Aflion Carrot vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Cheese mechanical keyboard switches, we see two unique options with distinct characteristics. The Carrot, a tactile switch, stands out for its bouncy tactile experience provided by a long, two-stage spring, creating a firm and mid-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese, a linear switch, offers unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience with its ultra-light design, boasting a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. While the Carrot is known for its bouncy and tactile feel, the Cheese impresses with its smoothness and lightweight design. 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
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound quality. In contrast, the HMX Cheese boasts a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite their differences, both housing materials offer unique acoustic properties that can enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Carrot and Cheese utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound. As a result, the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches are influenced by the nylon material used in their construction. While the bottom housing may not be as visually noticeable as the top housing, it plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound quality.
Overall, the choice between a polycarbonate top housing in the Aflion Carrot and a nylon top housing in the HMX Cheese will ultimately come down to personal preference. Both housing materials offer distinct sound profiles, with polycarbonate providing a sharper and crisper sound while nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound. The differences in housing materials between the two switches showcase how various materials can impact the overall sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch, highlighting the importance of choosing the right housing material for your typing preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the HMX Cheese linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. Both switches fall into the lighter weight category, making them ideal for users who prioritize extended typing or gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. However, the slight difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches may be noticeable to users who prefer a specific key feel. Ultimately, those seeking a slightly lighter touch may lean towards the Aflion Carrot, while those who prefer a slightly firmer key press may opt for the HMX Cheese.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Cheese linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Carrot offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper press when compared to the Cheese switch. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cheese switch for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Carrot switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their preference for depth and responsiveness.
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 HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 best characterized as having a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile. This results in a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with clean and resonant tones similar to tapping on marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese linear switch is described as providing a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound experience. The ultra-light nature of the Cheese switch contributes to a unique sound signature, lighter than the majority of switches in the market. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also greatly depend on the user's choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is recognized for its bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle tactile sensations. The long, two-stage spring in the Carrot switch offers users a lively and responsive typing experience, with a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, information on the feel of the HMX Cheese linear switch is currently unavailable. Therefore, based on the available information, it can be assumed that the Cheese switch may offer a smooth and pristine typing experience, given its unparalleled smoothness and light actuation force.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, while the Cheese switch offers smoothness and a light actuation force with a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing sensation and sound output, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Carrot tactile switch or the HMX Cheese linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a firm sound profile, the Carrot switch with its two-stage spring may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and ultra-light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound signature, the HMX Cheese switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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