Aflion Carrot vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the HC Studio Crabapple offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Carrot is a tactile switch that stands out for its bouncy tactile feedback thanks to its long, two-stage spring. With a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy a 'clacky' and 'bouncy' typing experience. On the other hand, the Crabapple is a linear switch made entirely from POM, providing a smooth and frictionless typing journey. Known for its dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke, the Crabapple offers a 'mild' and 'subdued' typing experience. While the Carrot excels in bounce and tactility, the Crabapple focuses on smoothness and subtlety. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the HC Studio Crabapple, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when coupled with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Crabapple boasts a POM top housing, which generates a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite these differences, both materials offer unique sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Carrot utilizes nylon for its construction, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to its softer plastic properties. Similarly, the Crabapple also utilizes a POM bottom housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a balance of distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of typing feedback and sound output.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for both the Aflion Carrot and HC Studio Crabapple plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing may create a clearer and more resonant sound, the Crabapple's POM housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. Likewise, the use of nylon and POM for the bottom housings further adds to the unique sound characteristics of each switch. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile or a deeper one, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch both have a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that both switches offer a consistent typing experience with a relatively light touch. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, either switch would be a good choice as they provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. However, if one prefers a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, they may want to consider options with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. In terms of weight, both switches offer a similar typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference for typing feel rather than weight considerations.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Carrot offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Crabapple falls on the shallower end of the spectrum. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Crabapple for quicker response times, while those looking for a more robust feel may opt for the longer travel distance of the Carrot. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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 known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch provides a more subdued sound, creating a dampened and subtle auditory response. If you prefer a louder and more vibrant sound, the Carrot would be the better choice, while the Crabapple offers a quieter and more understated typing sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is described as bouncy, snappy, and stepped, providing a lively and responsive typing experience with a two-stage spring mechanism. In contrast, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless and mild feel, offering a smooth and effortless typing journey with a gentle typing experience. If you enjoy a more tactile and springy feel, the Carrot would be a suitable option, whereas if you prefer a smoother and easier keystroke, the Crabapple would be the preferable choice.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch excels in providing a lively and bouncy typing experience with a clacky and marbly sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and responsive switch. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a smooth and frictionless typing journey with a subdued sound, perfect for users seeking a quieter and effortless keystroke. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the Carrot and Crabapple switches will depend on whether you prioritize a more tactile and lively typing experience or a smoother and quieter typing journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, then the Carrot switch would be an excellent choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing journey with a mild and understated sound profile, then the Crabapple switch crafted entirely from POM would suit your preferences better. Additionally, if you enjoy clacky, marbly, or high-pitched sound profiles, the Carrot switch offers these options, whereas the Crabapple switch provides a more subdued sound signature. Ultimately, if you prefer a bouncy and snappy typing feel, the Carrot switch is ideal, while the Crabapple switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience. Consider these factors when selecting the mechanical keyboard switch that best fits your personal preferences and typing style.
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