Aflion Carrot vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it's evident that both offer unique features and qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Carrot is renowned for its bouncy tactile feedback provided by a long, two-stage spring, creating a satisfying clicking sensation accompanied by a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Snow switch boasts an innovative use of POK material in both the top housing and stem, leading to a smoother linear typing experience with a deeper sound signature. While the Carrot leans towards a more tactile and lively typing experience, the Snow offers a quieter and smoother 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Snow, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon as the material for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, which allow it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made of nylon. Therefore, despite other differences between the Carrot and Snow, both switches will likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to their bottom housing material.
On the other hand, the top housing material of the Aflion Carrot is polycarbonate, while the Dareu Snow utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing. Polycarbonate is described as creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic properties, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, POK is known for being one of the smoothest materials available, with exceptional durability and wear resistance. While the Carrot's top housing emphasizes clarity and sharpness in sound, the Snow's top housing focuses on smoothness, clackiness, and durability.
Overall, the differences between the top housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Snow highlight how each switch offers a unique typing experience. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing is designed to enhance the sound profile with sharpness and clarity, while the Snow's POK top housing prioritizes smoothness and durability. Additionally, both switches share a commonality in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound while typing. The distinct qualities of each housing material contribute to the overall typing experience and sound profile of these mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that the Carrot is lighter in both aspects compared to the Snow. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Carrot make it ideal for those who prefer a gentler typing experience, allowing for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Snow's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing feel, which may be preferred by individuals seeking a more pronounced keystroke feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for typing experience, with the Carrot offering a lighter touch and the Snow providing a heavier touch for typing and gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Carrot is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel compared to the shallower 3.3 mm of the Snow. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Snow, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Carrot. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 best known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, offering a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a deep and rich tone when typing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Carrot being more high-pitched and firm, while the Snow offers a deeper and more satisfying sound experience.
When it comes to feel, both the Aflion Carrot and Dareu Snow switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The Carrot switch is also noted for its snappy and stepped feel, offering a responsive typing experience with two-stage feedback. On the other hand, the Snow switch is mentioned for its bouncy feel, giving users a consistent and lively typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer unique sound and feel experiences for users. The Carrot switch provides a bouncy and firm typing experience with a clacky sound profile, while the Snow switch delivers a smooth and deep typing feel with a thocky sound signature. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfactory results depending on individual preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a bouncy and firm typing experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, then the Aflion Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a deeper sound signature made possible by POK material, then the Dareu Snow switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the unique bouncy tactile feel and clacky sound of the Carrot or the smooth typing experience and thocky sound of the Snow switch. Consider your preferences in terms of feel and sound to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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