HMX Blue Topaz vs. Aflion Carrot
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Aflion Carrot switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, there are some key differences to consider. The Blue Topaz offers a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze while also providing a visually striking glittery housing and a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Carrot switch boasts a unique bouncy tactile experience with a firm and mid-pitched sound profile. While the Blue Topaz is best for an easy-to-press experience, the Carrot switch is known for its marbly, high-pitched, and bouncy 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
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Aflion Carrot, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Carrot also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a similar sound profile to the Blue Topaz.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it's essential to note how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, as it absorbs sound differently depending on if it is made of polycarbonate or nylon. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, showcasing the differences in sound profiles between switches with varying housing materials. Despite the Blue Topaz and the Aflion Carrot having different bottom housing materials, their similarities in the top housing material mean that users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Aflion Carrot both offer unique sound profiles based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a sharp and clear sound, while the nylon bottom housing ensures a deeper and fuller sound experience. These differences in housing materials allow for variations in sound profiles that cater to individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences. Whether it be the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing or the Aflion Carrot's nylon bottom housing, these switches are designed to provide users with a high-quality typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, slightly heavier than the Carrot which has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches provide a gentle typing feel, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. While the Blue Topaz offers a slightly heavier typing experience, the Carrot provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, making it a better choice for users who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Topaz being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Blue Topaz for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Carrot switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key responsiveness and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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.
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 HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, providing users with an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch also presents a clacky sound, but it additionally features a marbly and high-pitched sound profile. The marbly sound is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, akin to tapping on marble or billiard balls colliding. While both switches offer a satisfying typing sound, the Carrot switch adds a unique twist with its additional sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the contrary, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch provides users with a bouncy and snappy tactile experience. The keys have a lively feel, providing rebound when pressed, and a super responsive typing experience due to its longer or dual-staged springs. This unique tactile feedback enhances the typing sensation for users seeking a dynamic keypress experience.
Overall, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While both switches provide users with an enjoyable typing experience, the Blue Topaz emphasizes a smooth actuation and lightweight feel paired with a clacky sound, while the Carrot stands out with its bouncy tactile experience and a mix of clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profiles. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can select the switch that best suits their typing style and preferences to enhance their overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a clacky sound profile, the Blue Topaz may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Carrot switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice should be based on whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness or bounciness and tactility in your typing experience.
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