Huano Acacia vs. Aflion Carrot

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Aflion Carrot stand out for different reasons, catering to varying typing preferences. The Acacia, classified as a linear switch, is cherished for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which collectively create a smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box. This makes it an ideal choice for typists and gamers alike who prioritize a seamless keypress without the distraction of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Aflion Carrot, recognized for its tactile characteristics, employs a unique two-stage spring that provides a lively and bouncy feel with each keystroke. With a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, this switch is perfect for users who enjoy a responsive and tactile feedback while typing, making it a popular pick among those who appreciate auditory and physical cues. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$3.39 per 10

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and Aflion Carrot exhibit notable similarities, primarily in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both models leverage the characteristics of polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This choice effectively creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall auditory experience when typing. The clear design of the housing also serves a practical purpose, particularly for those who wish to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboards. This shared feature guarantees that the light will be vividly projected, allowing for a captivating visual effect while maintaining a high-quality sound production.

In contrast, both the Acacia and the Carrot utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a distinctly different auditory characteristic compared to their polycarbonate counterparts. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs sound more efficiently, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is particularly advantageous for the overall typing experience, as the softer plastic contributes to a more muted yet rich audio feedback. The combination of nylon for the bottom housing and polycarbonate for the top creates a balanced dynamic in sound—crisp and clear on key release while offering a deeper, rounder sound upon bottoming out. Therefore, while the materials perform differently, they complement each other's sound qualities harmoniously.

Ultimately, the synergy between materials used in the Huano Acacia and Aflion Carrot results in a cohesive auditory experience that encompasses both clarity and depth. This blend ensures that typing on these switches offers both the punchy highs from the polycarbonate top and the resonant lows from the nylon bottom. Users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile due to the consistent application of these materials across both models, indicating that the differences are less about the materials used and more about the interplay of their sound characteristics. Such design choices appeal to users looking for keyboards that deliver not just in performance but also in acoustics, enhancing the tactile feedback of each keystroke.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are notable. The Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, ranking it as medium-light. In contrast, the Carrot features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Carrot a more comfortable option for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its lighter push feel. Additionally, the Carrot's overall lighter force may appeal to those who prefer less resistance while typing, while the Acacia's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing experience, catering to users who favor a stronger push feel. Ultimately, if users are looking for lighter key presses, the Aflion Carrot is the optimal choice, while the Huano Acacia serves those looking for a slightly firmer touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, the Acacia measures 3.5 mm, while the Carrot measures 4 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Carrot's 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel, catering to users who enjoy a deeper and more tactile experience when pressing keys. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Acacia would be the better choice, while the Carrot is ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is known for its smooth operation, producing a quiet and subtle noise during typing. This makes it quite suitable for environments where maintaining a low sound profile is crucial, such as shared workspaces or libraries. In contrast, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a distinct auditory character, described as clacky and high-pitched. When pressed, it generates a sharp, crisp sound that is lively and percussive. This auditory feedback can add a fun and engaging dimension to your typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a more expressive sound during use. Since keyboard sound can be influenced by factors like your choice of keyboard case and keycaps, the Carrot's firmer sound profile can stand out more significantly in a rig designed to amplify higher frequencies.

When it comes to feel, the Acacia linear switch offers an exceptionally smooth keystroke, largely attributed to its medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble. This creates a fluid typing experience, requiring little effort and helping to reduce finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch features a unique bouncy tactile response with a long, two-stage spring that provides users with an engaging sensation while typing. Its snappy characteristics deliver a responsive feel, giving the sensation of immediate feedback upon actuation. Additionally, the stepped nature of the Carrot's tactile bump means that the user enjoys a varied response throughout the keystroke, which can keep typing dynamic.

In summary, both the Huano Acacia and Aflion Carrot switches cater to different typing preferences. For those who prefer a quieter, smoother experience, the Acacia is a great choice, especially for prolonged use. Alternatively, if you're looking for a more engaging and tactile feel with a lively sound, the Carrot will likely deliver satisfaction. Ultimately, your ultimate choice will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but both options present a rewarding typing experience in their own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a medium-light key feel that is ideal for smooth, uninterrupted typing experiences, the Acacia switch is an excellent option; its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble contribute to a satisfying performance right out of the box. The Acacia's sound profile remains pleasant and unobtrusive, making it suitable for typing in quieter environments. On the other hand, if you're seeking a more lively and bouncy experience, the Carrot's light actuation force and unique two-stage spring will excite you with a delightful tactile feedback. Its clacky, high-pitched sound adds a bit of fun to your typing, making it especially appealing for gaming or for those who enjoy a more responsive feel. Ultimately, choose the Acacia for a more traditional linear typing experience with a focus on smoothness and subtlety, while the Carrot is perfect for those who want a vibrant and tactile sensation in their keystrokes.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more