Aflion Carrot vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that provide a delightful tactile experience are the Aflion Carrot and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Carrot switch is known for its bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. This unique feature offers users a playful sensation while typing. Additionally, the Carrot switch produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, adding a satisfying auditory element. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds a touch of character to your typing experience. These switches offer a pronounced tactility, providing satisfying feedback without becoming overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, specifically the polycarbonate top housing, are quite similar. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Carrot and the Viola Tricolor will provide similar sound profiles and aesthetic advantages when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Carrot and the Viola Tricolor differ in their choice of material. The Carrot uses a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, meaning that it will also produce a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housing, eliciting a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the keypress. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key, as it absorbs more sound and creates a more rounded effect. On the other hand, the top housing is more influential in the sound produced when you let go of a key. Therefore, while the Carrot and the Viola Tricolor may have similar or different housing materials, it is important to consider how each housing affects the overall sound and feel of the keypress.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Carrot switch would be a suitable choice. It allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Viola Tricolor. With a heavier bottom out force, it provides a satisfying typing experience with a stronger tactile feedback.
While the actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is unavailable, assuming it is similar to the Carrot's 37 grams, users can expect a comparable result when triggering keystrokes. However, it is worth noting that the Viola Tricolor's heavier bottom out force may result in a slightly different typing experience despite the similar actuation force.
Weight is an important factor to consider when selecting a tactile switch, as it can greatly impact the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Carrot and Haimu Viola Tricolor depends on an individual's preference for either a lighter or a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have relatively similar travel distances, with the Carrot being slightly longer than the Viola Tricolor. A travel distance of 4 mm is more traditional, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, a travel distance of 3.8 mm is slightly shallower, making it suitable for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences: those seeking a more responsive feel may opt for the shorter distance of the Viola Tricolor, while those who prefer a deeper key press may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Aflion Carrot.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 switch is best described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. The Carrot switch offers a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is described as bassy and low-pitched. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Carrot switch would be a better option, while if you prefer a deeper and more bass-heavy sound, the Viola Tricolor switch would be a great choice.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is characterized as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. These descriptors indicate that the Carrot switch provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, offering a lively feel and rebound when pressed. It also has a super responsive and alive typing experience due to its longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, the Carrot switch has a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. It provides a gentle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel while still being suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is described as accented and invigorating. These qualities imply that the Viola Tricolor switch provides a moderate to firm actuation force and pronounced feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation without being overwhelming or subtle. If you prefer a switch with a bouncy and light feel, the Carrot switch would be a good fit. However, if you prefer a switch with a more prominent amount of tactility and a moderate to firm feel, the Viola Tricolor switch would be a better choice.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch provides a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound. When it comes to feel, the Carrot switch is bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle, whereas the Viola Tricolor switch is accented and invigorating. Based on these descriptions, it is clear that these two switches will provide distinct experiences to the user. If you are looking for a switch with a sharp and crisp sound, along with a bouncy and light feel, the Aflion Carrot switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and richer sound, along with a more prominent amount of tactility and a moderate to firm feel, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch would be the better option for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 45 grams, a bouncy and snappy feel, and a clacky or marbly sound profile, the Carrot switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, a pronounced tactility, and a thuddy and punchy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a switch with an accented or invigorating feel, the Viola Tricolor switch would provide that immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for force, sound, and feel.
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