of sound profile, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for more vibrant illumination. Thus, both the Carrot and the Light Tactile offer comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Carrot employs nylon while the Light Tactile also utilizes nylon. This classic switch housing material brings about a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housings of both the Carrot and the Light Tactile share similar characteristics, providing users with a similar typing experience in terms of sound.
When it comes to the overall impact on the switch's sound and feel, the split between the top and bottom housing materials becomes significant. The Carrot's bottom housing, being nylon, plays a more prominent role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing, which is polycarbonate in both switches, greatly influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the housing materials differ in the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Light Tactile, their qualities are distributed to different aspects of the switch's operation.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, we can observe notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Carrot switch has a relatively lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which means less effort is required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Light Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams, giving a slightly stronger push feel when typing. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Carrot switch requires 45 grams of force, while the Light Tactile switch demands a higher force of 67 grams. This means that typing on the Light Tactile switch may provide a more substantial and pronounced typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. However, for those who prefer a lighter switch to facilitate longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, the Carrot switch would be the more suitable choice. While the actuation forces and bottom out forces differ between these two switches, both options offer distinct advantages depending on personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of travel distance. In other words, whether you choose the Aflion Carrot or the Durock Light Tactile, you can expect the same tactile feedback and key travel experience.
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 Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 tactile switch offers a unique experience. It has a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, which can be described as clacky and marbly. The sound is sharp, snappy, and resonant, similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch provides a more gentle and jelly-like sound signature. It is described as neutral, with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, while the Carrot and Light Tactile switches differ in sound characteristics, both can deliver satisfying results depending on personal preference and the overall setup.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy and snappy experience. The long, two-stage spring provides a unique tactile feedback, giving the keys a lively and responsive feel. Additionally, it can be classified as a stepped switch, meaning it has a mild tactile bump with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The Carrot switch is also described as feathery, offering a light and effortless typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch provides a mild and polished feel. It offers a more gentle and approachable typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similar to sound, the feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as personal preference and the overall setup.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a bouncy and snappy tactile experience with a sharp and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch offers a gentle and jelly-like tactile experience with a neutral sound profile. Each switch has its own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preference for bounciness, snappiness, gentleness, or neutrality. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying results depending on individual preferences and the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a fun and bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a feathery and bouncy feel that reduces finger fatigue and is comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Carrot switch also produces clacky and marbly sounds, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive.
On the other hand, if you prefer a super gentle tactility with an angelic feel and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, the Light Tactile provides a mild and polished typing experience that most users will find approachable. Its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work.
Ultimately, your choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and typing experience. Consider the qualities described for each switch and decide which features align with your needs and desires. Happy typing!
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