Aflion Carrot vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Sky POM, a linear switch. The Carrot switch is renowned for its bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring, and offers a unique mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch stands out for being crafted entirely from POM material, providing a premium quality feel at a more affordable price point. It is characterized by its clacky sound, smoothness, and gentle actuation force. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
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
3.80 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
POM
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 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Dareu Sky POM's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Both housings offer unique sound profiles, with polycarbonate providing a clear and resonant sound, ideal for RGB lighting effects, while POM delivers a pleasing deep tone. However, the contrast in sound profiles between the two housing materials may cater to different preferences in typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Carrot and the Sky POM utilize nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This similarity in housing material for the bottom part of the switch suggests that both keyboards may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, which can enhance the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying tactile response.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches in the Aflion Carrot and Dareu Sky POM provides a unique typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings allow for a balanced sound profile when typing, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This differentiation in housing materials enhances the overall sound profile and tactile response of each keyboard, catering to a variety of preferences among users.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch have slightly different actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Sky POM's 40 grams. However, the Carrot has a heavier bottom out force of 45 grams, while the bottom out force of the Sky POM is unknown. This means that the Carrot switch provides a lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, but a heavier feel when bottoming out. The Sky POM, on the other hand, offers a slightly heavier actuation force, but its bottom out force is unspecified. Both switches have their advantages depending on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's typing style and preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Carrot has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sky POM. The Carrot's 4 mm distance is more traditional, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Sky POM's 3.8 mm distance is shallower, providing a quicker response time that gamers may prefer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference: if you prefer a deeper press, go for the Carrot; if you prefer a quicker response, go for the Sky POM. Both switches offer similar results in terms of feel, but the slight difference in travel distance may affect how they feel to individual users.
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 Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 the sound of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, users can expect a clacky and mid-pitched sound profile that provides a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is described as bouncy and snappy, offering users a lively and responsive typing experience. With a two-stage spring design, users can expect a spring-like feedback sensation and a gentle keystroke resistance. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience that effortlessly glides across the keys. This switch is known for its exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance, enhancing the overall typing feel.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, users can achieve similar results in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience. Whether you prefer a bouncy and snappy switch with a mid-pitched sound like the Carrot, or a buttery and silky smooth switch with a low-pitched sound like the Sky POM, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force of 45 grams and enjoy a bouncy, snappy, and feathery typing experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, then the Aflion Carrot switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a premium quality switch at an affordable price point, with a clacky sound profile and a smooth, buttery, or silky typing experience, then the Dareu Sky POM switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different tastes in mechanical keyboards.
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