Aflion Carrot vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When comparing the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Sky V4, a linear switch, it is clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Carrot switch is celebrated for its bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long two-stage spring, and provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a smoother linear action and a deeper sound signature. While the Carrot switch is characterized by traits such as 'Clacky' and 'High-pitched', the Sky V4 is described as 'Thocky' and 'Low-pitched'. Ultimately, deciding between these switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Sky V4 feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. On the other hand, the Sky V4 utilizes POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. While both materials offer unique advantages, they contribute to creating switches with distinctly different characteristics in terms of sound and feel.

In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Sky V4 opt for nylon. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to other housing materials, absorbing more sound and resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This choice of material impacts the overall typing experience, offering a tactile and satisfying feel to users. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the two switches may still exhibit subtle differences in sound and tactile feedback due to various factors such as switch design and construction.

The division of different housing materials between the top and bottom housings of switches can influence how the typing experience is perceived. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. By carefully selecting materials for each part of the housing, switch manufacturers can tailor the typing experience to meet specific preferences for sound, tactility, and overall feel. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in both the Aflion Carrot and the Dareu Sky V4 contributes to creating unique typing experiences for users, showcasing the importance of material selection in switch design.

Weight

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams, while the Sky V4 needs 55 grams. This means that the Carrot is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Sky V4, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Sky V4 would be the better option due to its slightly heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, we can see that the Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sky V4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Carrot has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly deeper feel when pressed compared to the Sky V4. However, the Sky V4 offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the slight difference may impact the overall feel and feedback of using the switches. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a unique experience with a clacky and marbly sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound complemented by a resonant and clean quality. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a deep thocky sound that is rich and satisfying, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Carrot leaning towards a crisper and brighter sound, while the Sky V4 offers a deeper and more resonant tone. Ultimately, your choice of sound profile will depend on personal preference, as well as other factors such as keyboard setup and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is described as bouncy, snappy, and stepped, providing users with a lively and responsive typing experience. The keys have a spring-like feedback sensation, offering rebound when pressed, and a two-stage spring design adds to the tactile feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch also offers a bouncy feel, giving users a spring-like feedback sensation similar to the Carrot. Both switches are responsive and provide a lively typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy a comfortable and engaging typing session.

Overall, the Aflion Carrot and Dareu Sky V4 switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Carrot excels in providing a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a clacky and marbly sound profile, while the Sky V4 offers a smooth linear action with a deep thocky sound. Whether you prefer a more crisp and bright sound with a lively feel or a deep and rich sound with a bouncy sensation, both switches deliver on their respective qualities. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a unique bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Carrot switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force with a smooth linear action and a deeper sound profile, the Sky V4 switch would be a better fit. Additionally, the Carrot switch offers a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, while the Sky V4 switch provides a thocky sound experience. In terms of feel, both switches offer a bouncy sensation, but the Carrot switch also provides a snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle feel. Ultimately, your choice between the Carrot and Sky V4 switches will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, tactile experience, sound profile, and overall typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more