Aflion Carrot vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and Dareu Mahjong stand out as intriguing options with distinct characteristics. The Aflion Carrot is a tactile switch known for its bouncy tactile experience provided by a long, two-stage spring, along with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch stands out with its unique green and white color scheme, offering a lively, poppy sound signature and effortless typing experience. While the Carrot is praised for its tactile feedback, the Mahjong is favored for its smooth linear feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Mahjong differ in terms of the top housing material used. The Carrot utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Mahjong utilizes POK material for its top housing, which is known for its smoothness and durability. While both materials offer unique advantages, the polycarbonate of the Carrot focuses more on creating a clear and resonant sound, while the POK material of the Mahjong contributes to smooth and clacky switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Mahjong use nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. As a result, both keyboards offer a similar experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom housing material. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a duller and rounder sound profile, creating a more immersive typing experience for users.
Overall, the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Mahjong complement each other to provide a well-rounded typing experience. While the Carrot focuses on the sharp and crisp sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, the Mahjong prioritizes smoothness and durability with its POK top housing. Both keyboards, however, share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a consistent and deep sound profile. Whether it's the impact on the bottom-out sound or the sound when letting go of a key, the combination of different housing materials in each keyboard offers unique tactile and auditory experiences for users.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch's 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams, while the Mahjong force is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Carrot may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, while the heavier force of the Mahjong may be favored by those seeking a more solid and substantial typing feel. Both switches offer different weight options, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing comfort and efficiency.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Carrot has a longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Mahjong has a shorter travel distance, ideal for gamers or individuals seeking a faster response time. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preferences. The Carrot provides a more traditional key press experience, while the Mahjong offers a shallower feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize depth or speed in your typing 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 Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, which offers a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, similar to the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, moderate in both actuation force requirement and sound level. Based on this information, the Carrot switch is likely to provide a more distinctive and vibrant sound compared to the Mahjong switch.
Moving on to feel, both switches share the descriptor of being bouncy, which provides users with a spring-like feedback sensation and a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Carrot switch is described as snappy and stepped, offering a responsive typing experience with dual-staged springs that give a more alive feel. Meanwhile, the Mahjong switch is also mild and polished, providing a gentler typing experience with smooth and refined finishes for comfortable extended typing sessions. These shared qualities indicate that both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, albeit with slight variations in their tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Carrot switch is characterized by its clacky and marbly sound profile, as well as its snappy and stepped feel, the Mahjong switch excels in providing a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel. Ultimately, both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying typing experience with their bouncy tactile feedback and distinct sound signatures, catering to different preferences for keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you choose the Carrot or Mahjong switch, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience that matches your personal typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Carrot tactile switch or the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, you should think about your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force of 45 grams and enjoy a bouncy tactile experience with a crisp and firm sound profile, then the Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you like a switch with a unique color scheme, a lively and poppy sound signature, and an effortless typing experience, then the Mahjong switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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