HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, such as the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, both of which offer a linear switch experience. The Caramel Pudding is renowned for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy an auditory feedback element while maintaining fluid keystrokes. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g is characterized by its bright sound profile and impressively light actuation force, providing exceptional responsiveness and a crisp, high-pitched sound with every keystroke. While the Caramel Pudding might appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience with satisfying acoustics, the Chiikawa - 28g can cater to users who prioritize quick, nimble responsiveness in their typing. 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
45g
Actuation force
28g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
34g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, a clear divergence can be observed in the top housing materials, which significantly influences the overall auditory experience and character of each switch. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon in its top housing, known for its softer properties, which yield a deeper, fuller sound profile. This allows the switch to absorb more soundwaves, creating a duller, rounder tonal quality during typing. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g employs polycarbonate as its top housing material, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The inherent stiffness and clarity of polycarbonate contribute to a more resonant audio output. Thus, while both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, their top housings serve two distinct purposes that cater to different acoustic preferences.
In terms of bottom housings, however, both the Caramel Pudding and the Chiikawa - 28g share nylon as their material choice. This similarity in the bottom housing alters the sound profile they produce. The nylon in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller audio experience, due to its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. Consequently, when pressed, users can expect a consistent and softer bottom-out sound and feel from both switches, reinforcing the sensation of a well-cushioned typing experience. This aspect highlights a crucial point of comparison, as the bottom housing is integral to how each switch responds during key presses.
The distinct sound characteristics created by the combination of the two types of housing material ultimately result in a hybrid audio profile for the switches. For instance, in both models, the nylon bottom ensures a subdued impact when the key is fully pressed, while the differing top housings dictate the tonal qualities that resonate during key release. Therefore, users will find that the Caramel Pudding offers a more rounded and softer acoustic experience, whereas the Chiikawa - 28g presents a sharper and more pronounced auditory clarity. Yet, through the mutual contribution of the nylon bottom housing, both switches are anchored in a comforting typing feel, establishing a common ground that enthusiasts of both styles can appreciate.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch differ significantly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g boasts a much lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it the lighter switch overall. This substantial difference means that the Chiikawa - 28g would be more suitable for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long hours of work or gaming, while the Caramel Pudding offers a firmer feel that some may find more satisfying. Overall, the Caramel Pudding provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher force requirements, whereas the Chiikawa - 28g is preferable for those who favor a lighter touch.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users can expect the same amount of key travel, resulting in similar tactile feedback and actuation experience. Since both switches provide the same travel distance, they will deliver comparable results in terms of responsiveness and feel, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a consistent keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 28g for $3.29.
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 HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch delivers a resonant, clacky sound signature that can provide a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. This characteristic makes it appealing for users who enjoy a lively sound profile. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is noted for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound upon actuation. The distinct differences between these two switches highlight the Caramel Pudding’s deeper resonance compared to the Chiikawa’s sharper tones, though it’s important to remember that factors like the keyboard build and keycap material can significantly influence the overall sound experience.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is celebrated for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, which allows for effortless keystrokes and minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. This smooth action can enhance typing speed and comfort, making it ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 28g switch stands out with its very light actuation force, which results in a highly responsive feel. This lightness can make typing feel more agile and quick, appealing to users who prefer an easy press and a less deliberate typing action. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Caramel Pudding emphasizes smoothness, while the Chiikawa - 28g focuses on light, quick response.
Overall, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Caramel Pudding's clacky resonance and smooth feel contrast with the Chiikawa's bright sound and light actuation, catering to diverse typing styles. Choosing between them ultimately depends on individual tastes in sound and feel, but both switches promise satisfying performance that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a medium-light actuation with a smooth feel and a clacky, resonant sound signature that enhances the auditory experience of your typing, then the Caramel Pudding switch is the better choice for you. This switch can provide a more tactile satisfaction and is suitable for those who enjoy a lively sound while they type or game. On the other hand, if you tend to prefer a lighter touch and prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is ideal. With a very light actuation force and a bright, crisp sound profile, it’s perfect for fast-paced typing, especially for gamers or typists who enjoy rapid key presses without much resistance. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing habits and the kind of feedback you enjoy; both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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