Aflion Carrot vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) stand out as two compelling choices, each tailored to different typing experiences. The Carrot, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its long, two-stage spring, which delivers a uniquely bouncy and engaging tactile feedback, accompanied by a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. Its characteristics—such as being clacky, high-pitched, and snappy—appeal to those who enjoy an active and responsive feel while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), a linear switch, is designed for those seeking a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke. With its unique PA12 top housing that enhances acoustic properties and POM stem that provides crisp resonance, it offers a combination of subtle sophistication and precise performance. While the Carrot is ideal for typists looking for tactile feedback and a lively sound, the Xinhai (Heavy) caters to those who prefer a quieter, more fluid typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), the differences in their top housings bring distinct sound profiles to each switch. The Carrot employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the clarity and resonance of keystrokes. It also allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, emphasizing the aesthetic appeal of the switch in a way that is particularly pleasing to users who enjoy customizable illumination. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, a material recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and less pronounced auditory experience. While both switches aim to provide high-quality sound, the Carrot's use of polycarbonate yields a brighter and crisper sound, whereas the Xinhai delivers a more subdued and muted result.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a different story, as both the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) feature nylon as their material of choice. This commonality means that the bottom sound profile of both switches elicits a deeper, fuller experience due to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. As a classic switch housing material, nylon effectively cushions the sound produced when users bottom out the key, resulting in a sound profile that is markedly similar between the two models. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing helps achieve a consistent auditory experience, where the characteristics introduced by the top housing can be contrasted or complemented by the softer qualities inherent in nylon.
Ultimately, the experience a user has while typing on either switch will partly depend on the interplay between the different housing materials. For the Carrot, the blend of a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom offers a unique juxtaposition—users can expect a bright sound upon key release and a richer sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) leans more heavily on nylon's sound-absorbing properties, creating a more uniform sound profile across both keypress and release. Therefore, while both switches offer distinct tonal qualities due to their differing top housings, the shared nylon bottoms ensure that users can expect a similar foundational sound experience from both models.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly during extended use at work or in gaming sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial tactile feedback while typing. This difference also signifies that users who enjoy a heavier feel might find the Xinhai switch more satisfying, while those desiring a lighter touch would prefer the Carrot switch. Overall, the Aflion Carrot is the lighter option, whereas the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is heavier, catering to varying preferences in typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Aflion Carrot features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference highlights the contrast between the two switches: the Carrot provides a more substantial depth, which some users might prefer for a more tactile feedback and a less abrupt feel during keypresses. On the other hand, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance can offer quicker response times, making it particularly appealing to gamers who favor rapid activation. In summary, if you value a satisfying depth in your key presses, the Aflion Carrot is the better choice, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is more suited for those seeking swift actuation.
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 Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
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, both the Aflion Carrot and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) exhibit clacky characteristics, producing a sharp, snappy auditory experience. The Carrot's sound profile leans towards mid-pitched firmness with a bright, crisp resonance, while the Xinhai (Heavy) is crafted with a PA12 top housing that offers softer acoustics but also maintains that distinctively bright and percussive quality. Users can expect a similar level of auditory engagement from both switches, with the Carrot having a bit more variability due to its broader sound profile, but both are truly clacky in nature. However, the overall sound might vary based on the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, which play significant roles in how these switches will be experienced in practice.
In terms of feel, the Carrot switch shines through with a notably bouncy, snappy response that brings a lively sensation to typing. The two-stage spring design creates a unique tactile feedback that feels energetic and poised, making for an engaging typing experience. The tactile feel of the Carrot is also described as stepped, which means it presents mild pre-travel and post-travel sensations pleasing to users who appreciate more nuanced feedback during their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) lacks detailed descriptions of its tactile qualities, leaving its feel relatively unknown compared to the dynamic bounciness of the Carrot. If it follows the lineage of the original Xinhai switch, it may provide a satisfactory experience, but without specifics, one could only speculate on how it compares.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches present unique offerings in terms of sound and feel. Both share a clacky sound profile, making them suitable for users who appreciate sharp auditory feedback. However, the Carrot excels in delivering a bouncy and snappy tactile experience due to its thoughtfully designed two-stage spring, while the tactile qualities of the Xinhai (Heavy) remain unknown. Ultimately, if you're leaning towards a more lively typing experience with clear and energetic feedback, the Carrot might be your best bet. If sound is your primary concern, you will enjoy the clacky essence shared between both switches, though the Carrot’s broader audio range may sway your choice in an engaging typing context.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, consider your typing style and the overall sensory experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter touch and an engaging tactile feedback, the Carrot is an excellent choice. Its unique bouncy feel, characterized by a dual-stage spring, offers a lively and responsive typing experience that’s perfect for both gaming and general use. Moreover, its clacky sound profile will appeal to those who enjoy a sharper acoustic signature while typing. On the other hand, if you lean towards a heavier switch that provides a more stable and controlled typing experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) should be your go-to. With a medium bottom out force and a crisp, refined sound, it strikes a balance between sophistication and performance, making it ideal for those who prioritize precision during their typing sessions. Thus, your choice should ultimately reflect your personal preferences in weight, feel, and sound, ensuring that your keyboard experience is tailored to your unique needs.
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