Aflion Carrot vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Twilight present two distinct typing experiences tailored for different preferences. The Aflion Carrot is celebrated for its fun tactile feel, characterized by a long, two-stage spring that delivers a bouncy and firm response with mid-pitched sound. This switch is perfect for typists who enjoy a lively feedback that keeps their fingers engaged while providing a satisfying auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight, as a linear switch, emphasizes a smooth and quiet keystroke with an extended 3.85mm travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize a fluid typing motion without the distraction of clacking sounds, yet still retains the bouncy feel common to HMX switches. Each switch caters to specific user preferences: the tactile feedback of the Carrot appeals to those who love the sensation of each keystroke, while the linear nature of the Twilight attracts those seeking a quieter, uninterrupted workflow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

HMX Twilight Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

The Aflion Carrot and HMX Twilight present two distinct approaches to housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches, which directly influence their auditory profiles and tactile experiences. The Carrot’s top housing is constructed from polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and translucence, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This sharper clarity could be particularly advantageous for users who value precise sound cues when typing or gaming, especially in RGB setups where the clear housing enhances visual effects. In contrast, the Twilight opts for a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and consequently creates a deeper, fuller acoustic experience. This leads to a sound profile that is rounder and more muted, aligning well with those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. In essence, while both switches cater to different auditory preferences, the Carrot's use of polycarbonate allows for a brighter sound, while the Twilight's nylon gives it a warm, enveloping tone.

When examining the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which maintains consistency in the sound profile for users who prefer the characteristics afforded by this material. Nylon’s inherent properties lead to a sound that feels dampened and plush, irrespective of the switch's top housing material. Since both the Carrot and Twilight share the same nylon bottom housing, they will elicit a similarly deep and full sound, allowing for a uniform typing experience that prioritizes a cushioned feel upon bottoming out. This means that while the top housing materials significantly alter each switch's signature voice, the shared nylon bottom guarantees a certain level of sound absorption and softness, harmonizing the overall tactile feedback.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials with a shared nylon bottom leads to a nuanced interplay between auditory experience and typing comfort in both the Aflion Carrot and HMX Twilight. The Carrot's polycarbonate top amplifies higher frequencies, providing a clear auditory distinction, especially during the release of keys. Conversely, the Twilight’s nylon top creates a more muted sound that softens the typing experience, blending seamlessly with the existing tactile qualities of the nylon bottom. These contrasts showcase how varying materials can define user preferences, ensuring that both switches serve specific needs within the diverse realm of mechanical keyboards, while the nylon bottom harmonizes their core acoustic characteristics.

Weight

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch both provide a lightweight option for users, though there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot switch requires an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Twilight switch demands a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Carrot is the lighter switch overall, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, particularly for those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Twilight, with its heavier forces, offers a more substantial typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying. If a user is looking for a heavier feel while typing, the Twilight would be the preferable choice, but both switches ultimately provide a comfortable and responsive experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Carrot boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight measures slightly less at 3.85 mm. This difference indicates that the Carrot provides a deeper feel during actuation, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. Conversely, the shorter 3.85 mm travel of the Twilight can offer quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who favor rapid key presses. In summary, the Carrot is the longer travel switch, while the Twilight is the shorter option, catering to different user preferences in tactile feedback and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot switch produces a mid-pitched and firm audio profile, characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound. This results in a notably crisp and snappy auditory feedback, making each keystroke feel sharp and bright. The sound can be quite engaging for users who enjoy the pronounced auditory cues while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch is designed to be slightly quieter, partly due to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm. While the Twilight maintains the classic clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, it likely embodies a more subdued sound profile compared to the Carrot. However, the exact sound experience can still vary widely depending on the keyboard a switch is mounted on and the choice of keycaps.

When examining the feel of each switch, the Aflion Carrot distinguishes itself with a unique tactile experience. It features a bouncy, snappy, and stepped sensation thanks to its long, two-stage spring, making each keystroke responsive and alive. This tactile feedback allows for a fun and interactive typing experience, promoting both comfort and engagement during extended use. Conversely, the HMX Twilight also shares a bouncy feel, providing a lively and elastic feedback with every press, though it lacks further description regarding its tactile characteristics. While both switches reflect a bouncy nature, the Carrot offers more nuanced textures due to its tactile design.

In conclusion, while the Aflion Carrot switch provides a more defined auditory and tactile experience, the HMX Twilight seeks a more subdued and smooth typing journey. The Carrot’s fun, bouncy feel and sharper sound may appeal to users who appreciate pronounced tactile feedback and audio cues, whereas the Twilight offers a quieter, yet lively experience suitable for those who prefer a more understated approach. Both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with different emphases, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended use case. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a unique and lively experience—with a fun, bouncy feel and a crisp, high-pitched sound—the Carrot is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force of 45 grams and its responsive, snappy characteristics make it particularly appealing for fast-paced gaming or typing sessions, especially if you prefer a tactile feedback that’s not too harsh. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smooth, linear typing experience with a slightly firmer actuation force of 50 grams, the HMX Twilight is your best option. Its extended travel distance ensures a quieter typing experience while still retaining that desired clacky feel, making it suitable for a quieter workspace or prolonged typing without distractions. In summary, choose the Carrot for a playful tactile experience and sound profile or settle on the Twilight for a smoother, more subdued typing experience that prioritizes quiet and fluid key presses.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more