Aflion Carrot vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, users often find themselves weighing the characteristics of various options, such as the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Vintage Citrus. The Carrot switch, renowned for its fun tactile feedback, features a long, two-stage spring that provides a uniquely bouncy sensation. This tactile switch delivers a mid-pitched, firm sound profile, making it a delight for those who enjoy a responsive typing experience with varying textures. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is specifically designed for gamers, boasting an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, ideal for quick, repetitive inputs. Its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel cater to users looking for speed and precision in fast-paced gaming scenarios. While the Carrot is perfect for typists who appreciate tactile nuances, the Vintage Citrus excels in environments where rapid keystrokes are paramount. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer distinct auditory experiences primarily due to their differing top housing materials. The Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sturdiness and clarity in sound output. This material enhances the sharpness and overall brightness of the sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is fundamentally softer and thus produces a deeper, fuller sound that resonates differently. This variation in top housing materials means that while the Carrot delivers a crisp auditory experience suitable for RGB lighting environments, the Vintage Citrus caters to enthusiasts who prefer a warmer and more rounded acoustics, creating a distinct listening ambiance.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Aflion Carrot and HMX Vintage Citrus are on equal footing, as both employ nylon in their construction. This choice means that the tactile feedback and sound profile during key presses will be similar in nature, producing a consistent feel across both switches. The nylon serves to absorb sound, softening the acoustics and imparting a cozy, muted characteristic to every keystroke. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, users can expect a comparable experience when pressing down on either switch, regardless of the top housing material.
Ultimately, the blend of materials leads to a complementary relationship where both switches behave uniquely yet harmoniously. The Carrot's polycarbonate top provides a bright high-end sound characteristic, while the nylon bottom gives a robust, plush feeling. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus offers a consistent deeper resonance profile thanks to its nylon top and bottom housing combination. While their upper housings differ, the foundational use of nylon for the bottom housing means that users will share an enjoyable tactile experience across both models, highlighting the versatile applications of housing materials in achieving desirable sound and feel in mechanical switches.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Carrot features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer less resistance for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience with a bit more resistance. Given these differences, the Carrot is clearly the lighter option and would be more suitable for users looking for comfort during prolonged use, while the Vintage Citrus provides a medium-light feel for those who appreciate a firmer key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences. The Aflion Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and offers a deeper feel when pressed. This depth can provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who enjoy a pronounced keypress. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, appealing to gamers or users who prefer quicker response times and a more abrupt feel when actuating the switch. Consequently, those seeking a responsive experience might gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus, while individuals desiring a more textured keypress may favor the Carrot. Overall, the Carrot has the longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the Vintage Citrus's shorter 3 mm, highlighting the divergent user experiences between the two switches.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 Vintage Citrus linear switch both boast a clacky profile, characterized by sharp and snappy sounds that provide a crisp and bright auditory experience. The Carrot further enhances this with a mid-pitched tone, while the Vintage Citrus is noted for an even more pronounced clackiness. Although both switches can deliver a lively acoustic environment, it's important to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Therefore, while both switches offer a clacky sound, the Carrot may have a slightly different tonal character compared to the Vintage Citrus due to its pitch variation.
In terms of feel, the Carrot tactile switch offers a uniquely bouncy and snappy experience thanks to its long, two-stage spring design. This switch is equipped with a stepped tactile feedback, making the typing experience engaging and somewhat lively with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Contrastingly, the Vintage Citrus is engineered for gaming, featuring a low actuation force that allows for rapid inputs and an invigorating feel. It also has a snappy reaction more akin to quick reflexive typing. Both switches provide responsive feedback, but the Carrot leans towards a more textured tactile experience, while the Vintage Citrus is designed for speed and smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Carrot and HMX Vintage Citrus switches bring distinct sound profiles and tactile sensations that cater to different user preferences. The Carrot offers a more bouncy and layered tactile experience with a slightly varied sound, making it suitable for typing enthusiasts who appreciate feedback. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus excels in rapid, smooth actuation ideal for gamers. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on whether you favor tactile feedback or prioritize speed and smoothness in your typing experience. Each switch promises a compelling experience in its own right, with particular strengths that can enhance your keyboard's performance based on your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a lively and bouncy typing experience coupled with a mid-pitched, firm sound profile, the Carrot is your go-to choice, making it ideal for both casual typing and a bit of gaming fun, especially for those who appreciate a tactile feedback that feels more dynamic yet still light on your fingers. On the other hand, if you're a gamer who prioritizes speed and rapid inputs, the Vintage Citrus should be your switch of choice. Its low actuation force, high responsiveness, and bright clacky sound create a seamless and exhilarating experience for fast-paced gaming sessions. Ultimately, your decision boils down to whether you favor the tactile engagement and subtlety of the Carrot or the speed and smoothness of the Vintage Citrus, enabling you to tailor your keyboard experience to your specific gaming or typing needs.
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