HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Aflion Carrot
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Aflion Carrot switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a huge role in determining the ideal choice for your typing experience. The HMX Caramel Pudding is revered for its resonant, clacky sound signature and an exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it a top pick for users who enjoy a high-pitched, bouncy, and silky response. In contrast, the Aflion Carrot offers a distinct tactile sensation with its long, two-stage spring that provides a unique bouncy feel, complemented by a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. While the Caramel Pudding caters to those who relish an exhilarating auditory feedback and streamlined keystrokes, the Carrot appeals to tactile enthusiasts seeking a snappy and subtler experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Aflion Carrot, significant differences can be noted primarily in their top housing. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper, fuller sound when typing. This characteristically rounder sound profile is achieved due to nylon’s ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Aflion Carrot opts for polycarbonate in its top housing, elevating the acoustic profile to a sharper and crisper experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate yields a more resonant and articulate sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a brighter typing experience. Thus, the choice of top housing material plays a crucial role in defining the overall sound signature of each switch.
Interestingly, both the Caramel Pudding and the Aflion Carrot feature nylon as their material for the bottom housing. This shared fundamental characteristic results in a similarity of sound output at the bottom-out point, where the keyboards are pressed down fully. The nylon's inherent qualities mean that both switches deliver a similar deeper sound profile when bottoming out. The impact of this material on the typing experience encompasses a rounder and more subdued feel during key presses, ensuring that users enjoy a level of auditory consistency despite the contrasting top materials.
The contrasting effects of the two top housing materials—nylon and polycarbonate—indicate that while the typing experience for both switches can be cohesive due to their nylon bottom housings, the sound profiles will diverge based on the use of polycarbonate in the Carrot's top. This results in a unique blend of experiences: a punchier, responsive sound when letting go of keys on the Aflion Carrot versus a softer, richer resonance with the HMX Caramel Pudding. Ultimately, the interplay of different materials contributes to a dual character in the sound that each switch produces, showcasing how combinations can lead to varied acoustic performances.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding switch requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light overall. In contrast, the Aflion Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This means that if you prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Carrot would be more suitable. On the other hand, those who enjoy a heftier feel during typing might find the increased resistance of the Caramel Pudding more appealing. Overall, the Carrot is the lighter option, while the Caramel Pudding offers a slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Carrot has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Caramel Pudding offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Carrot provides a more substantial feel during use, catering to those who prefer the depth and a more tactile experience. Consequently, if you value responsiveness, the Caramel Pudding would be the preferable choice, whereas for a heartier keypress, the Carrot would be a better fit.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Caramel Pudding has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Pudding for $2.99.
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, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Aflion Carrot switches share a clacky, high-pitched profile, characterized by sharp and snappy acoustic feedback when pressed. This bright and percussive quality makes each keystroke feel pronounced and satisfying. Users who favor higher-pitched sounds will appreciate this aspect of both switches, as their auditory signatures are not only crisp but also resonant. It's important to note, however, that the overall sound experience can be influenced by additional factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switch excels with its silky smoothness and lively bounciness, making the typing experience exceptionally enjoyable. This switch provides a spring-like response that enhances the sensation of rebound when typing. In contrast, the Carrot switch also delivers a bouncy feel but enriches the experience with a snappy response and a stepped tactile feedback. The unique two-stage spring in the Carrot switch makes it firm yet responsive, allowing for a dynamic typing experience that aids in precision. Both switches offer a lively engagement but differ in their tactile feedback nuances.
Overall, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Aflion Carrot switches provide engaging and pleasurable typing experiences. With similar clacky and high-pitched sound profiles, users can expect a crisp auditory feedback from both options. However, the tactile experience diverges, as the Caramel Pudding emphasizes silkiness and smoothness, while the Carrot adds a distinct snappy and stepped texture. Your choice between them will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a more fluid typing action or a joyous tactile engagement; either way, a delightful typing journey awaits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a smooth, silky feel combined with a vibrant, clacky sound that resonates with every keystroke, the Caramel Pudding is an excellent option, especially for lighter typing tasks or casual gaming where speed and fluidity matter. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams offers a delightful typing experience without being overly taxing on your fingers. In contrast, if you're seeking a more tactile feedback experience with a bouncy and snappy feel, the Aflion Carrot could be your go-to switch. With its lighter actuation force of 45 grams, this switch excels in providing that satisfying tactile bump that many typists and gamers crave, making it perfect for extended typing sessions or situations where you want a bit more character in each keystroke. Therefore, consider your personal typing style, sound preference, and the typical environment in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the most informed choice.
Mentioned in this article
