Aflion Carrot vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, and the HC Studio Roselle, a linear switch. The Carrot is known for its bouncy tactile experience provided by a long, two-stage spring, along with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation, thanks to its inherent material blend, and a subtle, low-pitched sound when typing. While the Carrot offers a more tactile and bouncy typing experience, the Roselle provides a smoother and quieter operation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and HC Studio Roselle both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Carrot utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Roselle features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique qualities, the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing is more likely to appeal to those looking for a brighter sound profile, while the Roselle's POM top housing may be preferred by those seeking a deeper and more subdued sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Carrot boasts a nylon bottom housing that creates a fuller and deeper sound when typing. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Roselle also features a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a similarly deep and muted sound. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the bottom housing materials providing a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch.
While the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and HC Studio Roselle differ slightly, both switches offer unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences. The split between top and bottom housing allows for a distinct sound profile when pressing down and letting go of a key. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Carrot or the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Roselle, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. In the end, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference and the specific sound profile you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the HC Studio Roselle linear switch's 45-gram actuation force. Similarly, the Carrot has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Roselle's 52-gram bottom out force. When comparing the two switches, the Carrot provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Roselle offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with some users opting for the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Carrot, while others may prefer the slightly heavier forces of the Roselle for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that the Carrot has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Roselle's 3.6 mm. The Carrot falls under the more traditional range of travel distances, while the Roselle is on the shallower end. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Carrot due to its shorter travel distance, but those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing a key may opt for the Roselle. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference on which one to choose.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound with a touch of resonance. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, delivering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. While the Carrot switch leans towards a crisper and brighter sound, the Roselle switch offers a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in sound profile, whether it be the sharpness of the Carrot or the richness of the Roselle.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is lauded for its bouncy and snappy feedback, providing a lively and responsive typing experience. With a feathery and subtle sensation, the Carrot switch offers a light and comfortable typing feel ideal for extended use. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is described as frictionless and mild, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a more gentle touch compared to other switches. Whether you prefer a more tactile and responsive feel like the Carrot or a smoother and gentler typing experience like the Roselle will depend on your typing style and preference.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a bouncy and snappy feel with a sharp and marbly sound profile, catering to those who enjoy a more tactile and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Roselle switch delivers a smooth and frictionless feel with a bassy and low-pitched sound signature, appealing to users seeking a softer and more effortless typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound sharpness and responsiveness or smoothness and gentleness in typing feel, you can choose between the Aflion Carrot and HC Studio Roselle switches to suit your individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a bouncy and firm tactile experience with a mid-pitched sound profile, along with a light actuation force and a lively feel, the Carrot switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, along with a medium-light actuation force and a frictionless key press, the Roselle switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and actuation force to enhance your overall satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard setup.
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