Huano Acacia vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the HMX Caramel Pudding stand out as two intriguing linear options that cater to different typing preferences. The Acacia switches are celebrated for their medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which together create an impressive typing experience right from the start; they are ideal for users seeking a smooth and responsive feel. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding switches offer a distinctly resonant clacky sound signature, combined with an exquisitely smooth typing sensation, making them perfect for those who enjoy auditory feedback alongside tactile comfort. While both switches possess unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a quieter operation with the Acacia or a more expressive sound profile with the Caramel Pudding. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and HMX Caramel Pudding switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigid structure that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffness contributes to a resonant audio experience, making it particularly suitable for those who favor a clear and vibrant sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting, allowing illumination to shine through beautifully. In comparison, the Caramel Pudding employs a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer properties. This material absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder, more muted auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the Acacia's clarity.
Interestingly, both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This similarity means that while the top housing significantly influences the initial sound when the key is released, the bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience, especially during key presses. The nylon in both the Acacia and Caramel Pudding bottoms ensures that users will experience a richer, more resonant bottom-out sound, fostering a sense of cohesion in auditory feedback regardless of the different upper housing materials. The use of nylon in both switches underscores the classic nature of this material, emphasizing comfort and depth in sound signature common to both switch types.
When considering the combined effects of both housings, the differences in materials result in unique characteristics for each switch. The Acacia's polycarbonate top provides a bright and clear typing experience, enhanced by an equally robust nylon bottom that contributes to a warm, full-bodied sound upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Caramel Pudding's nylon top emphasizes a muted sound profile while its nylon bottom reinforces that depth. When these housing materials interact, the result is a specialized typing experience: Acacia users may enjoy a crisp, lively sound, while Caramel Pudding users are likely to favor a smoother, more enveloping auditory sensation. Thus, while both switches use nylon at the bottom, their differing top materials create distinct outcomes that cater to varying preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, we find that both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, offering users a similar keystroke trigger experience. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly; the Acacia switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Caramel Pudding switch has a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that while both switches allow for a light touch at the actuation point, the Acacia provides a heavier feel when fully pressed down compared to the Caramel Pudding. Consequently, the Acacia switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter bottom out of the Caramel Pudding could be more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Overall, the Acacia is slightly heavier due to its bottom out force, making it better suited for users who like a firmer key press.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, users will experience a minimal yet noticeable difference in depth. The Acacia provides a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding's 3.6 mm travel may appeal to those who appreciate a little more depth in their typing experience, offering a more pronounced feedback before bottoming out. While both switches cater to different preferences, the shorter travel distance of the Acacia offers more immediate responsiveness, whereas the Caramel Pudding offers an experience that some users may find to be more satisfying and substantial. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for keystroke feedback and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a more subdued auditory profile, making it ideal for users who prefer quieter operation during typing. Its design minimizes sound production, creating a pleasant, muted experience that won't disrupt those around you. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch produces a resonant, clacky sound that provides an audible feedback when typing. This lively sound signature adds a dynamic quality to the typing experience, making it more engaging for those who enjoy a bit of auditory stimulation while they work or play. However, it's important to note that the actual sound you experience can vary based on your choice of keyboard construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch stands out with its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which results in a smooth and responsive typing sensation. Users will appreciate the minimal stem wobble, contributing to a stable and satisfying typing experience right out of the box. Conversely, the Caramel Pudding switch is well-known for its exquisitely smooth typing feel. This fluidity enhances the overall comfort during longer typing sessions, allowing for a seamless experience as fingers glide effortlessly over each key. Both switches deliver excellent tactile experiences, catering to different preferences in how a switch should engage your fingers.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches offer unique qualities for different types of users. The Acacia excels in providing a quiet yet smooth typing experience, making it very appealing for those needing to maintain a low noise level, while the Caramel Pudding's clacky acoustics and silky feel will attract those who enjoy a bit more character in their switch. Regardless of which you choose, both switches promise a rewarding typing experience, and the differences in sound and feel ultimately come down to personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, your preferences will largely guide your choice. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience straight out of the box, the Acacia's medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and generous factory lubrication make it an excellent option. Its minimal stem wobble contributes to a stable feel, making it ideal for both typing and gaming where precision matters. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a distinct sound profile, the Caramel Pudding switches offer a resonant and clacky sound signature that some typists find satisfying. Additionally, with a slightly lower bottom-out force of 52 grams, the Caramel Pudding is exceptionally smooth, catering well to users who enjoy a gliding typing experience. Ultimately, consider whether you value sound and tactile feedback, or smoothness and stability, as this will help you determine which switch aligns better with your personal typing style.
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