Aflion Carrot vs. HMX EVA

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences in feel and sound can significantly influence your typing experience. The Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its fun and bouncy tactile feedback that stems from a long, two-stage spring, providing a uniquely engaging typing sensation. Its mid-pitched, firm sound profile adds to its appeal, making it a favorite among users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and an auditory element to their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX EVA, a linear switch inspired by the striking aesthetic of Evangelion Unit-01, offers a smoother, more fluid typing experience. With a resonant sound signature and a silky feel, the EVA caters to those who prefer a softer touch without distinct tactile feedback. While the Carrot might be the ideal choice for typists and gamers seeking clarity and an engaging sound, the EVA is perfect for users who favor a quiet, unobtrusive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

HMX EVA Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the HMX EVA, it becomes evident that each switch employs a distinct composition for its top housing while maintaining similarity in the bottom housing. The Carrot utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its capability to produce a sharper, crisper, and more resonant sound profile. This high-pitched tone is attributed to polycarbonate’s rigidity, which enhances the clarity of sound. Moreover, its translucent nature makes it particularly advantageous for setups featuring RGB lighting, as it allows light to diffuse beautifully through the housing. On the other hand, the HMX EVA features a nylon top housing that delivers a fuller and deeper sound profile; the softer material absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a warmer acoustic experience. Thus, the difference in their top housings significantly influences the overall audio characteristics during key releases.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Aflion Carrot and the HMX EVA utilize nylon, which brings a consistency in sound profile when the key is fully pressed down. Since nylon tends to absorb sound, both switches benefit from the deep, rounded tones typical of this material. This similarity means that while the Carrot's top housing contributes a clearer sound on release, the bottom housing shared by both switches ensures a rich typing experience. Consequently, when a user types on either switch, the fullness of sound produced upon bottoming out is largely similar, creating a cohesive auditory experience at that moment of keystroke.

Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings in these switches leads to a nuanced typing experience. For the Aflion Carrot, the combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom offers a unique blend of crispness on release with a depth in sound when pressed, providing distinct interactions with every keystroke. In contrast, the HMX EVA's nylon top exhibits a more singular sound quality, leaning toward a softer and fuller audio profile throughout the typing cycle. This means that while each switch presents a different character based on their top materials, both switches provide a satisfying feel and auditory experience thanks to their nylon bottom housings, allowing users to find merits in both designs, depending on their sound preferences.

Weight

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX EVA linear switch both feature light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the EVA has slightly higher specifications with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Carrot switch is the lighter option, offering a softer feel that may be preferred by users looking for less resistance during long periods of use. In contrast, the EVA, while still light, provides a firmer feedback due to its heavier forces, which may appeal more to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches are relatively light, the Carrot is the better choice for those who prioritize comfort in prolonged use, whereas the EVA may attract those who appreciate a slight increase in actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX EVA linear switch exhibit notable differences in travel distance, which can significantly affect the typing experience. The Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that many users may find offers a satisfying depth when pressed. In contrast, the EVA features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel that enables quicker actuation. This shorter travel distance might be advantageous for gamers seeking rapid response times. Ultimately, if you are inclined towards a more refined and deeper typing experience, the Carrot with its 4 mm travel distance would be the better choice, while the EVA's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor speed and efficiency in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a mid-pitched, firm sound profile that is not only clacky but also high-pitched, producing a bright and crisp auditory feedback when keys are pressed. This makes each keystroke feel quite percussive, lending a lively atmosphere to typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX EVA linear switch is similarly described as clacky, providing a resonant sound signature that is also sharp and bright. While both switches exhibit clackiness, the Carrot's sound profile may be perceived as more definitive due to its specified firmness and pitch. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experience can greatly depend on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, so users may find that both switches yield a satisfying auditory result under the right conditions.

In terms of feel, the Carrot switch is characterized by its bouncy, snappy, and stepped qualities, creating a tactile experience that feels dynamic and responsive. Its dual-stage spring design enhances this tactile feedback, making each keystroke engaging and lively, while also providing a pleasant elastic rebound. Conversely, the HMX EVA offers a feather-light typing experience combined with a silky smooth feel and a bouncy sensation. The lighter actuation force of the EVA allows for reduced finger fatigue, which is especially beneficial during extended typing sessions. Both switches share a bouncy characteristic, but the Carrot's tactile feedback is distinctly more pronounced, given its stepped design, while the EVA prioritizes a smoother, more seamless typing experience.

In conclusion, whether you choose the Aflion Carrot or the HMX EVA, you're looking at two distinctly favorable options that cater to different preferences. The Carrot excels in providing a tactile and lively typing experience with a firm sound, while the EVA offers a smoother and lighter feel paired with a resonant sound signature. If you enjoy a tactile response with noticeable feedback, the Carrot will likely serve you well, whereas if you prefer effortless key presses and smooth transitions, the EVA is an excellent choice. Both can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, but the nuances in feel and sound will guide your decision based on your personal typing style and environment.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX EVA linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a tactile, responsive feel with a lively, bouncy action and appreciate a mid-pitched sound profile, then the Carrot may be the ideal choice for you. Its lower actuation force of 45 grams makes it particularly suitable for those who type extensively or are in need of quick response times, such as gamers or those who engage in prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, buttery feel in your keystrokes combined with a unique resonance while typing, the EVA linear switch is likely to be more your speed. Although slightly heavier at 48 grams, this switch provides a luxurious typing experience that can be particularly enjoyable for writers or anyone who values a silky action over tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits, noise tolerance, and aesthetic preferences, allowing you to create a setup that feels just right for you.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

HMX EVA Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more