HMX Blue Topaz vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two strong contenders in the linear switch category are the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Caramel Pudding. The Blue Topaz is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making each keystroke effortless and enjoyable. Alongside its eye-catching glittery housing, it offers a distinctive clacky sound signature that pairs visual appeal with auditory satisfaction, ideal for those who appreciate a bit of flair in their typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Caramel Pudding also delivers a notably smooth typing experience alongside its resonant clacky sound, ensuring that every keypress feels fluid while still providing the engaging auditory feedback that some users crave. While both switches offer their own unique benefits—whether you’re drawn to the visual and auditory charm of the Blue Topaz or the smooth resonance of the Caramel Pudding—it's essential to consider what matters most to you in a typing experience. However, 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Caramel Pudding switches feature distinct materials for their top housings, leading to different acoustic performances and experiences for users. The Blue Topaz utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties, which promote a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material’s translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making colors appear more vibrant and dynamic. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding opts for a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound. While both materials contribute to the overall acoustic characteristics of their respective switches, the polycarbonate top of the Blue Topaz creates a crisp sound ideal for users seeking clarity, especially in RGB setups.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, both constructed from nylon. This uniformity means that, regardless of the differences in top materials, the bottom housing's properties remain consistent. As nylon is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, both the Blue Topaz and Caramel Pudding will deliver a rounded and balanced sound profile as the bottom housing impacts the typing experience considerably. This cohesion allows users to enjoy a fuller sound regardless of the top housing, ensuring that the tactile experience remains deep and satisfying across both models.
In terms of user experience, the contrasting top housing materials will predominantly affect how the switches sound upon key release, with the Blue Topaz offering a more piercing and resonant sound due to its polycarbonate component, while the Caramel Pudding will provide a more muted and plush acoustic profile. Conversely, both switches will exhibit similar deep-down qualities during key presses, as the nylon bottom housing is identical in both cases. Therefore, while the overall aesthetic and auditory elements of the top materials diverge, the consistent nylon bottom ensures that users can expect a desirable, rich typing experience with both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, we can see distinct differences that cater to various user preferences. The Blue Topaz features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer typing experience that allows for extended use without fatigue. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding comes with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light option. This heavier resistance provides a more substantial feel while typing, appealing to those who appreciate a stronger push. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch that is easier on the fingers during prolonged sessions, the Blue Topaz would be the better choice, while the Caramel Pudding offers a bit more resistance for a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches, the Blue Topaz features a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Caramel Pudding offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference in travel distance may influence your typing experience; those who favor quicker response times may prefer the Caramel Pudding for its shorter actuation, allowing for faster key presses, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke and a hearty depth might lean towards the Blue Topaz, as its longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel under the fingers. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference—whether you value speed or depth in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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, both the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Caramel Pudding switches are characterized by a resonant, clacky sound signature that can delight typists and gamers alike. The Blue Topaz delivers a crisp, bright, and percussive clack, adding a lively auditory feedback during key presses that many users appreciate. While specifics about the sound profile of the Caramel Pudding switches weren't detailed, it is indicated that they also produce a clacky sound, suggesting a similarly vibrant auditory experience. Ultimately, while both switches promise a satisfying sound, the exact tone may vary depending on the keyboard configuration and keycap choices, which can enhance or slightly alter the final acoustic result.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Blue Topaz switch stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight design. This combination makes every keystroke effortless, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The switch's easy-to-press nature provides gentle resistance, enhancing comfort and responsiveness. On the other hand, the tactile characteristics of the Caramel Pudding switches were not elaborated upon, but the context suggests they might also deliver an exquisitely smooth typing feel. Thus, while the Blue Topaz is celebrated for its specific attributes, one can reasonably infer that the Caramel Pudding may offer a similarly enjoyable experience in terms of typing comfort.
In conclusion, both the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Caramel Pudding switches offer unique yet related qualities that appeal to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Both switches provide a clacky sound that enhances the typing experience, and while the Blue Topaz is known for its smoothness and lightweight feel, the Caramel Pudding likely boasts similar tactile characteristics. Users can expect satisfying auditory and tactile feedback from either switch, making both options excellent choices depending on personal taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches should hinge on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a lighter, effortless typing experience, the Blue Topaz is an excellent choice. Its 48-gram actuation force combined with a smooth feel and clacky sound signature makes it ideal for users who enjoy rapid typing or gaming, as well as those who may spend long hours at their keyboard and need to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Caramel Pudding, with its 52-gram bottom out force, might suit you better. Offering a similarly smooth feel but with a more resonant sound signature, the Caramel Pudding will appeal to those who appreciate a balance between comfort and a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. Ultimately, both switches deliver unique experiences, so consider what aspects of typing you value most—whether it's the feather-light touch of the Blue Topaz or the slightly more substantial feel of the Caramel Pudding.
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