Aflion Carrot vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Carrot and the Durock Medium Tactile are both tactile switches that offer unique features and characteristics. The Carrot is best known for its long, two-stage spring which provides users with a bouncy and fun tactile experience. Additionally, this switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, adding to the overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile by Durock stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, creating a satisfying typing experience. It also features a jelly-like sound signature, adding an extra touch of uniqueness. While both switches offer tactile feedback, they differ in terms of their specific characteristics and sound profiles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 housing materials for the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Medium Tactile switches are quite similar. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch with these qualities, both the Carrot and the Medium Tactile would provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Carrot utilizes nylon while the Medium Tactile also uses nylon. Nylon is known to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Carrot and the Medium Tactile would offer a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced.
It's important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the characteristics of each material will be distributed accordingly. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will mostly come from the bottom housing, while the sound produced when letting go of a key will be influenced by the top housing. This means that the Aflion Carrot and the Durock Medium Tactile may have slight variations in sound and feel due to their different top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, meaning it requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is unknown, which makes it difficult to directly compare. However, the Carrot's bottom out force is slightly lighter at 45 grams, while the Medium Tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience.
Considering weight, some users prefer a lighter switch like the Carrot as it allows for extended typing periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. Those who seek a stronger push feel and a more pronounced typing experience may be inclined to choose options with heavier forces, like the Medium Tactile switch. Although the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is unknown, it can be presumed that it might offer a slightly heavier touch compared to the Carrot. However, without specific knowledge of its actuation force, it is challenging to make a direct comparison.
In summary, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is lighter overall, with a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The Durock Medium Tactile switch, on the other hand, is presumed to have a heavier actuation force and a relatively heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preferences for typing experience and the desired level of force exerted during keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have similar travel distances of 4 mm. Both switches provide a satisfying amount of key travel for users to feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, the results of using these switches would be similar in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Neither switch is longer or shorter than the other in terms of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable 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 Medium 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 Medium 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 switch is known for its mid-pitched and firm sound profile. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound, similar to a clacky switch. Additionally, it has a marbly characteristic, which means it has a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound. This combination of characteristics creates a unique sound experience that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch's sound profile is unknown since there is no specific description provided. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is often described as bouncy, snappy, and stepped. It offers a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving users a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The snappy characteristic of the Carrot switch makes it super responsive, providing a typing experience that feels more alive. Furthermore, the Carrot switch is stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This adds a mild and subtle aspect to the overall feel. Additionally, the Carrot switch is not specifically described as light to press, but it is worth noting that its bouncy nature may contribute to a lighter feeling when typing.
In comparison, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its accented, stepped, mild, and polished characteristics. The accented tactility of this switch implies that it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Similar to the Carrot switch, it is stepped, offering a mild and mild typing experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, it is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the exact feel of the Medium Tactile switch is still subjective and not explicitly described.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and Durock Medium Tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a unique bouncy tactile experience and a mid-pitched, firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, although the exact details of the sound and feel are not provided. Based on the available information, it is clear that both switches have their own distinctive characteristics. However, without further details, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two switches. It is important to consider personal preferences and try out different switches to determine the best fit for individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and bouncy tactile switch with a unique tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot is the ideal choice for you. Its long, two-stage spring provides a lively and spring-like feedback sensation, giving you a bouncy typing experience. Additionally, the Carrot switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a sharp and snappy sound when typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile is the way to go. It offers a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The Medium Tactile switch is also described as stepped, mild, and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish.
Ultimately, your decision between the Aflion Carrot and Durock Medium Tactile will depend on your preference for bottom out force, tactile experience, and sound profile. Whether you prioritize a light and bouncy switch or a medium-heavy switch with a balanced tactility, both options offer their own unique benefits. Consider your personal typing preferences and requirements to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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