Aflion Carrot vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two intriguing options are the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, each offering distinct typing experiences to cater to different user preferences. The Carrot, known for its bouncy tactile feel, features a long, two-stage spring that delivers a uniquely engaging and energetic experience, complemented by a mid-pitched, firm sound profile that many enthusiasts describe as “clacky” and “snappy.” This switch is perfect for those who enjoy clear tactile feedback and a playful typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those who value tranquility, producing a whisper-quiet sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops. With its balanced 53g bottom-out force, this linear switch ensures a smooth and satisfying keystroke without the disruptive noise, making it an excellent choice for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound due to its stiffness, while its nylon bottom housing contributes a deeper, fuller sound profile because of nylon's softer nature. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g opts for a nylon top housing that tends to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic quality, paired with a polycarbonate bottom housing that enhances clarity and resonance. This juxtaposition helps to cater to different typing preferences, with users of the Carrot likely enjoying its bright sound for higher-pitched key releases, while Silent Sakura users may favor its deeper, more muted keystrokes.
Both switches demonstrate a split in acoustic character due to their mixed material choices. The Aflion Carrot's clear polycarbonate top allows for better RGB exposure, making it visually appealing for those who enjoy illuminated keyboards. The contrasting nylon bottom adds warmth to the overall sound signature, thus creating a unique auditory experience that appeals to users who appreciate both aesthetics and sound quality. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g, with its nylon top housing, leans towards a serene typing experience that absorbs sound effectively, paired with the more resonant nature of a polycarbonate bottom. This combination can provide a less jarring typing experience, suitable for quiet settings or long typing sessions where comfort is key.
Ultimately, despite their different material compositions, users can achieve a similar typing experience by understanding how the housing materials affect sound. While the Aflion Carrot is likely to deliver a brighter, more resonant keystroke, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a structure that compensates with a softer sound, focusing on a quieter, more rounded feel. Both switches allow you to experience distinct sound characteristics derived from their respective housing materials, yet they create a pleasing keyboard experience by balancing clarity and fullness through their unique combinations. Therefore, whether opting for the vibrant tones of the Carrot or the subdued nature of the Silent Sakura, users can find satisfaction according to personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to press down and ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while its bottom out force is also relatively light at 45 grams. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This means that the Silent Sakura provides a more substantial typing experience with a firmer feel, making it better suited for those who prefer a stronger push. Overall, the Carrot's lighter forces contribute to a softer typing experience, while the Silent Sakura's heavier forces cater to users seeking more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they provide the same feel and feedback when pressed. Since both switches share this identical travel distance, users can expect similar tactile responses and keypress sensations when using either switch. This equivalence ensures that if one prefers the characteristics of either switch, their typing or gaming experience will remain consistent in terms of travel distance.
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 Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, they present stark contrasts. The Carrot features a mid-pitched, clacky sound with a sharper, snappy characteristic that produces a bright and percussive result when pressed. This higher-pitched sound appeals to those who prefer more auditory feedback as they type. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those seeking a muted experience, emitting sounds reminiscent of raindrops—soft and gentle. Because the Silent Sakura minimizes the noise typical of mechanical keyboards, it suits quieter environments or those who prefer to type without drawing attention.
Exploring the tactile feel, the Carrot switch stands out with its unique bouncy and snappy feedback. Its long, dual-stage spring contributes to a lively typing experience, offering a feeling of rebound that engages the typist. The stepped tactile design allows for a distinct sensation with two stages in the keystroke that makes it more responsive. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a subtle feel, blending a gentle resistance with a comfortable touch that remains light but not as engaging as the Carrot's bouncy nature. This makes the Silent Sakura suitable for extended typing sessions, where the focus is on finesse rather than pronounced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Carrot's clacky sound and bouncy feel cater to users who enjoy a lively typing environment, while the Silent Sakura’s muted sound and subtle, comfortable feel appeal to those who prioritize low noise and ease during extended use. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer an engaging tactile experience with noticeable feedback or a quieter, more subdued interaction with your keyboard.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you enjoy an engaging typing experience that is both bouncy and snappy, then the Carrot is a fantastic option, particularly for those who thrive on tactile feedback during gaming or heavy typing sessions. Its lighter actuation force and unique two-stage spring deliver a lively feel that can make typing feel fun and dynamic, albeit with a higher noise level that may not be suitable for quiet environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued experience focused on quiet operation and subtlety, the Silent Sakura - 53g should be your go-to choice. With a medium-light actuation force and a whisper-quiet sound profile, it’s ideal for shared spaces or environments where noise could be a distraction, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying keystroke without disturbing those around you. In summary, the Carrot caters to those seeking an interactive and lively typing sensation, while the Silent Sakura satisfies the need for discretion and comfort, making each switch suited to different typing environments and personal preferences.
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