Aflion Carrot vs. HMX FJ400
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the HMX FJ400 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly affect your typing experience, and two distinct options worth considering are the Aflion Carrot and the HMX FJ400. The Carrot is a tactile switch celebrated for its playful two-stage spring that delivers a bouncy tactile sensation with a mid-pitched, firm sound profile. Its unique characteristics, including a clacky and snappy feedback, make it a favorite among users who enjoy both a responsive typing feel and an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX FJ400 is a linear switch that strikes a balanced sound profile, allowing for a smoother keypress with minimal noise—ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience without tactile bump interruptions. While the Carrot captures the joy of tactile feedback and sound, the FJ400 caters to those seeking constant keystroke engagement without the distraction of additional feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the HMX FJ400 switches differ significantly in their top components, while both feature nylon as their bottom housing. The Carrot uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This material's translucency also enhances the visual experience when incorporating RGB lighting, making it a great choice for aesthetically-minded enthusiasts. In contrast, the FJ400 features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which delivers a deeper, more muted sound. This difference in top housing materials contributes to the distinct auditory experiences each switch offers, showcasing the important role that housing composition plays in sound quality.
While the two switches diverge in their choice of top housing, they both employ nylon for the bottom housing, contributing a fuller and more rounded sound when typing. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, which in turn enhances the overall typing experience. Despite the differences in their top housings, using nylon at the bottom ensures that both switches share the same foundation in sound quality. This commonality means that while the tonal characteristics may differ due to the top materials, the deeper sound profile attributed to the nylon bottom aids each switch in providing a satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of polycarbonate and POM in the Aflion Carrot and HMX FJ400 lead to unique sound profiles, impacting both the typing experience and acoustic performance. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a synergy that balances their overall auditory output. When pressed, both switches will produce differentiation in sound and feel—largely due to the softer nylon, which dampens and deepens the sound. This means that even though the top housings deliver distinct auditory results, the nylon bottoms help maintain a certain level of consistency between the two switches, showcasing how different materials can complement one another effectively.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch provide distinct actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Carrot features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who favor a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long working hours or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the FJ400 has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial push feel for a tactile and responsive typing experience. As a result, users seeking a lighter touch should gravitate towards the Aflion Carrot, whereas those who appreciate a firmer actuation should consider the HMX FJ400. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches highlight their distinct characteristics, catering to varying preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX FJ400 linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Carrot, with its 4 mm travel, provides a deeper and more substantial feel when pressed, catering to users who prefer a hearty depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the FJ400, having a travel distance of 3.8 mm, offers a more responsive experience, which is particularly appealing to gamers looking for quicker actuation and faster response times. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Carrot's 4 mm travel makes it the longer option, whereas the FJ400 is the shorter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for tactile feedback versus speed and responsiveness.
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 FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 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
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch produces a distinct and lively sound profile characterized by a mid-pitched, clacky tone that stands out during typing. The high-pitched acoustic nature of this switch creates a sharp and crisp auditory experience, making it an enjoyable option for users who appreciate a bright and percussive sound. While the Carrot offers a vibrant sonic feedback, the HMX FJ400 presents a more balanced sound profile. This means that while the FJ400 may not exhibit the same level of brightness or sharpness, it achieves a more neutral tone that can create a less distracting typing environment. Overall, those who prioritize a pronounced sound will likely gravitate towards the Carrot, while users favoring a more subdued auditory experience may find the FJ400 suitable.
In terms of feel, the Carrot switch is particularly notable for its bouncy and snappy characteristics. The design incorporates a long, two-stage spring that provides an elastic feedback sensation; this means users can expect lively rebounds with each keystroke, enhancing engagement and responsiveness. The subtle yet discernible tactile bump adds to the typing experience without overwhelming the user. In contrast, details about the feel of the HMX FJ400 are unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare its tactile feedback against the Carrot. However, if the FJ400 is designed as the middle ground in a switch lineup, it might offer a balanced tactile experience, but this remains speculative without further detail.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that emphasizes auditory feedback, the Aflion Carrot stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound that creates a lively typing atmosphere. Its tactile feel, marked by bouncy and snappy feedback, appeals to those who thrive on responsive switches. Conversely, while the HMX FJ400 provides a more balanced sound likely suited for quieter environments, its tactile qualities remain unexamined. Therefore, individual preferences for sound and feel are crucial in selecting between these switches; understanding these aspects will lead to a more personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound profile, as well as how you intend to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a lively typing experience with a lighter touch, the Carrot switch may be the way to go. Its unique two-stage spring design provides a bouncy and snappy feel, making every keystroke feel engaging while producing a high-pitched, clacky sound that adds a fun dynamic to your setup. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who do a lot of typing or gaming and want a keyboard that feels responsive and playful. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and medium resistance experience, the FJ400 is an excellent choice. With its 58-gram actuation force, it offers a more stable typing feel that’s ideal for extended use, without the more pronounced tactile feedback of the Carrot. Its balanced sound profile ensures less auditory distraction, making it a great option for shared spaces or office environments. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the vibrant and lively response of the Carrot or the steady consistency of the FJ400 will depend on your specific needs and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
