Aflion Carrot vs. Durock Mamba

Overview

Comparing the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the Durock Mamba, a linear switch, it becomes clear that both switches offer unique typing experiences. The Carrot switch is best known for its bouncy tactile feedback, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Along with providing a satisfying tactile experience, it also produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Mamba switch pays homage to Kobe Bryant and offers a gliding typing sensation. Users can expect a rich and creamy auditory experience while typing with the Mamba switch. While these general characteristics serve as an initial differentiator, it is important to delve deeper into the specific nuances of each switch to make an informed decision. Let's explore further to determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

Durock Mamba Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Mamba differ in several ways. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency is beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the Mamba's top housing is a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE, creating a sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. While both materials provide unique sound profiles, the Carrot offers a clear and vibrant tone, while the Mamba presents a slightly milder and brighter sound.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Carrot utilizes a nylon material, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Mamba employs a POM bottom housing, known for creating a pleasing and unique sound. This sound profile leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted compared to the Carrot's nylon bottom housing. Thus, the Carrot offers a fuller and more resonant typing experience, while the Mamba provides a deeper and more subdued tone.

Considering the impact of the housing materials on the switch's overall performance, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's characteristics, such as impact and bottom-out sound and feel, will be more noticeable. However, when releasing a key, the sound will be influenced more by the properties of the top housing. In this regard, both the Carrot and the Mamba offer distinct experiences based on the housing materials utilized, providing users with options that cater to their specific preferences for typing sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play significant roles. The Carrot features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the Mamba's actuation force is currently unknown, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel.

For individuals who prioritize a lighter switch, the Carrot would be the preferable option as its actuation force matches the desired requirement. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for extended periods of typing, making it ideal for professionals using a work keyboard or individuals engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Mamba's heavier bottom out force would cater better to those seeking a stronger push feel. This can enhance the typing experience for individuals who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback, allowing for greater satisfaction while typing.

While the actuation force of the Mamba is unspecified, it is worth noting that if both switches have similar actuation forces, they would yield similar results in terms of the force required to trigger keystrokes. This can be particularly advantageous for users who prefer consistency and familiarity between different switches. Ultimately, the decision between the Carrot and the Mamba depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Carrot offering a lighter option and the Mamba providing a slightly heavier alternative.

Travel distance

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have different travel distances. The Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Carrot's 4 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a balanced feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Mamba's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, which may appeal to gamers who value faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quick and precise keystrokes. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Mamba to feel too abrupt, lacking the desired depth. In contrast, the Carrot's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch has a more neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground, offering a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the Mamba switch is described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.

In terms of feel, the Carrot switch provides a bouncy and snappy typing experience. Its long, two-stage spring gives users a uniquely bouncy tactile feedback, offering a rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Carrot switch has a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages in the keystroke, allowing for some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Mamba switch offers a more mild typing experience. It falls in the middle ground, providing a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. The Mamba switch is also described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Taking into account all the available information, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Carrot switch provides a bouncy, snappy, and feathery typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. It is best suited for users who prefer a lively and unique tactile feedback with a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile. It is suitable for users who prefer a gentler typing feel and a satisfying thocky sound. Both switches have their own strengths and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. However, if you are looking for a similar experience, the Mamba switch can provide a middle-ground option that falls in between the qualities of the Carrot switch, offering a typing sensation that is approachable to most users with a sound profile that is neither too sharp nor too rich.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile switch with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, then the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience and a crisp and bright sound when pressed. The Carrot switch also provides a feathery and subtle typing feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switch is your best choice. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, the Mamba switch offers a neutral sound profile and a polished typing experience with reduced friction. Ultimately, the choice between the Carrot and Mamba switches will depend on your preference for tactile vs. linear switches and the specific characteristics of sound and feel that you value the most.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more