HMX Game1989 vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the HMX Caramel Pudding stand out as two distinct linear options that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The HMX 1989 is renowned for its depth and pronounced thock, contributing to a satisfying, robust auditory response, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a more substantial feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exceptionally smooth feel, appealing to those who prefer a lighter, more fluid typing experience. While both switches offer the benefits of linear performance, the choice between them ultimately hinges on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX 1989 and HMX Caramel Pudding, the differences in their top housings stand out prominently. The 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This rigidity allows for a more resonant tone, making the typing experience feel bright and buzzy—especially beneficial when using RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucent nature. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding opts for a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. This means that while the 1989's housing enhances the clarity of the sound, the Caramel Pudding's nylon top diffuses sound more, resulting in a warmer typing experience.
The bottom housings of both switches present an interesting comparison as well, with both utilizing nylon. This commonality means that typing on either switch will engage with the deeper, rounder sound profile characteristic of nylon. Both designs benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of this material, which helps to soften the impact on bottoming out, contributing to a more pleasant and muted keyboard experience. As a supplier of typists’ auditory preferences, this shared component suggests that regardless of the differences in their top housings, users can expect a similar feel regarding the tactile feedback and the overall acoustic effect when pressing down on either switch.
Ultimately, the unique combinations of top and bottom housings in the HMX 1989 and HMX Caramel Pudding define each switch's character. Users looking for a sharper and more resonant sound will likely prefer the polycarbonate top of the 1989, while those who appreciate a deeper, softer acoustic profile may find the Caramel Pudding's nylon top to be more to their liking. However, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences due to their nylon bottom housings, which provide a shared foundation of sound absorption that balances the overall tonal differences introduced by the top materials. Thus, while they offer distinct sound profiles, a similarity in the bottom housing contributes to a cohesive typing experience across both models.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, both exhibit similar actuation forces of 45 grams, allowing for a light typing experience that is conducive for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the 1989 has a slightly higher measurement at 53 grams compared to the Caramel Pudding's 52 grams, making the latter marginally lighter in feel when fully depressed. Despite this minor difference, both switches fall into the medium-light category, appealing to users who prefer a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback. Thus, while they share similarities in their actuation forces, the Caramel Pudding provides a slightly softer bottom out experience, which may enhance comfort for some typists or gamers.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel length may influence user preference depending on their typing style; those who enjoy the familiar and traditional feel of deeper strokes may gravitate towards the HMX 1989 for its 4 mm travel, which offers a more substantial experience. On the other hand, the HMX Caramel Pudding, with its 3.6 mm distance, caters to users seeking quicker responsiveness, as shorter travel distances are often favored in gaming scenarios for faster actuation. Therefore, while both switches serve distinct user preferences, the longer travel distance of the HMX 1989 provides a more pronounced keystroke, whereas the HMX Caramel Pudding offers a snappier feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The HMX Caramel Pudding has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Pudding 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
The HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the satisfying auditory feedback of a solid keystroke. The sound it produces can be described as rich and full-bodied, adding a pleasing acoustic dimension to your typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding switch boasts a resonant, clacky sound signature, which provides a more lively auditory experience. While both switches may offer pleasing sounds, the 1989 leans towards a deeper thock, whereas the Caramel Pudding delivers a brighter, more effervescent note. Of course, the final sound can also be influenced heavily by the choice of keyboard body and keycap material, so personal preferences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 is praised for its superior smoothness in typing. Users often appreciate the effortless travel of the keys, which can lead to an enjoyable typing experience, particularly during long sessions. The Caramel Pudding switches are noted for their exquisitely smooth typing feel as well, ensuring that both options deliver a satisfying tactile experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise a consistent and enjoyable typing sensation, making them great selections for blend quality and performance.
In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 linear switch and HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch differ notably in their sound signatures—with one offering a deep thock and the other a bright clack—they both provide an exquisitely smooth typing experience. This makes either switch a suitable choice for users looking for quality linear switches, depending on whether they prefer a more subdued audio experience or a livelier sound. Ultimately, both options deliver outstanding performance, and your choice will boil down to personal auditory preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, when you’re deciding between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, your choice should be guided by both tactile experience and sound preference. If you prioritize a deeper, thocky feel that provides a satisfying punch with each keystroke, especially during gaming, the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice for you. It not only offers a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, making it comfortable for extended use, but also embodies the essence of the 1989 Classic with its unique sound profile. Conversely, if you’re drawn to a softer, more resonant typing experience with a clacky sound signature, the Caramel Pudding is likely the switch to go for. With an equally light bottom-out force of 52 grams, this switch delivers an exquisitely smooth typing feel and will appeal to those who enjoy a more auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you prefer a thockier experience or a clacky one; both switches have their own charm and can cater to your specific needs.
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