Aflion Carrot vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct advantages of tactile versus linear options. The Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its fun, bouncy feel due to a unique two-stage spring design, which delivers a mid-pitched, firm sound profile that engages typists with a satisfying tactile feedback. Ideal for users who appreciate a distinct touch sensation and auditory feedback, the Carrot is characterized by its clacky, snappy traits that can enhance typing accuracy and enjoyment. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy, a linear switch, offers a completely different experience. Crafted from full nylon, this switch is designed for a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that allows for rapid typing without the tactile bumps. The Deep Navy's creamy, sharp sound profile adds an element of auditory pleasure, appealing to those who prefer a quieter, fluid typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and HMX Deep Navy switches employ distinct materials for their top housings, which leads to pronounced differences in their acoustic characteristics. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, known for imparting a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This rigidity allows for a more resonant tone, perfect for users who appreciate clarity and brightness in their typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder auditory signature that many users may find comforting. Thus, while both switches deliver a quality experience, their top housing materials cater to different auditory preferences.
In contrast, both the Carrot and the Deep Navy share a common material for their bottom housings: nylon. This provides a uniform foundation for both switches, as nylon's inherent properties offer a deeper and fuller sound across the board. Because both switches utilize the same material in their bottom housings, users can expect similar acoustic characteristics when actuating the switches. The nylon bottom housing’s ability to absorb sound ensures that, regardless of the top housing material, the overall typing experience retains a rich and rounded tone during key presses. This shared bottom housing material bridges the gap between the different sound profiles generated by the top housings.
In summary, the comparison between the Aflion Carrot and HMX Deep Navy switches illuminates the influence of their respective top housing materials while highlighting their shared bottom housing characteristics. The polycarbonate top of the Carrot brings vibrancy and crispness to its sound profile, ideal for those who prioritize clarity, while the nylon top of the Deep Navy provides a rounder tonal quality. However, since both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, users will find that the deeper and fuller sound remains consistent across both models when they press down, leading to a well-rounded typing experience regardless of their preference for top housing sound profiles.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offer differing actuation forces while sharing the same bottom out force. The Carrot features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Deep Navy's 40 grams, which can make it more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where reduced fatigue is a priority. Both switches, however, bottom out at the same force of 45 grams, meaning they provide similar resistance when pressed all the way down. If you're looking for a switch that feels less demanding during typing, the Carrot would be the more appealing option. On the other hand, the Deep Navy caters to those who prefer a slightly stronger initial push. Therefore, while both switches deliver a lightweight experience overall, the Carrot provides an edge for those who prioritize a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Carrot the longer travel option, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback with a deeper press that some users may find preferable for a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Deep Navy's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm caters more to those who favor responsiveness, especially gamers seeking quicker actuation times. The disparity in travel distances suggests that users prioritizing depth may lean toward the Carrot, while those who value a snappier feel might opt for the Deep Navy. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a heartier typing experience, the Carrot would be the better choice, whereas the Deep Navy would be ideal for faster response needs.
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 Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Aflion Carrot and HMX Deep Navy switches are classified as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy auditory response during use. The Carrot switch has a high-pitched sound profile that contributes to a bright and percussive effect, making it ideal for users who favor a crisp acoustic experience. The Deep Navy, though also clacky, is noted for a rich, sharp sound profile due to its full nylon construction. Although both switches offer a lively auditory feedback, the Carrot might lean slightly towards higher frequencies, while the Deep Navy's full nylon build could provide a tonal richness that gives a deeper resonance. Nevertheless, the overall clackiness of both will deliver an engaging sound experience, with preferences potentially swaying based on acoustic refinement and personal taste.
In terms of feel, the Carrot switch is characterized by its bouncy, snappy feedback, largely attributed to its long, two-stage spring design. This offers users an energetic typing experience with each key press, fostering a sense of responsiveness and liveliness. The tactile feedback is further refined with a stepped sensation, allowing typists to feel distinct stages during their keystrokes. In contrast, the Deep Navy switch promotes a creamy and silky typing experience. This ensures that each keystroke feels smooth and effortless, complemented by its feathery-light actuation. While the bouncy feel of the Carrot promotes a dynamic typing rhythm, the Deep Navy focuses on delivering a luxurious glide across the keys, each offering distinct benefits that cater to varying typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and HMX Deep Navy switches each present unique qualities that cater to diverse typing styles and auditory preferences. The Carrot excels in producing a lively, high-pitched sound with a bouncy and responsive tactile feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile and engaged typing experience. Conversely, the Deep Navy offers a rich acoustic signature paired with a smooth, creamy feel, making it perfect for users who value ease and elegance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, whether you prefer the tactile excitement of the Carrot or the subtle luxury of the Deep Navy, both switches promise an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience, albeit from different angles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a fun and engaging typing experience with a tactile feedback that's both bouncy and snappy, the Carrot is the way to go. Its mid-pitched sound profile and clacky, high-pitched characteristics make it ideal for those who enjoy an energetic typing environment, whether for gaming or creative tasks. On the other hand, if your priority is a smooth, creamy typing experience with a rich and sharp sound, the Deep Navy is your best bet. Its silky-smooth feel and feathery touch make it particularly comfortable for extended typing sessions, allowing you to glide effortlessly across the keys without straining your fingers. In short, lean towards the Carrot for a lively, tactile feel, and opt for the Deep Navy when you seek a more refined, linear experience. Your choice will ultimately enhance your typing enjoyment and productivity.
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