Aflion Carrot vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Aflion Carrot and the Durock White Lotus. Both switches fall under the tactile category, providing a satisfying typing experience. The Carrot switch is known for its uniquely bouncy tactile feedback, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. It also offers a firm and mid-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is designed with the discerning typist in mind, offering a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance. It is ideal for work and extended typing sessions, providing a tranquil typing experience. Additionally, the White Lotus switch features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Durock White Lotus differ in some aspects. The Carrot uses polycarbonate for its top housing, while the White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This makes it ideal for RGB lighting as its translucency allows for better light dispersion. On the other hand, the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a unique and premium feel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. As the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Carrot and the White Lotus offer a similar experience in terms of typing sound. The duller and rounder sound produced by nylon creates a satisfying typing experience, regardless of the switch model.
Despite their differences, both switches offer a high-quality housing material that contributes to a pleasant typing experience. While the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing provides a crisper sound profile and better compatibility with RGB lighting, the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium feel. Similarly, both switches' nylon bottom housings result in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Whether it's the Aflion Carrot or the Durock White Lotus, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with these carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, providing a medium-light resistance. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may find the White Lotus to be a better option. However, both switches offer a relatively light touch, allowing for comfortable typing for longer periods of time. Regardless of the slight variance in force, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience when pressed down on a key, as both will travel the same distance from top to bottom. Whether you choose the Carrot or the White Lotus, you can expect to feel a satisfying tactile response with a consistent 4 mm travel distance.
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 White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 known for its firm and mid-pitched sound profile. It produces a clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Carrot switch can also be described as marbly, with resonant and high-pitched characteristics similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. It has a neutral sound that is moderate in terms of actuation force requirement and sound intensity. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch provides a fun and bouncy tactile experience. Its long, two-stage spring offers a uniquely spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. This switch can be considered snappy and stepped, as it is super responsive and has a mild tactile bump with pre-travel and/or post-travel. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable while reducing finger fatigue. The White Lotus switch falls under the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most typists.
Based on the available information, the Aflion Carrot and Durock White Lotus switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy, snappy, and stepped feel. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound with an easy-to-press and mild feel. These switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, allowing users to choose based on their desired tactile and auditory experience. If you are looking for a switch with a bouncier feel and a crisper, higher-pitched sound, the Carrot switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a switch with an easier key press and a mellower, low-pitched sound, the White Lotus switch would be a great option. Remember that both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps, so it is important to consider these aspects as well.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and unique tactile experience with a light bottom out force, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch would be a great choice for you. Its long, two-stage spring offers a bouncy tactile feel that adds a sense of liveliness to your typing. Additionally, the Carrot switch has a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, which can provide a satisfying auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate and balanced tactile switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the way to go. These switches are designed with the discerning typist in mind, offering a gentle tactility that won't overwhelm you during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches also feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects to enhance your keyboard setup.
When it comes to sound, the Carrot switch produces a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound, which can be crisp, bright, and percussive. In contrast, the White Lotus switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for most purposes.
In terms of feel, the Carrot switch is described as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. It provides a spring-like feedback sensation, with keys that feel lively and responsive. The White Lotus switch, on the other hand, is characterized as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. It offers a low-impact typing feel, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot and the Durock White Lotus tactile switches will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. Consider factors such as desired tactile experience, sound profile, and typing comfort to make an informed decision. Both switches offer their own unique qualities and can enhance your overall typing experience.
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