Aflion Carrot vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two compelling options stand out: the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the Huano Elf, a linear switch. The Carrot is renowned for its fun and bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring that provides a noticeable bump with each keystroke. Its mid-pitched and firm sound profile adds character to every type, making it a favorite among users who enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Elf offers a vastly different feel with its linear switch design, characterized by a medium-light actuation and a POK top housing that enhances acoustics for a deeper sound signature. This makes the Elf ideal for those who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, but ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value tactile feedback or a more fluid typing motion. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the Huano Elf switches present an interesting comparison in terms of their top housing materials. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This creates a clearer resonance that is particularly beneficial when utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Elf employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, which offers a smooth and durable switch experience while contributing to a clacky sound profile. Although both housing materials yield exceptional results in terms of sound quality, they differ significantly in acoustic characteristics and visual impact with lighting.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Carrot and Elf switches utilize nylon, a classic material in switch design. Nylon is recognized for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer composition. As a result, both switches benefit from the richness of sound that nylon brings, enhancing the overall typing experience. The shared use of nylon at the bottom signifies a similarity between the two in terms of how they perform under the pressure of key presses, supplying a consistent, rounded sound that is appreciated by typists and gamers alike.
In conclusion, while the Carrot and Elf share a commonality in their nylon bottom housings, their top materials create distinct profiles. The Carrot's polycarbonate housing is designed for brightness and clarity, making it ideal for users who favor a lively sound and visual flair. Conversely, the Elf's POK top offers smoothness and resilience, resulting in a more subdued yet consistent sound profile. Ultimately, these materials contribute uniquely to the overall tactile and auditory sensations of the switches, leading to preferences that hinge on the specific sound qualities and durability each user is seeking. Despite their differences, both switches achieve expertise in delivering an enriching typing experience, showcasing the strengths of their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. It also has a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a gentle yet noticeable resistance when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Huano Elf has a heavier actuation force of 42 grams, which can impart a more substantial typing experience, but its bottom out force remains unknown. This means that while the Carrot offers a lighter and more accommodating feel, the Elf may cater to users seeking a firmer push. Overall, the Carrot is the lighter option, while the Elf is heavier, which could influence users' preferences based on their typing and gaming needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, the Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Elf features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Carrot offers a more pronounced keypress feel, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper tactile experience. In contrast, the Elf's shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, catering to gamers who value rapid response times. Thus, if you lean towards a more substantial keystroke, the Carrot's 4 mm may be preferable, whereas if swift actuation is your goal, the Elf's 3.6 mm could be more suitable.
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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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, the Aflion Carrot switch offers a distinctly high-pitched, clacky sound profile that produces a crisp and bright auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sound can resonate sharply, delivering a lively and engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Huano Elf switch features a deeper sound signature, owing to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and contributes to a multi-dimensional auditory experience. While the Carrot is more vibrant and percussive, the Elf's sound provides a lower resonance, making it potentially more subdued in environments where noise might be a concern. Overall, users will find that the qualities of both switches present different auditory appeals, influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot switch provides a uniquely bouncy tactile experience due to its long, two-stage spring, creating a lively sensation with significant rebound when pressed. This switch is characterized by a snappy responsiveness that makes typing feel dynamic and engaging. Its stepped tactile feedback means users can experience a noticeable tactile event during each keystroke, blending the pre-travel and post-travel sensations. In contrast, the Huano Elf switch is more focused on delivering a medium-light feel, though the exact descriptors for its tactile feedback are not provided. Despite the lack of specifics, one might infer that the Elf could be smoother in operation compared to the more pronounced tactility of the Carrot, but as no descriptors are detailed, its precise feel remains ambiguous.
Ultimately, choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch depends largely on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The Carrot offers a lively, high-pitched sound alongside a bouncy, tactile experience, while the Elf provides a deeper auditory signature and a potentially smoother touch. If you prioritize auditory and tactile feedback that is crisp and engaging, the Carrot is an excellent fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a versatile switch with a more subdued sound, the Elf may serve you well, albeit with less definitive tactile characteristics available for comparison.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch ultimately depends upon your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience, the Carrot's bouncy and snappy feedback is perfect for you, especially for tasks that require tactile feedback, such as coding, gaming, or crafting documents where you appreciate a distinct point of actuation. The Carrot's light 45-gram bottom-out force also makes it suitable for long typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue, though its clacky, high-pitched sound profile may not be ideal for quieter environments. Conversely, if you prefer a more subdued and smoother typing feel, the Elf linear switch would be your best bet. With its medium-light feel and the deep sound signature provided by the POK top housing, the Elf is designed for those who prioritize seamless keystrokes without the interruptions of tactile bumps. Additionally, if noise is a concern, the Elf's quieter operation might be more appropriate for shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific typing needs, be it tactile engagement or a smooth and quiet experience.
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