Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Caramel Pudding offer distinct yet appealing experiences for typists and gamers alike. The CAP Anniversary switch is celebrated for its innovative CAP structure that guarantees exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its aerodynamic stem design and innovative air release holes. This results in a typing experience that feels snappy, creamy, and polished, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize smoothness and stability in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding switch captivates with its resonant and clacky sound signature, which can add a delightful auditory dimension to typing sessions, while maintaining an exquisitely smooth feel. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts who appreciate fluid action, they each bring their unique characteristics to enhance the user experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Polycarbonate
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 20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and HMX Caramel Pudding switches, a clear distinction is evident in the top housing choice. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, which enhances resonance. For those planning to use RGB lighting, the clear polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively, accentuating the switch's visual appeal. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for its top housing. While nylon is a classic choice, it is softer and tends to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference in materials significantly affects the auditory experience, with the polycarbonate providing clarity and a more vibrant sound, while the nylon delivers a rounder, warmer tone.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as they both employ nylon. This consistency creates a unified auditory experience at the bottom-out phase of the switch actuation. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, reinforcing the idea that the impact of the bottom housing is crucial for the overall feel and sound when pressing down on the keys. The similarities in bottom housing material mean that users can expect a comparable depth of sound regardless of the differences in the top housing, allowing for a more harmonized typing experience even when the top housing varies.
Ultimately, the differing materials used in the top housings of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and HMX Caramel Pudding switches lead to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The sharper, crisper sounds of the polycarbonate in the CAP Anniversary contrast with the warmer, deeper tones produced by the nylon in the Caramel Pudding. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the impact on the sound and feel during key presses remains consistent across both options. Users can select their preferred switch based on the top housing material's contribution to sound and aesthetics while still enjoying a similar bottom-out experience thanks to the nylon housing common to both.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, a notable difference emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP Anniversary requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may find the Caramel Pudding more comfortable, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel might prefer the heavier forces of the CAP Anniversary switch. Ultimately, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces leads to a more relaxed typing experience with the Caramel Pudding, while the CAP Anniversary offers a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, we observe a clear distinction. The CAP Anniversary switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Caramel Pudding switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference may seem minor, but it can significantly affect the typing experience. With the CAP Anniversary’s longer travel distance, users may appreciate a deeper, more tactile feel, which can enhance typing satisfaction. Conversely, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Caramel Pudding is more aligned with current gaming preferences, allowing for quicker response times, which can be advantageous in fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether the user values a more traditional, deeper feel or a snappier, more responsive action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the CAP Anniversary's acoustic profile is not explicitly defined in the provided information. However, considering the switches' emphasis on smooth keystrokes and stable operation, one might infer a relatively subdued sound that complements their smooth operation. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding is characterized by a resonant, clacky sound signature, which provides a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. This clackiness can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy audible confirmation of each keypress. It's worth noting that the overall sound also heavily depends on factors such as the choice of keyboard, keycap material, and mounting style, which means the specific acoustic feedback can vary significantly between the two switches in practice.
In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary offers a multi-faceted typing experience. With descriptors such as "snappy," "creamy," and "polished," users can expect a highly responsive and smooth keystroke with a luxurious sensation as the keys glide beneath their fingers. This experience is enhanced by the innovative design of the switch, which minimizes resistance and wobble. The HMX Caramel Pudding, while not detailed in the provided information regarding its tactile feedback, is noted for its exceptionally smooth feel, suggesting its keypresses are also pleasant and refined, albeit potentially lacking the layered complexity found in the CAP Anniversary's diverse tactile sensations.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch stands out for its innovative design that promotes a variety of tactile qualities and a subtle sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch captivates users with its resonant audio and smooth feel. For those seeking a premium typing experience, the CAP Anniversary appears to offer greater versatility with its numerous descriptors enhancing both tactile and auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Caramel Pudding caters more toward individuals who enjoy pronounced sound and smooth operation. Both switches are tailored to enhance the mechanical keyboard experience, but users may gravitate toward one based on preference for sound characteristics and the feel they desire under their fingertips.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a heavier keystroke that demands a bit more force with each press, leading to a more deliberate typing experience, the CAP Anniversary would be your best choice. Its innovative design offers exceptional smoothness and stability, making it ideal for individuals who enjoy a refined feel and responsive feedback, perfect for both typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch combined with a distinctive, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Pudding could be more suited to your needs. With its medium-light actuation force, it promotes a fast and effortless typing rhythm, ideal for rapid typing tasks and a comfortable daily use experience. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it’s the weight and feedback of the keypress, the sound generated, or the overall tactile experience—to make an informed decision that best fits your mechanical keyboard experience.
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