Aflion Carrot vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular switches to consider are the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the HMX Jammy, a linear switch. The Carrot stands out for its bouncy tactile feel provided by its long, two-stage spring, accompanied by a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Jammy is known for its softer and glittery nylon housing, offering a muted yet satisfying typing experience. While the Carrot is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Stepped', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', the Jammy does not have specific categories listed. When choosing between these two switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
57g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Jammy, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This results in a clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Jammy utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Carrot and the Jammy use nylon material. This classic switch housing material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. The differences in the top and bottom housing materials highlight how each component contributes to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch.
Overall, while the Aflion Carrot and HMX Jammy utilize different materials for their top housing, they both share the use of nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile, with the Carrot providing a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to polycarbonate in the top housing, while the Jammy offers a deeper and fuller sound with nylon top housing. The split of housing materials between the top and bottom components showcases how different plastics can impact the overall typing experience in distinct ways.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In comparison, the HMX Jammy linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to different preferences. Those who enjoy a lighter touch on their keyboard may find the Carrot switch more suitable, while those who prefer a heavier feel may opt for the Jammy switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing style and preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, with the Jammy being slightly shorter than the Carrot. The Carrot's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth, making it suitable for general typing and gaming purposes. On the other hand, the Jammy's 3.7 mm travel distance is even shorter, which may appeal to users looking for quicker response times, particularly gamers. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Jammy to feel too abrupt compared to the Carrot's slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
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 Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is best known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a more muted and deeply satisfying sound experience due to its softer nylon housings. The Carrot switch is likely to produce a more distinct and bright sound compared to the Jammy switch, which focuses on a quieter and more subtle typing experience. However, the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by other external factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy and snappy typing experience, characterized by a lively rebound when pressed. The Carrot switch also features a two-stage spring, providing users with a unique tactile sensation. In contrast, the HMX Jammy linear switch lacks specific descriptions of its feel but is likely to offer a smooth and consistent typing experience given its medium-weight and glittery nylon build. Both switches may offer different tactile feedback and actuation force, catering to a variety of typing preferences.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch provide contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Carrot switch excels in producing a sharp and bouncy typing experience with a unique two-stage spring, the Jammy switch offers a quieter and more muted sound profile for a deeply satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, then the Carrot switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that is muted and deeply satisfying, then the Jammy switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you prefer and what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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