Aflion Carrot vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, it is evident that both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Carrot is celebrated for its bouncy tactile experience due to its long two-stage spring, providing users with a firm and mid-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g appeals to enthusiasts with its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, ideal for those who enjoy a bright typing experience. While the Carrot offers a variety of tactile sensations, the Cloud - 63.5g provides a consistent linear 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
37g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound. This means that both switches will have a similar sound experience when typing, with a duller and rounder sound compared to stiffer plastics. The nylon bottom housing of each switch will play a significant role in the overall typing experience, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys.
On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot boasts a polycarbonate top housing, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Carrot's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, contrasting with the deeper sound profile elicited by the nylon top housing of the Cloud. The difference in top housing material will result in a distinct sound experience, with the top housing of each switch impacting the sound when pressing and releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Carrot is especially useful for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Overall, while the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g share a nylon bottom housing, they differ in their top housing materials. The Carrot's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, whereas the Cloud's nylon top housing yields a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound experiences based on the combination of their housing materials. Whether you prefer a crisp and resonant sound or a dull and round sound, each switch provides a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a higher actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. The actuation and bottom out forces of the Carrot are lower compared to the Cloud, making it the lighter option between the two. However, for users seeking a switch with a heavier feel, the Cloud would be the better choice. Despite their differences in force, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch's travel distance of 3.9 mm. While the 0.1 mm may seem like a small difference, it can actually make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Carrot's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and cushioned feel when pressing down on the keys, which can be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time and a more light and nimble keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, both are described as clacky, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. However, the Carrot switch also offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, while the Cloud - 63.5g switch caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. In terms of feel, the Carrot switch is known for its bouncy and snappy feedback, providing users with a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a creamy feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels silky. Overall, while both switches have unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Carrot offering a more bouncy tactile feel and mid-pitched sound, while the Cloud - 63.5g provides a creamy feel and clacky sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Carrot tactile switch or the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, you should assess your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch with a light bottom out force, a bouncy tactile experience, and a mid-pitched sound profile, the Carrot switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a clacky sound profile, and a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style, sound preferences, and desired typing feel. Consider your priorities and choose the switch that best aligns with your typing needs.
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