Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Caramel Pudding each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth and frictionless feel, akin to gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice rink, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a subdued and polished typing experience. Its design fosters a mesmerizing sensation under each finger, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding stands out with its resonant and clacky sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback as they type. Alongside its exquisite smoothness, the Caramel Pudding provides a tactile experience that some may find invigorating and engaging. Both switches have their merits, depending on whether you seek a serene, silky touch or a lively, sonorous experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches present two distinct approaches to housing materials, resulting in differing sound profiles and overall user experiences. The Aqua King features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is recognized for its stiffness and clarity. This choice facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates crisply upon activation and release. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, providing a softer, more absorbent structure that leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both switches utilize high-quality materials, the fundamental difference lies in how each material interacts with the sound and feel during use.
When examining the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is notable that the Aqua King (V3) benefits from the acoustic properties of polycarbonate. The clear, resonant sound it produces is particularly appealing to those who favor the pronounced audio feedback of a sharper sound signature. Conversely, the Caramel Pudding’s nylon housing absorbs sound waves, leading to a richer and more subdued auditory experience. This distinction becomes particularly evident during typing, where the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. The Aqua King's rigidity enhances the tactile and auditory feedback when a key is pressed, while the Caramel Pudding’s softer build creates a smoother and better-dampened landing.
Despite their differences, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and HMX Caramel Pudding can provide satisfying results for users depending on their preferences. In scenarios where users desire a livelier sound, the Aqua King’s polycarbonate construction caters to that need, particularly under RGB lighting. Conversely, for those who favor a quieter and more subdued typing experience, the Caramel Pudding offers the richness of nylon. Whether users choose the crispness of the Aqua King or the fullness of the Caramel Pudding, both switches exemplify quality in their respective materials, ensuring performance aligns with individual typing styles and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Aqua King (V3) has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Caramel Pudding features a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This makes the Caramel Pudding switch the lighter option, appealing to users who favor a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use in both work and gaming contexts. In contrast, the Aqua King, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial push feel, catering to those who appreciate a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer medium to medium-light forces, but the Aqua King (V3) is better suited for users who prefer a heavier typing feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Aqua King (V3) has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Caramel Pudding measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Aqua King the longer option, favoring those who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on keys, which can provide a more tactile experience. Conversely, the Caramel Pudding's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and users seeking faster response times, allowing for quick key presses and improved performance in high-speed scenarios. Ultimately, if you lean towards a preference for responsivity, the Caramel Pudding would be the ideal choice, whereas the Aqua King suits those who enjoy a traditional, deeper feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) offers a subdued auditory experience, producing a dampened sound that allows for quieter typing sessions. This makes them ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check, as they provide a nuanced acoustic profile that won't be distracting. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding is known for its resonant, clacky sound signature, which lends itself to a more pronounced and lively auditory feedback when typing. This difference means that while the Aqua Kings cater to those who prefer a more discreet sound profile, the Caramel Pudding will appeal to users who enjoy a more engaging and expressive typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) excels with a combination of creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished characteristics. Each keystroke feels effortless, resembling a smooth glide across a polished surface, which results in an incredibly fluid typing experience. This switch ensures that users encounter minimal resistance, encouraging extended typing sessions without fatigue. The feel of the HMX Caramel Pudding is less defined in this context, but it is described as having an exquisitely smooth typing feel. While both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) offers more elaborate details regarding its tactile qualities, emphasizing a luxurious and smooth journey through every key press.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and HMX Caramel Pudding switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Aqua King stands out for its subdued sound and exceptionally smooth typing experience, whereas the Caramel Pudding favors a pronounced clack that might resonate more with those who appreciate auditory feedback during typing. For newcomers trying to decide between these switches, if you value a quiet, frictionless experience, the Aqua Kings are a clear winner. However, if you prefer a more vibrant sound with a smooth feel, the Caramel Pudding could be the right choice. Both switches can deliver enjoyable experiences tailored to your preferences, ensuring you can find something that suits your style regardless of which you choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a typing experience akin to gliding across a smooth surface, the Aqua King (V3) should be your go-to option. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams and unique frictionless feel will allow your fingers to coast effortlessly, making it fantastic for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Additionally, its subdued sound profile makes it an ideal choice for quiet environments, where you want minimal disruption without sacrificing tactile satisfaction. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter actuation with a bottom-out force of 52 grams while enjoying a uniquely resonant sound signature, the Caramel Pudding might be more your speed. Although its feel isn’t described in detail, it promises a smooth type feel, making it suitable for scenarios where a mix of comfort and delightful acoustics is desired, such as in a small office or at home where the sounds of your typing can be appreciated without interruption. Thus, consider these factors carefully to ensure that your keyboard switch aligns with your personal requirements for the most satisfying typing experience.
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