Aflion Carrot vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the distinction between tactile and linear switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its unique bouncy feedback, thanks to its long, two-stage spring, which offers a lively and engaging feel with a mid-pitched, firm sound profile. Many users gravitate towards this switch for its distinctive tactile response and clacky sound that turns typing into a delightful experience. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea, a linear switch, is preferred for its impeccably smooth action and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those seeking quiet, effortless key presses without tactile bump distraction. While the Carrot excels in delivering pronounced feedback for an engaging typing experience, the Orange Sea offers a streamlined, uncomplicated feel for those who prioritize speed and silence. 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

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Aflion Carrot and the Haimu Orange Sea both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which significantly influences their acoustic properties. The shared use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This material's inherent rigidity enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing, allowing for an engaging auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate is advantageous for those looking to employ RGB lighting in their setups, as it permits light to pass through effectively, contributing to visually stunning aesthetics. Given this similarity, users can expect comparable sound characteristics when engaging with either switch due to the polycarbonate construction.

However, the bottoms of the switches differ in material, with both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic than polycarbonate, excels in sound absorption, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This material inherently produces a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the top polycarbonate housing. Therefore, while both the Carrot and the Orange Sea showcase enhanced auditory clarity from their polycarbonate tops, the sound experience diverges in the context of bottom-out feel and sound. The nylon bottom housing contributes a contrasting richness, emphasizing the notable differences in sound signature that can be achieved by combining these two distinct materials.

In terms of overall performance and tactile feedback, the interplay of the different housing materials shapes the user experience of each switch. While the polycarbonate top provides a crisp and clear sound upon key release, the nylon bottom complements it with a fuller, more muted sound upon bottoming out. The combination of these materials allows the switches to exhibit a blend of sharpness and depth, creating a unique typing experience. Consequently, although the Aflion Carrot and Haimu Orange Sea share similar top housings that create high-pitched sounds, their distinctive bottom housings contribute to a broader range of auditory feedback, resulting in a versatile and enjoyable typing experience.

Weight

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch exhibit identical specifications in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, both requiring 37 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience regarding tactile feedback and keystroke engagement. Both switches are considered light, making them ideal for individuals who prefer long typing sessions, whether for work or gaming, as they reduce overall finger fatigue. When selecting between these two options, users can be assured that they will enjoy a similarly responsive feel, with no significant difference in force requirements.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the Carrot stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange Sea offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Carrot switch will provide a more pronounced tactile experience, ideal for those who appreciate a deeper key press. In contrast, the Orange Sea's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to users who prefer a snappier response, making it a favorable option for gamers looking for faster actuation and quick key presses. Therefore, if you're seeking a switch with a more hearty depth, the Aflion Carrot is the superior choice, while the Haimu Orange Sea offers a more immediate feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot switch is characterized by a mid-pitched, firm audio profile that is described as clacky and high-pitched. This results in a crisp, bright sound that emphasizes the percussive nature of each keypress, making it an engaging option for those who enjoy audible feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch boasts a neutral sound signature. While specifics about its acoustic properties are not detailed, switches with a neutral sound often produce less pronounced auditory feedback compared to clacky switches, contributing to a quieter typing experience. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound experience can be influenced by the keyboard's construction, including the choice of plate and keycaps.

When considering the feel of the switches, the Aflion Carrot offers a bouncy and snappy tactile experience, aided by its unique two-stage spring design. This creates a lively typing sensation, where users can feel a distinct feedback during both pre-travel and post-travel phases of keypresses—a characteristic typical of stepped switches. This results in a very responsive feel that can enhance the typing experience for users seeking high tactile engagement. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch provides a smooth typing experience with a more medium tactile response. The invigorating sensation it offers comes from an accentuated tactile bump that is neither too overwhelming nor overly subtle, allowing for an immersive experience without excessive resistance.

Overall, both switches cater to distinct preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Aflion Carrot is ideal for individuals who enjoy a lively and responsive tactile experience accompanied by distinct auditory feedback, making it a fantastic choice for those who prefer a more engaging typing environment. Meanwhile, the Haimu Orange Sea suits users who prioritize smooth typing with moderate tactile feedback and a quieter sound profile, appealing to those in shared spaces or anyone looking for a less aggressive auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for specific tactile sensations and sound characteristics, both of which contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences for feedback and sound profile. If you seek a lively and engaging typing experience, the Aflion Carrot is an excellent choice, thanks to its bouncy and snappy feel coupled with a high-pitched, clacky sound. This switch shines in gaming and fast-paced typing scenarios, making it perfect for those who enjoy a tactile bump and spring-like response with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is more suited for you. It provides a balanced typing experience with pronounced feedback that is invigorating without being overwhelming. This switch is ideal for users who prioritize a fluid and consistent feel for tasks like typing, writing, or coding. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you value tactile feedback and sound (Carrot) or a smooth and neutral experience (Orange Sea), ensuring a keyboard setup that aligns with your unique typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more