Aflion Carrot vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are tactile switches, it becomes evident that they each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Carrot is renowned for its bouncy tactile experience thanks to its long, two-stage spring, accompanied by a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro stands out for its medium tactility, light touch, and neutral sound signature, making it a well-rounded option for a balanced typing experience. While the Carrot provides a more lively and clacky typing feel, the Violet Gold Pro offers a smoother and more subtle tactile sensation. 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
N/A
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
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 of the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro have similar characteristics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches.
However, the differences in housing materials become apparent when comparing the nylon bottom housing of the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, but in slightly different ways. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This quality is present in both the Carrot and the Violet Gold Pro, offering a unique typing experience with a more muted sound compared to switches with harder bottom housings.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housing of both the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro provides a crisp and resonant sound profile, the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound. By combining different housing materials in one switch, the qualities of each material can be felt throughout the typing process, from the impact of bottom-out sound and feel to the sound produced when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Carrot is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Carrot requires 37 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, while the Violet Gold Pro needs 45 grams to actuate. Interestingly, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. Both switches offer a light actuation force, which is ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Carrot may be the preferred choice due to its slightly higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of common travel distances, with the Carrot being on the longer end and the Violet Gold Pro slightly shorter. The shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Carrot may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired key press 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 Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 characterized by its clacky and marbly sound profile, offering users a sharp and snappy experience with high-pitched tones. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch stands out with a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. While the Carrot switch provides a more distinctive and vibrant auditory feedback, the Violet Gold Pro offers a more balanced and versatile sound experience, catering to a wider range of users and settings.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Carrot switch is praised for its bouncy and snappy tactile sensation, thanks to its long, two-stage spring design. This provides users with a lively and responsive typing experience, making each keystroke feel energizing and dynamic. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch shares a similar characteristic with a stepped tactile feedback, offering a more subdued and controlled typing feel compared to the exuberant bounce of the Carrot switch. Both switches excel in providing users with tactile feedback that enhances typing accuracy and comfort, albeit in slightly different ways.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Carrot switch delivers a more lively and playful typing experience with its bouncy feel and clacky sound, the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a balanced and neutral option for users seeking a more versatile and understated tactile switch. Depending on individual preferences and intended usage, users can choose between the vibrant personality of the Carrot switch or the adaptable nature of the Violet Gold Pro switch to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy and firm tactile experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Carrot switch may be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, if you appreciate a switch with a clacky, marbly, or high-pitched sound and a feathery or subtle feel, the Carrot switch could be a great fit. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium tactility, light touch, and a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro switch might be more suitable. The Violet Gold Pro also offers a stepped feel, making the typing experience more mild and balanced. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure the best keyboard switch for your needs.
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