Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Caramel Pudding offer two distinct yet compelling options for different typing preferences. The Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, boasts a pronounced tactile bump and a snappy actuation point, delivering an engaging typing experience with its reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. This switch not only provides a satisfying feedback for typists who appreciate tactile sensations but also features a detachable light column for vibrant RGB lighting, enhancing both performance and aesthetics. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding offers a linear switch experience characterized by an exquisitely smooth feel and a resonant, clacky sound signature, ideal for those who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted typing session without any tactile feedback. While Blue Lotus caters to those seeking an interactive and visually appealing typing experience, Caramel Pudding appeals to users who prioritize smoothness and sound aesthetics. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches showcase distinct characteristics that influence their overall sound and feel during use. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified polycarbonate (PC) and unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPE) blend for its top housing, which enhances the switch's premium feel. This combination allows for a unique acoustic response, delivering a brighter sound profile due to the harder nature of the modified PC. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding features a pure nylon top housing, a classic material revered in the keyboard community. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound better than harder plastics, yielding a deeper and fuller sound. Consequently, the material chosen for the top housings distinguishes the auditory experience between the two switches, with the Durock Blue Lotus providing a crisper sound while the HMX Caramel Pudding offers a mellower tone.
When we turn our attention to the bottom housings, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Caramel Pudding share a common material: nylon. This uniformity means that both switches will produce a similar sound profile when bottoming out due to the inherent properties of nylon. Regardless of the differing characteristics of their top housings, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper resonance and a rounder auditory experience. As such, users can expect consistent performance concerning the bottom-out sound and feel, fostering a sense of familiarity for those who have experience with nylon-based switches.
In summary, while the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Caramel Pudding share similarities in their bottom housing material, their top housings are significant points of divergence. The modified PC and UPE blend of the Blue Lotus aims to create a premium and crisp sound, contrasting with the Caramel Pudding’s nylon top that favors a deeper resonance. Despite these differences, the commonality in bottom housing material supports a cohesive experience when typing, especially regarding the sound produced when the keys are bottomed out. Users seeking specific auditory qualities may gravitate toward one switch over the other based on their preferences for sound and tactile feedback when typing or gaming.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch with the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, notable differences emerge in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Lotus requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This difference makes the Caramel Pudding more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while the Blue Lotus may appeal to those who enjoy the more substantial feedback of a heavier switch. Thus, if you're seeking a switch that promotes endurance and easier keystrokes, the HMX Caramel Pudding would be the better choice, while the Durock Blue Lotus is better suited for those who favor a firmer keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this comparison, the Blue Lotus offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Caramel Pudding, with its shorter travel distance, could be more suitable for gamers or those seeking quicker response times. Both switches provide a tactile experience for users, but if you prefer more immediate and responsive input, the Caramel Pudding might be the better choice, while the Blue Lotus caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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
The sound profile of the Durock Blue Lotus switches is characterized by a rich, deep, and bassy resonance during key presses, providing a satisfying auditory experience that enhances the tactile engagement. This deeper frequency can create an immersive typing environment, particularly when paired with specific boards or keycaps that complement the sound. On the other hand, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches have an unspecified sound quality; as such, it's difficult to compare their auditory experience directly with that of the Blue Lotus. This leaves an aspect of the Caramel Pudding's auditory feedback open to interpretation, suggesting that it could be different or perhaps similar once the right peripherals are selected.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are celebrated for their tactile and responsive nature, offering a medium tactile experience through their accented design. The snappiness of these switches, supported by a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, ensures that typists enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience. Furthermore, their stepped switch design gives a unique tactile sensation with its two-stage feel, allowing for both pre-travel and post-travel feedback. Conversely, the feel of the HMX Caramel Pudding switches is not specified, leaving whitespace in understanding how they might differentiate in tactile engagement when compared to the clearly defined sensations of the Blue Lotus.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch excels in providing a rich sound and an engaging tactile experience characterized by pronounced snappiness and accentuated feedback. The Caramel Pudding’s sound and feel remain largely unspecified, thus presenting an opportunity for further exploration in those areas. For those seeking a lively typing experience, the Blue Lotus shines with its dense sound profile and responsive feel, while the Caramel Pudding switches may offer alternative qualities yet to be discovered, potentially catering to a different preference. Ultimately, both switches appeal to distinct desires in the mechanical keyboard community, inviting users to choose based on the qualities they prioritize most.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Blue Lotus is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force, snappy responsiveness, and accented feel provide a satisfying engagement that many tactile switch enthusiasts adore. Furthermore, if you enjoy a deeper, bassy sound profile and are captivated by the visual appeal of vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus will undoubtedly elevate your setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Caramel Pudding switch is the way to go. Its exquisitely smooth feel and clacky sound signature create a delightful typing ambiance, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or a quieter workspace. Ultimately, your decision should center around whether you value tactile feedback and sound depth or smoothness and lightness in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
