Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Everglide Bamboo Green switches are renowned for their tactile feedback, characterized by a clacky sound and an unmistakable crispness that enhances the typing experience, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more engaged and audible interaction with their keyboard. Their unique traits, including stepped and high-pitched accents, give users a pronounced tactile response that can significantly improve typing accuracy and satisfaction. On the other hand, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches offer a smooth linear operation and also deliver a delightful clacky sound; their streamlined typing experience caters to those who prefer a quieter and more fluid keypress, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have their merits depending on your preferred typing dynamics, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
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 Bamboo Green and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches showcase two distinct materials used for their top and bottom housings: PBT and nylon. The Bamboo Green employs PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), known for its durability and resilience. Its neutral sound profile contributes to a balanced typing experience that is neither excessively crisp nor overly dull. This characteristic makes the Bamboo Green a suitable option for those seeking a consistent and comprehensive switch feel without dramatic shifts in acoustic output. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding’s nylon housing is a classic choice among enthusiasts. Its softer nature allows it to absorb sound more efficiently, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience that tends toward a rounder sound profile.
When comparing the bottom housings, the differences between PBT and nylon become even more pronounced. The Bamboo Green's PBT bottom housing maintains the switch's neutral sound signature, ensuring that the overall sound remains understated during typing. This contrasts with the Caramel Pudding's nylon bottom housing, which enhances the overall acoustic profile, encouraging a more substantial and rounded bottom-out sound. As a result, users may find that the tactile feedback while typing feels decidedly different between these two switches. The PBT material provides a clearer delineation of key presses, while the nylon material gives a softer, more cushioned response.
Ultimately, while both switches deliver unique auditory and tactile experiences, their sound profiles and tactile feedback can blend together to create a satisfying typing experience. If a user wants to achieve some similarities in their feel and sound, they might find that combining the components of both switches could yield a personalized result. For example, pairing a PBT top housing with a nylon bottom housing could strike a tonal balance between the rounded warmth of nylon and the clarity of PBT, offering a versatile solution that caters to diverse typing preferences. In this way, one could enjoy characteristics from both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Caramel Pudding, highlighting the versatility and customization available within mechanical keyboard configurations.
Weight
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch exhibit some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it slightly lighter in terms of actuation but heavier for bottoming out compared to the Caramel Pudding, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that while both switches provide a medium feel, the Bamboo Green is better suited for those who prefer a lighter actuation to facilitate typing over extended periods. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Bamboo Green offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who favor a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding, with its medium-light overall weighting, may provide a more forgiving experience for casual typing and gaming. Thus, users seeking a balance between light actuation and a moderate bottom-out might prefer the Caramel Pudding, while those valuing a stronger push feel might lean toward the Bamboo Green.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Bamboo Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional preference for a deeper, more deliberate key press. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who favor a quicker response time, particularly popular among gamers who prioritize rapid keystrokes. As a result, if you're looking for a switch that provides more depth and a satisfying tactile experience, the Bamboo Green is the better choice. Conversely, if you prefer a snappier, more responsive feel under your fingers, the Caramel Pudding's shorter travel distance would be optimal. Overall, the Bamboo Green is longer, while the Caramel Pudding is shorter, making the two switches distinctly suited for different user preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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 considering the sound profile of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch, users will appreciate its distinctively clacky, high-pitched tone, which delivers a sharp and crisp auditory experience. This sound can be characterized as resonant, providing an immersive and clean sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, while the HMX Caramel Pudding switches also feature a clacky sound signature, the specific characteristics defining their sound profile remain unspecified. However, this alignment indicates that both switches will produce noticeable auditory feedback, especially when used with compatible keycaps and boards that can accentuate their inherent qualities.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches offer a unique typing experience highlighted by their stepped tactile feedback. This means that users will notice a dual-stage feel, accompanied by a prominent tactile bump that strikes a balance between being overly subtle and excessively intense. The accents in feel ensure a rewarding interaction with each keypress, further enhanced by a polished finish that allows for smooth travel. Conversely, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches are known for their exquisitely smooth typing feel, although more specific tactile qualities remain unknown. Given this, the Bamboo Green will provide a distinctive tactile feedback experience, while the Caramel Pudding may glide smoothly under the fingers without pronounced feedback.
Overall, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Caramel Pudding switches differ significantly in their tactile feedback and sound characteristics, they share a commonality in delivering an engaging auditory experience with their clacky profiles. The Bamboo Green is ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced tactility and sharp sound, while the Caramel Pudding may cater to users who favor a smoother, linear action without defined tactile bumps. Each switch offers its own unique qualities, allowing newcomers to choose based on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch should ultimately depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile experience with noticeable feedback and a crisp, high-pitched sound, then the Bamboo Green is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams makes it ideal for typists who appreciate a more pronounced tactile bump without feeling excessive strain. This switch is particularly suited for those who type extensively or indulge in creative writing, as the tactile feedback can enhance your overall typing rhythm and accuracy. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a lighter touch, the Caramel Pudding linear switch is the way to go. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams and its exquisitely smooth feel, it's perfect for gamers and fast typists who prioritize swift key presses and low-resistance action. Additionally, the Caramel Pudding's clacky sound signature provides an enjoyable auditory experience without the more prominent tactile feedback that might distract or disrupt your flow. Ultimately, consider your specific needs: go for the Bamboo Green if you crave tactile feedback and resonance, or choose the Caramel Pudding for a smoother, faster typing experience.
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