Aflion Carrot vs. Neo Lavender HE

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the Aflion Carrot and the Neo Lavender HE, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Aflion Carrot is celebrated for its playful tactile feedback, featuring a long, two-stage spring that creates a uniquely bouncy sensation with a mid-pitched, firm sound profile. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a lively typing experience, characterized by clackiness and snappiness that adds a bit of fun to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE offers a more subdued experience with its clean, low sound, and is particularly notable for its compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an excellent choice for users seeking precision and a smoother typing experience. While the Carrot excites with its lively tactile response, the Lavender HE provides a more understated yet efficient alternative. 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

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$4.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Neo Lavender HE, one of the most striking differences is found in their top housings. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucent quality, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the light shines beautifully through the clear plastic. In contrast, the Lavender HE’s top housing is made of nylon, a softer plastic that lends itself to producing a deeper and fuller sound. This creates a more rounded auditory experience when typing, which may appeal to those who prefer a heavier sound profile in their switches.

Both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housing, which is a classic choice in the keyboarding community. Both the Carrot and the Lavender HE benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon, which creates a fuller sound during both pressing and bottoming out of the switches. Since both switches utilize the same material for their lower housing, they generate a similar auditory experience in this regard, providing continuity regardless of the differences present in their top housings. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent feel and sound when pressing the keys down, even if the initial sound of the top housing varies noticeably.

Ultimately, the blend of materials in both switches leads to distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Carrot’s polycarbonate top housing offers more clarity and brightness, which could appeal to users who enjoy a sharper typing experience complemented by vibrant RGB effects. Conversely, the Lavender HE’s nylon top housing produces a softer and rounder sound, appealing to those seeking a more subdued auditory feedback. Thus, while the bottom housings might contribute similarities in terms of overall sound absorption, the unique characteristics of their top housings set them apart and provide users with distinct tactile experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch with the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, we observe key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot tactile switch features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Neo Lavender HE has a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches are considered light, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, yet the Aflion Carrot requires less force to actuate, resulting in a lighter overall feel. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE provides a heavier push, delivering a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer. If users select either switch for specific tasks, they can experience similar results in performance, although the Carrot offers slightly less resistance, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.

Travel distance

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.8 mm. This difference may influence user preference based on the desired tactile feedback and overall feel of the switch. The Carrot, with its 4 mm distance, offers a more traditional experience that some users might find provides a satisfying depth, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more hearty keypress. In contrast, the Lavender HE, with its 3.8 mm travel, caters to users who might prefer a slightly quicker response time, which is often favored among gamers seeking fast activation. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the Neo Lavender HE would be the better choice, whereas the Aflion Carrot would appeal to those seeking a fuller travel experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot switch exhibits a distinctive mid-pitched profile that is characterized as both clacky and high-pitched. This creates a sharp, snappy auditory feedback that can be quite enjoyable for users who appreciate a more percussive typing experience. The sound comes off as crisp and bright, contributing to the overall feel of lively engagement during use. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch offers a clean, low sound. While this difference suggests that the Lavender HE may provide a more subdued auditory experience, it is essential to note that the final sound of any switch depends heavily on the keyboard chassis and keycap materials utilized.

In terms of tactile feel, the Aflion Carrot switch shines with its bouncy and snappy characteristics. It features a long, two-stage spring that gives users an elastic feedback sensation, making the typing experience feel incredibly lively and responsive. The two-stage aspect of the switch means that there's a noticeable progression in feel throughout the keystroke. Additionally, the switch is designed to be friendly for long typing sessions, as its responsiveness ensures minimal finger fatigue. The Neo Lavender HE, however, lacks specific tactile descriptions, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. As a result, the tactile experience with the Lavender HE remains somewhat of an unknown in this comparison.

In conclusion, while the Aflion Carrot switch offers a dynamic combination of sound and tactile feedback that is particularly suited for those who enjoy an energizing typing experience, the Neo Lavender HE seems to prioritize a clean and subdued auditory presence. The tactile experience of the Lavender HE, however, remains uncertain. The choice between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel: those who favor a lively, crisp auditory input might lean toward the Carrot, while users looking for a quieter typing experience might find the low sound profile of the Lavender HE appealing.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch comes down to your personal preferences and intended use case. If you enjoy a lively and bouncy typing experience coupled with a higher-pitched, clacky sound, the Carrot switch is your go-to option. Its light bottom-out force and two-stage spring design make it particularly fun for both typing and gaming, allowing for quick response times and less finger fatigue during those longer sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner and more subdued typing experience, the Lavender HE switch is the better option, especially if you're using a Wooting keyboard, as it offers a low sound profile and a consistent feel without the extra flair that the Carrot provides. While both switches are relatively light with only a slight difference in bottom-out force, the overall sensory experience and desired environment—be it a quiet workspace or a vibrant gaming setup—will ultimately guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

Learn more