Aflion Carrot vs. HMX Jelly

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, and two popular contenders are the Aflion Carrot and HMX Jelly. The Carrot, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its uniquely bouncy tactile feedback, stemming from a long, two-stage spring that provides a snappy, mid-pitched sound profile, perfect for users who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. Its clacky and feathery characteristics cater to those who thrive on tactile sensations and want audible cues while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly, a linear switch, shines with its smooth operation and low-pitched thocky sound signature. With an actuation force of just 42g, it exemplifies a lightweight and creamy touch, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. Both switches have their own unique appeal—whether you prefer the satisfying click of a tactile switch like the Carrot or the effortless glide of a linear switch such as the Jelly. 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 Jelly 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 Jelly, there are notable differences in their top housings that lead to distinct sound profiles. The Aflion Carrot utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its stiffer nature. This rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when interacting with the keys. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, giving it an aesthetic edge in customizable setups. In contrast, the HMX Jelly features a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer composition that absorbs more sound. As a result, switches with nylon tops tend to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This fundamental difference in material choice not only affects the auditory experience but also influences the visual appeal of the key switches when illuminated.

Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Aflion Carrot and HMX Jelly utilize nylon material, making their bottom housing characteristics effectively the same. This shared use of nylon means that both switches will elicit a deep, full sound profile during typing. With nylon absorbing the sound, the bottom-out experience for both switches will resonate similarly, regardless of the differing top materials. The crucial element here is that while the top housing gives each switch its unique sound signature, the nylon bottom housing ensures a uniform depth and warmth in sound for both products when pressed.

In practical terms, the contrasting top housing materials of the Carrot and Jelly create distinctive auditory experiences, with the Carrot yielding a sharper and crisper sound, and the Jelly producing a fuller, deeper tone. However, since both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, they will share that same rich acoustic quality. This means that in actual use, one might feel the differences when typing, particularly in the sound upon release with the Carrot and the Jelly's respective top housing, while the deeper bottom-out sound will remain consistent due to the identical properties of their nylon bottoms. Thus, users can expect a full-bodied typing experience when bottoming out on both switches, tempered by the unique sound profiles offered by their top housings.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, we can observe both similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Jelly switch, although still light, has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Carrot is generally better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. In contrast, the HMX Jelly, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer push feel. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter switch for comfort over prolonged use, the Carrot would be the better choice; however, if you seek a more robust typing experience, the Jelly may be more satisfying.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the Carrot measures 4 mm, while the Jelly has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Carrot provides a more pronounced feel when pressed, appealing to those who prefer the depth in their keystrokes for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Jelly's travel distance of 3.8 mm caters to users who favor quicker response times, typically preferred by gamers who benefit from the shorter distance for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you're prioritizing rapid input and responsiveness, the Jelly would be the better choice, while the Carrot would satisfy those who enjoy a more traditional, deeper keystroke feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot switch produces a mid-pitched and firm auditory feedback that can be characterized as clacky and high-pitched. This makes it sharp and snappy, creating a bright, percussive sound with each key press that many find invigorating. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch boasts a low-pitched, deep sound primarily described as thocky, exuding a bassy richness that's less sharp and more mellow. The deeper sound profile of the Jelly gives it a distinctive presence that could be more satisfying for those who appreciate a fuller auditory experience. Each switch has its unique tonal qualities, and it's essential to note that the overall sound will also depend on external factors like the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Carrot switch offers an engaging tactile experience marked by a bouncy, snappy response. Its long, two-stage spring design provides a lively feedback sensation, while the stepped tactile bump allows users to notice the changes in the keystroke more distinctly. This dual-stage spring mechanism not only enhances the responsiveness but also ensures that the typing experience feels dynamic and engaging. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly's feel is described as creamy and smooth, delivering a buttery typing experience that can be remarkably satisfying. With its exceptional factory lubricant, the Jelly switch glides effortlessly under the fingers, making the actuation feel delicately easy and reducing fatigue over longer typing sessions. This switch's smoothness sets it apart for users who prioritize a frictionless keystroke.

In conclusion, both the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Carrot shines with its engaging, lively feel and sharp auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate a tactile and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Jelly excels in smoothness and a richer, deeper sound, appealing to users who prioritize comfort and a more bass-heavy auditory profile. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you favor a tactile, lively experience or a smooth, creamy sensation, alongside your acoustic preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a bouncy and lively feedback with a unique tactile experience, the Carrot is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force and mid-pitched sound profile not only enhance your typing rhythm but also make it engaging, especially for those who enjoy a more responsive and snappy feel. This switch is particularly ideal for long typing sessions, as its bouncy nature reduces finger fatigue while providing a pleasing auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a deeper sound signature, the Jelly switch is your go-to option. With its creamy feel and low-pitched, thocky sound, the Jelly offers a buttery typing experience that is less about tactile feedback and more about a consistent, effortless motion. This makes it a great choice for those who value subtlety in sound and a luxurious glide when typing or gaming. Ultimately, your selection should align with how you want to experience your keyboard—whether it's the lively and tactile engagement of the Carrot or the smooth, rich sounds provided by the Jelly.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more