Aflion Carrot vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Carrot and the Haimu Neo White offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Carrot switch is a tactile switch that is characterized by its bouncy tactile feedback, thanks to its two-stage spring. Additionally, it produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a tactile and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Neo White switch is a linear switch known for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a smooth and satisfying typing feel. The use of a Ly stem contributes to its smooth actuation, making each keystroke a seamless experience. 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
N/A
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Carrot and the Haimu Neo White feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal for users who prioritize sound quality and clarity in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for those who want to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches.
On the other hand, both switches also utilize nylon bottom housings, which are recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a more subdued typing experience. This difference in housing materials between the top and bottom contributes to a balanced sound profile when typing on these switches, with the qualities of each material complementing each other.
Overall, while the Aflion Carrot and the Haimu Neo White share similarities in their housing materials, their individual characteristics contribute to slightly different typing experiences. The Carrot may offer a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Neo White may provide a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing. However, both switches are designed to cater to users who value sound quality and aesthetics in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is evident that the Carrot is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Neo White. The Carrot requires an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a light option. In contrast, the Neo White's actuation force is unspecified, but it has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Carrot, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Neo White. The actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience and preference for a particular switch.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Carrot offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth in key press feel compared to the Neo White. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Neo White with its shorter travel distance, while those who appreciate a more pronounced key press sensation may lean towards the Carrot. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for key press feel.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly profile, providing a sharp and clean sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. Depending on your choice of keycaps and keyboard setup, the sound of each switch can be further influenced.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is bouncy, snappy, and stepped, offering a lively and responsive typing experience with a unique two-stage spring design. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a milder and more gentle typing feel, making it approachable to a wider range of users. The smooth actuation of the Neo White switch, thanks to the rare Ly stem, enhances the overall typing comfort.
Overall, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. While the Carrot switch provides a bouncy and tactile typing experience with a sharp sound profile, the Neo White switch delivers a smoother and more neutral typing feel with a moderate sound profile. Depending on your preference for a more lively or gentle typing experience, both switches can cater to different needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific use case of the keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Carrot tactile switch or the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you enjoy a light, bouncy tactile experience with a firm sound profile and have a preference for a clacky, marbly, or high-pitched sound, then the Carrot switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a slightly reduced total travel and a smooth actuation, along with a neutral sound profile, then the Neo White switch could be more suited to your tastes. Whether you value a bouncy and snappy feel or a mild typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, it is important to consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel when deciding between these two switches to ensure that you find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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