Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Caramel Pudding emerge as compelling options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Durock Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and precision, offering a substantial yet manageable 55g actuation weight that enhances typing pleasure while minimizing housing and stem wobble. This switch features a unique light column, allowing for vibrant in-switch lighting, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize both aesthetics and a refined typing sensation. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding stands out with its resonant, clacky sound signature, delivering an exquisitely smooth typing experience that many enthusiasts find satisfying. While both switches provide a linear feel, the Caramel Pudding is ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback during their typing sessions. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 Durock Black Lotus and HMX Caramel Pudding switches embody different approaches to housing materials, each offering distinctive characteristics that influence typing feel and auditory feedback. The Black Lotus top housing features a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and UPE, designed to provide a premium feel and a unique sound profile. This modified material aims to strike a balance between durability and a satisfying tactile experience, potentially offering a more refined sound when keys are released. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding switch utilizes a classic nylon top housing, renowned for its soft nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile as well as a more muted key release auditory experience.
Both the Black Lotus and Caramel Pudding switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to their similar acoustic properties. Nylon is well-regarded for producing a duller and rounder sound when keys bottom out, making both switches capable of delivering that rich auditory feedback typical of high-quality switches. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housings ensures that both switches manifest a deeper sound on key press, facilitating a pleasant and consistent typing experience. With both switches sharing this key material in their bottom housing, users can expect to feel a similarity in the deeper impact sound when they press down on either switch, enhancing the overall tactile feedback.
The contrast lies primarily in the top housings, where the Black Lotus introduces elements of both polycarbonate and UPE, enhancing its tactile feedback and potentially leading to a different key release sound compared to the Caramel Pudding's nylon top. While the bottom housings guarantee a rich sound profile upon key press, the unique combinations of materials in the top housings give each switch its character. Consequently, while both switches share similarities that can yield comparable results in sound and feel during bottom-out, the unique attributes of their top housings create variations in user experiences during key release and overall feedback, appealing to different preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Black Lotus has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a robust and substantial typing experience that can be preferred by users who enjoy a firmer feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it ideal for those who seek a more effortless typing experience or engage in prolonged usage. Consequently, if one were to choose based on force preferences, the Caramel Pudding would be better suited for lighter touch typists, while the Black Lotus would cater to those who prefer a stronger tactile sensation. Overall, these differences suggest that the Black Lotus is the heavier switch, while the Caramel Pudding is the lighter option, underscoring the importance of personal preference in selecting the right switch for individual typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, a notable difference becomes evident. The Black Lotus boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard that some users prefer for a more pronounced keystroke feel. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, aligning with the current trend favored by gamers who seek quicker response times from their switches. This means that those who prioritize a more pronounced, deeper keystroke will find the Black Lotus more appealing, while those who prefer a snappier, more responsive typing experience may lean toward the Caramel Pudding. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance, the Caramel Pudding is the clear choice, while the Black Lotus offers a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch has not been explicitly described, but it tends to be quieter than tactile or clicky switches, allowing a more muted typing experience that won’t disrupt your environment. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is known for its resonant, clacky sound signature, which is more pronounced and can provide an enjoyable auditory feedback during typing. Sound profiles can vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap materials, but if you're looking for a satisfying acoustic experience, the Caramel Pudding will cater to that desire, while the Black Lotus will offer a more discreet option.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switches shine with their silky, buttery, mild, and polished characteristics. Each of these descriptors implies an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and friction, making them approachable for all types of users. The buttery feel enhances the typing flow, while the polished finish ensures a refined keystroke. On the other hand, the specifics of the feel for the Caramel Pudding switches are not detailed, but they are also noted for their exquisitely smooth typing experience, suggesting that they may share some of the smoothness qualities found in the Black Lotus.
In conclusion, if you're weighing the Durock Black Lotus against the HMX Caramel Pudding, the choice often comes down to a preference for sound versus feel. The Black Lotus focuses on the silky, precise feel with a quieter operation, while the Caramel Pudding offers a more pronounced acoustic feedback. Regardless, both switches provide a smooth typing experience, so whether you opt for the refined touch of the Black Lotus or the clacky sound of the Caramel Pudding, you're likely to enjoy a satisfying performance, although in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. If you prioritize a heavier typing feel with added precision and a superior smoothness, the Black Lotus is the switch for you. Its silky and polished nature, combined with a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, allows for a more substantial and controlled keystroke, making it ideal for those who may appreciate the tactile grounding it provides during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a delightful clacky sound profile, the Caramel Pudding, featuring a more manageable 52 grams of force, would be more to your liking. Its exquisite smoothness paired with a unique auditory feedback makes it perfect for typists who enjoy a less resistant and more enthusiastic typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding feel, sound, and the type of activities you use your keyboard for: the controlled elegance of the Black Lotus or the playful lightness of the Caramel Pudding.
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