Akko Botany vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the unique characteristics of different options, and two compelling contenders are the Akko Botany and the HMX Caramel Pudding, both of which are linear switches. The Botany switches stand out for their crisp, lively clacky sound, providing a joyful auditory feedback that many users find exhilarating right out of the box. Meanwhile, the Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant clack and exceptionally smooth typing experience, which can enhance comfort during extended use. While both switches deliver a satisfying linear feel, the choice may ultimately depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a fluid typing performance. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and HMX Caramel Pudding switches, it's noteworthy that both employ nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is central to their design, as nylon is a well-established switch housing option that significantly influences the typing experience. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is a shared characteristic between both switches. The result is a typing experience that delivers a rounder and more subdued acoustic feedback, appealing to users who favor a quieter and less abrasive sound when typing.
While the Akko Botany and HMX Caramel Pudding share identical housing materials, the impact of these materials is also partially defined by their physical configurations. In the event that the platforms of these switches differ, the nylon's properties would yield a diverging acoustic experience based on whether the characteristics of the top or bottom housing are more pronounced. For instance, the Botany's bottom housing may affect the sound and feel upon bottoming out, while the Caramel Pudding could alter the acoustic signature when releasing a key. However, since both switches utilize nylon throughout, any potential differences in feel and sound will still be rooted in the same underlying material qualities, leading to results that remain within a similar auditory and tactile range.
Ultimately, the substantial similarities in the housing materials of the Akko Botany and HMX Caramel Pudding ensure a comparable typing experience, even as other design elements may introduce variations. Both switches are able to capitalize on the sound-dampening and tonal qualities inherent in nylon, creating a consistent environment for users who prioritize a lush and rich auditory profile. If any differentiations arise, they will be nuanced, driven by factors outside of the housing materials themselves, but users can expect a fundamentally harmonious experience when using either switch, linked through their common foundation in nylon.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch offer different actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences. The Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who appreciate a softer touch, which can enhance long typing sessions and reduce fatigue. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a more substantial tactile experience that could be favored by those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing or gaming. Thus, while both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Botany is notably lighter, making it suitable for prolonged use, while the Caramel Pudding's heavier feel may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means they provide an identical feel when pressing down on a key. This equal travel distance results in a similar typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a comparable feedback sensation whether they opt for the Botany or the Caramel Pudding. Therefore, regardless of the switch choice, users can expect consistent performance in terms of travel distance and overall key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 Akko Botany linear switch is recognized for its crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, making it quite appealing for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Similarly, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a resonant, clacky sound signature, which also contributes to a more engaging typing experience. It's important to remember that the sound produced by any switch can vary based on external factors such as the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and even the surface on which the keyboard is placed.
Regarding feel, the Botany switch is characterized by its smoothness, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without any scratchiness. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding switch boasts an exquisitely smooth typing feel, also focusing on delivering a consistent experience. This similarity means that users of both switches will likely enjoy a fluid keystroke without resistance or roughness, making them both suitable options for those who prioritize smooth keystrokes in their typing experience.
Considering all available information, both the Akko Botany and HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches offer unique yet comparable qualities, particularly in their sound profiles and smooth typing feel. For enthusiasts seeking a lively auditory feedback paired with a smooth feel, either switch would deliver satisfactory results. Ultimately, the choice might come down to personal preference in terms of the distinct character of each switch's sound and slight variances in design aesthetics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, consider your personal preferences for actuation force, sound, and tactile experience. If you enjoy a lighter key feel with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, along with a crisp and clacky sound right out of the box, the Botany switch is your best bet. This switch caters well to faster typing styles, making it ideal for gamers or fast typists who appreciate a lively auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams, the Caramel Pudding offers a combination of a resonant clacky sound signature and an exquisitely smooth typing feel. This switch is particularly well-suited for users who favor a bit more resistance and enjoy a refined tactile experience, making it a great choice for long typing sessions or for those who appreciate a solid, cushioned feel under their fingers. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a light, responsive switch with bright sound or a more robust switch that provides smoothness and a deeper auditory experience.
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