Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, one must evaluate the characteristics and user experiences offered by different options. The Kailh Box White V2 switches stand out as clicky switches, renowned for their crisp tactile feedback and audible click sound, making them a favorite among typists and gamers who enjoy a pronounced auditory and sensory response while typing. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches offer a smooth, linear typing experience characterized by their resonant, clacky sound signature, appealing to users who prefer silent and fluid keystrokes without the interruption of clicks. Each switch has its unique benefits: the Box White V2 excels in providing satisfying tactile feedback, while the Caramel Pudding is designed for uninterrupted, fast-paced typing. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Caramel Pudding, a notable difference exists in their top housing materials. The Kailh Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is partly due to the material's stiffer nature, leading to a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer flexibility. This means that while the Kailh Box White V2 may provide a brighter auditory experience, the Caramel Pudding offers a more subdued and rounded sound.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both switches utilize nylon. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both models. The nylon material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, thereby influencing the overall auditory experience when keying. Given that the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switch, users of both models can expect a more similar experience when bottoms are engaged, regardless of the differences in their top housings. This creates a balanced dynamic, where the bottom housing's qualities come into play while the top housing's distinct characteristics are showcased during key release.
In essence, the varying materials of the top housing lead to different sound profiles when typing, yet both models experience a harmonious interaction through their shared nylon bottom housing. The Kailh Box White V2’s polycarbonate top creates a unique sound resonance that can be particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, whereas the HMX Caramel Pudding offers a comforting and cushioned typing experience with a fuller tonal depth. Ultimately, this contrast in top housing materials allows for user preference to dictate their choice, as both switches provide a strong foundation through their nylon bottom housings that contribute to a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch offer a comparable actuation force, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users can expect a similar typing feel in terms of the initial pressure needed to register a keypress. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Box White V2 at 50 grams and the Caramel Pudding at 52 grams. This indicates that the Caramel Pudding switch is slightly heavier when fully pressed down, resulting in a more substantial tactile feedback upon bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Box White V2 is the lighter option overall, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, whereas the Caramel Pudding may appeal more to those who prefer a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you'll experience an identical travel distance. This similarity ensures that users will achieve comparable results in terms of keypress feel and actuation, regardless of which switch they choose. As both switches travel the same distance from top to bottom, users can expect a uniform typing experience in terms of the physical movement involved.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 Kailh Box White V2 is known for its crisp, tactile feedback coupled with a distinct audible click, creating a pronounced sound that many typists love for both its clear indication of actuation and its satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Caramel Pudding features a resonant, clacky sound signature that offers a different auditory experience. This switch is designed to provide a more open and airy sound profile, making it pleasing for users who enjoy the acoustics of their typing without the sharpness of a click. While both switches contribute unique auditory experiences, the sound they produce can also be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap selection.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a distinct tactile sensation, characterized by its pronounced actuation point that ensures typists can feel when the switch is engaged. This tactile bump makes it well-suited for those who prefer a clear feedback mechanism while typing. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding switches are praised for their exquisitely smooth typing experience, lacking the tactile bump but providing a seamless motion from top to bottom. This smoothness can be particularly appealing to gamers or those who prefer rapid key presses without the distraction of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch offers a sharp auditory feedback coupled with a tactile feel, making it ideal for typists who enjoy that clear click and resistance when pressing keys. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding excels in producing a smooth and resonant typing experience, which can be preferable for users focusing on a fluid key press. While both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they are both capable of providing satisfying typing experiences depending on user preference. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize the crispness of a click or the smoothness of linear feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy the tactile feedback coupled with a pronounced click sound that enhances your typing experience, the Box White V2 may be the perfect fit for you. Its light 50-gram bottom-out force allows for quick and responsive keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for fast typists or gamers who appreciate audible cues while they type or play. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a resonant sound signature, the Caramel Pudding switch would suit you well. With a slightly heavier 52-gram bottom-out force, it offers a more robust feel while still being easy to press, making it an ideal option for those who seek a gentle yet satisfying linear action without the distraction of click noise. Ultimately, your preference for sound and tactile feedback will guide you to the right switch, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience aligns with your unique typing style and environment.
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