Aflion Carrot vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice between switch types can greatly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Poro. The Carrot, with its tactile design, provides users with a unique two-stage spring that delivers a bouncy and satisfying tactile feedback, making it a perfect fit for typists who enjoy feeling the actuation point with each keystroke. Its mid-pitched, firm sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory layer to the experience, categorized as 'Clacky,' 'Snappy,' and 'Feathery,' which may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a smoother, silkier keystroke, thanks to its meticulous lubrication, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking a seamless and quiet experience. The Poro’s ultra-light actuation force and delightful poppy sound profile, categorized as 'Creamy' and 'Feathery,' provide an effortless glide that many find preferable for rapid key presses. Each switch has its own merits depending on user preference, with the Carrot excelling in tactile feedback and the Poro shining in smoothness. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Ly
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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Poro, a distinct contrast emerges with their top housings. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency also complements RGB lighting, enhancing visual aesthetics. In contrast, the HMX Poro utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material that absorbs sound effectively, producing a deeper and more rounded sound profile. The differences in sound characteristics between the two materials are critical for users seeking specific auditory feedback from their keyboard. While both materials form part of the housing, the choice of polycarbonate versus nylon significantly alters the sound dynamics produced when a key is pressed or released.
Turning to the bottom housing, both the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Poro use nylon, a plastic that contributes to a fuller and more subdued sound profile. This commonality means that while the top housings diverge in their acoustic impact, the bottom housings share a consistency in sound absorption. When users press the switches, they will experience a uniform deeper sound due to the nylon material. This results in a clear and harmonious interaction between the keypress and the sound produced, regardless of the top housing choice. Therefore, while the Aflion Carrot and HMX Poro may differ significantly in the characteristics of their top housings, they converge on this crucial aspect of auditory feedback through the use of nylon for their bottom housings.
Ultimately, the interaction between the two types of housing materials shapes the user experience in distinct ways. The Aflion Carrot’s polycarbonate top housing complements the synthesize sharpness of its sound, which contrasts with the HMX Poro’s nylon top that produces a more subdued auditory experience. However, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that each retains a deeper resonance, emphasizing a fuller sound when keys are bottomed out. Thus, despite the disparities in sound profile introduced by their respective top housings, both products offer users a satisfying typing experience attained through the uniform characteristics provided by their nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we can observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience that allows for longer use without fatigue. In contrast, the Poro requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the Carrot is the lighter option, while the Poro is heavier, which may influence a user's choice based on their typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Carrot features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poro measures 3.7 mm. This makes the Carrot the longer option, offering a more substantial keypress experience for those who prefer a hearty depth. On the other hand, the Poro, with its shorter 3.7 mm travel distance, caters to users who favor quicker response times, which is particularly appealing to gamers. Given the current trend towards shorter travel distances, the Poro may be more suitable for those looking for a more responsive feel, while the Carrot might be preferable for users who appreciate a deeper keypress. Thus, while both switches serve different user preferences, the Carrot provides a traditional feel, contrasting with the Poro's more modern, shorter profile.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch share some similarities, primarily in their clacky nature. The Carrot produces a mid-pitched, clacky sound that is both sharp and snappy, resulting in a crisp and percussive auditory experience. This characteristic is particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a bright sound profile. On the other hand, the Poro also boasts a clacky sound but has an ultra-light actuation force that contributes to a more playful and poppy acoustic quality. While both switches provide a lively sound, the Carrot's mid-pitched timbre may give it a slightly fuller resonance compared to the Poro's light and vibrant bursts. Nevertheless, the overall sound experience will ultimately depend on additional factors like keycap choice and keyboard construction.
In terms of feel, the differences become more pronounced. The Carrot switch is designed to deliver a uniquely bouncy tactile experience, characterized by a two-stage spring that creates a lively and responsive typing sensation. It also features a stepped tactile profile that offers a subtle distinction between pre-travel and post-travel, enhancing the tactile feedback without feeling overly harsh. Conversely, the HMX Poro linear switch emphasizes a smoother and more creamy typing experience, with its meticulous lubrication allowing for effortless gliding across the keys. Additionally, both switches are described as feathery, meaning they require minimal force to actuate, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. While the Carrot focuses on a more tactile and lively typing experience, the Poro favors a smooth and fluid interaction.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Carrot and HMX Poro switches bring unique qualities to the table, making them appealing to different user preferences. The Carrot is ideal for those who enjoy a bouncy, tactile experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, while the Poro caters to users looking for a silky, smooth feel paired with a light and poppy auditory feedback. If you're seeking a balance between tactile response and smoothness, it's possible to achieve satisfying results with either switch, depending on what aspect of the typing experience you prioritize.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a fun and lively typing experience, the Carrot's bouncy tactile feedback and unique two-stage spring design will likely appeal to you, providing a snappy feel and a mid-pitched, clacky sound that can enhance your gaming or typing sessions. This makes it a great choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback and want to feel more engaged with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and uninterrupted keystrokes, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a creamy and silky typing experience with a satisfying pop and clack sound. This switch is meticulously lubricated to ensure a gliding motion, perfect for those who value a seamless typing experience, whether you're working on long documents or playing fast-paced games. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you prioritize most in your keyboard experience—be it the tactile enjoyment of the Carrot or the smooth fluidity of the Poro.
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