HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Jerrzi Coral
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Jerrzi Coral switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different options, such as the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Jerrzi Coral. The Caramel Pudding switches are renowned for their resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing experience, making them a popular choice for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback and a satisfying keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Coral switches offer a distinctly crisp typing experience coupled with a lower-pitched resonance, striking a balance between nuanced sophistication and excellent performance, perfect for users who prioritize a refined touch and a quieter typing environment. Both the Caramel Pudding and the Coral switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, providing unique experiences that cater to the needs of the user. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide which switch is the right fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Jerrzi Coral switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their differing compositions. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a duller yet rounder audio characteristic when typing. This contrasts with the Coral switch, which utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and clearer sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more resonant auditory experience. The translucency of the Coral's polycarbonate housing also enhances aesthetics, especially for users who enjoy RGB lighting effects.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which impacts the bottom-out sound and feel during typing. Since nylon is a classic housing material known for its ability to absorb sound, both the Caramel Pudding and Coral switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound when the key is pressed down. This commonality in the bottom housing means that while the Caramel Pudding produces a softer and rounder sound overall due to its nylon top, the Coral will deliver a unique blend of a crisper sound from its polycarbonate top paired with the deeper sound from its nylon base. Thus, even though the top housing influences the auditory characteristics significantly, the nylon bottom housing remains a unifying feature that ensures both switches retain a satisfactory typing experience.
In terms of overall performance, the differing top housing materials can lead to varying typing experiences, but both switches can be enjoyable in their own right. Users who prioritize a deep and rounded sound may gravitate toward the Caramel Pudding, while those seeking a crisp and clear response may prefer the Coral. Nevertheless, because the bottom housings are the same, both switches still share a similarity in the typing experience when it comes to the feel and bottoming-out sound. Therefore, users can achieve different auditory results based on their choice of top housing while still enjoying the cushioned acoustics provided by the nylon bottom in both switch designs.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Coral is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams. This implies that users of the Coral switch may find it easier to trigger keystrokes, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming. On the other hand, the Caramel Pudding’s actuation might provide a more substantial feedback that some users prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Coral switch is unavailable, making it difficult to compare how far the switches differ in their performance upon full depression. The Caramel Pudding, with a bottom out force of 52 grams, gives a clear feeling of resistance that may lead to a more satisfying keystroke for those who appreciate a heavier touch. Overall, while the Coral switch is lighter in actuation force, the specific bottom out behavior remains uncertain, leaving room for different user experiences between the two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, the Caramel Pudding stands out with a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Coral has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. The difference of just 0.1 mm indicates that both switches are relatively close in terms of their feel during keypresses. For those who favor quicker response times and a more immediate tactile feedback, the shorter travel of the Caramel Pudding may provide a more appealing option. On the other hand, the Coral's longer travel distance might offer a more substantial feel that some users find preferable for a satisfying bottom-out experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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 the sound profile, the HMX Caramel Pudding switch is known for its resonant, clacky sound signature. This auditory experience often provides a lively and engaging feedback that many typists and gamers enjoy. In contrast, the Jerrzi Coral switch features a distinctly lower-pitched resonance, which results in a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. The Coral's sound profile is characterized by its nuanced sophistication, making it less jarring than the Caramel Pudding while still providing satisfying auditory feedback. It's worth noting that the final sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of tactile sensation, the Caramel Pudding switch is celebrated for its exquisitely smooth typing feel. This attribute allows for effortless key presses, enhancing the overall typing experience. By comparison, the Coral switch presents a crisp typing feel, pairing that tactile response with a silky smoothness that minimizes resistance during key presses and releases. While both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, the Coral's focus on crispness introduces a unique nuance to each keystroke that differs from the smoothness of the Caramel Pudding.
In conclusion, while the HMX Caramel Pudding and Jerrzi Coral switches both offer enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Caramel Pudding’s clacky sound and exceptionally smooth feel appeal to those who enjoy a lively feedback, while the Coral's low-pitched resonance and silky typing sensation may attract users looking for a more refined and crisp experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel; however, both are designed to provide satisfactory results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, your choice should be informed by your typing preferences and environment. If you're looking for a medium-light switch that produces a resonant, clacky sound signature, the Caramel Pudding is your go-to. It offers an exquisitely smooth typing feel, perfect for those who enjoy a more vivid auditory feedback alongside an engaging tactile experience. This switch could be ideal for casual typing, gaming, or if you simply enjoy a lively sound profile while you type. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that delivers a crisp, low-pitched sound and an exceptionally silky feel when typing, the Coral switch would be the better choice for you. Its lower resonance creates a more subdued auditory presence, making it a suitable option for quieter environments or extended typing sessions where you want to minimize distractions. Ultimately, your decision will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a more pronounced auditory experience or a smooth, refined typing feel, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to your unique preferences.
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