Aflion Carrot vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch with a unique and bouncy tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot may be the perfect choice for you. Its long, two-stage spring provides an enjoyable feedback sensation, while also offering a firm sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which aims to provide a comfortable typing experience by avoiding the hard bottoming-out commonly found in switches with longer stems. Additionally, the Hyacinth deviates from the mainstream trend by using a single-stage elongated spring, resulting in a more consistent force curve. While these general pointers can certainly help guide your decision, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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 spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the KTT Hyacinth both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to be showcased effectively. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal when using either the Carrot or the Hyacinth, thanks to their polycarbonate top housings.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Carrot and the Hyacinth feature nylon as the material of choice. Switches with nylon bottom housing offer a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out the keys. Hence, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with both the Carrot and the Hyacinth due to the use of nylon for their bottom housing.
It is important to note that when the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities associated with each material are separated between the two parts of the switch. When pressing down a key, the bottom housing's characteristics become more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing's traits play a greater role in the resulting sound. Therefore, users can expect a variation in sound depending on the specific combination of top and bottom housing materials chosen for their switch.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Hyacinth requires a slightly heavier force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Carrot has a bottom out force of 45 grams, whereas the Hyacinth has a slightly higher bottom out force of 56 grams.
The lighter actuation force of the Carrot makes it a suitable choice for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to comfortably type for extended periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Hyacinth provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger tactile response while typing.
While not explicitly stated, it can be inferred that the Carrot has a lighter bottom out force compared to the Hyacinth due to its lighter actuation force. As a result, individuals looking for a softer bottoming out sensation may find the Carrot more preferable.
Overall, the Carrot offers a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Hyacinth, providing a lighter typing experience. However, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Carrot appealing to those who prioritize typing for longer durations, while the Hyacinth caters to individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience with a heavier force requirement.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Carrot's travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, providing a moderate depth when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Hyacinth offers a slightly shallower travel distance of 3.5 mm. This shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers who require faster response times. Choosing the Carrot switch with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on individual preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal choice.
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 KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 is known for providing a fun and bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. This switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as clacky and marbly. The sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, reminiscent of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. In terms of feel, the Carrot switch is bouncy, snappy, and stepped. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, with lively keys that offer rebound when pressed. The switch has a gentle resistance, giving it a feather-like feel that reduces finger fatigue. The sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to avoid the hard bottoming-out experience common with switches with longer stems. This decision was made to create an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The Hyacinth switch uses a single-stage elongated spring, deviating from the mainstream trend of using dual-stage elongated springs. This choice ensures a more consistent force curve. In terms of sound, the Hyacinth switch is neutral, meaning it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. The switch offers a smooth and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Its feel is also described as subtle, with a gentle resistance that results in a light typing feel.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Carrot provides a bouncy and lively tactile experience, with a clacky and marbly sound profile. Its sound is crisp, bright, and percussive. The feel of the Carrot switch is characterized by its bounce, snappiness, and stepped design. It offers a feather-like typing experience with a gentle resistance, reducing finger fatigue. The Hyacinth, on the other hand, prioritizes a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. It features a unique single-stage elongated spring and a 3.5mm travel distance to avoid hard bottoming-out. The switch provides a neutral sound profile and a smooth, silky typing experience. Its feel is subtle, with a gentle resistance and a light typing feel.
If you are looking for a bouncy and lively tactile experience with a crisp and bright sound, the Carrot switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, with a smooth and silky typing feel, the Hyacinth switch would be a better fit. Keep in mind that other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps, can also influence the sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a fun and unique tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is the way to go. Its two-stage spring offers a bouncy feel, giving you a lively rebound when pressed. The Carrot switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it light and comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Its sound profile can be described as clacky, marbly, or high-pitched, depending on your preference.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience and a switch that strikes a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is the better option for you. With its 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring, the Hyacinth switch aims to avoid the hard bottoming-out experience while maintaining a consistent force curve. It has a bottom out force of 56 grams, which is medium-light. The Hyacinth switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning it neither leans towards a distinct high or low pitch.
Ultimately, your decision should consider your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a bouncy and snappy tactile experience with a light actuation force, go for the Carrot switch. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing feel and a switch that offers a neutral sound profile, opt for the Hyacinth switch. Whichever switch you choose, both the Aflion Carrot and KTT Hyacinth have their unique qualities and are excellent options in the mechanical keyboard switch market.
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