HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two popular options that cater to distinct typing experiences are the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro. The Caramel Pudding, a linear switch, is renowned for its remarkably smooth typing feel and a delightful clacky sound signature that many users find satisfying. Its lack of a tactile bump allows for uninterrupted key presses, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking quick responses and typists who prefer a fluid motion. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch designed to provide a pronounced tactile bump, delivering both auditory feedback and a satisfying feel with each keystroke. Its louder, bassy sound signature may appeal to users who enjoy a more engaging typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate a rhythmic feedback as they type. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your individual preferences for feel and sound; 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
30g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches, one can observe a distinct difference in their top housings. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for the same component. This difference contributes to their unique sound profiles; the nylon material of the Caramel Pudding provides a deeper, fuller sound, absorbing more vibrations and resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate used in the V3 Creamy Purple Pro’s top housing creates a sharper, crisper sound that resonates more clearly when a key is released. Thus, if you're looking for a richer, more subdued auditory feedback, the Caramel Pudding may be your go-to option, whereas the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will deliver a more vibrant sound.
Despite the contrast in their top housings, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials as they both utilize nylon. This presents an interesting dynamic where both switches inherit similar acoustic properties from their bottom housings. The nylon bottom of both the Caramel Pudding and the V3 Creamy Purple Pro results in a deeper and rounder sound profile when bottoming out since the softer plastic absorbs sound better compared to harder materials. Consequently, while the top housings greatly influence the sound when releasing a key, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel remains consistent due to their shared use of nylon in that part of the switch.
This combination of different top housing materials but similar bottom housing specifications in both switches demonstrates how varied sound profiles can still create a balanced typing experience. While users may prefer the rounder tones of the Caramel Pudding when pressing down on the keys or the sharper responses of the V3 when releasing, the influence of the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches retain a comparable feeling at the actuation point. Ultimately, both switches appeal to different user preferences, but the significance of their combinations highlights how key design elements can merge to create distinct yet complementary auditory and tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their characteristics. The Caramel Pudding switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category; conversely, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Caramel Pudding requires more force to initiate a keystroke than the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, making it a heavier option overall. Therefore, typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged use might favor the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial push may gravitate towards the Caramel Pudding. Ultimately, while the bottom out forces of both switches are fairly close, the differences in actuation force highlight the distinct typing experiences they offer.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.0 mm. This difference means that the Caramel Pudding switch provides a more pronounced feel when pressing down, catering to those who may prefer a more substantial depth to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, with its shallower 3.0 mm travel distance, is more aligned with the gaming community's preference for quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation and potentially more rapid inputs. If you value responsiveness and speed, the Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more tactile experience with additional depth might lean towards the Caramel Pudding switch. Overall, while both switches cater to different needs, the Caramel Pudding clearly stands out with its longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the V3 Creamy Purple Pro’s 3.0 mm.
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 Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 is characterized by a resonant, clacky sound signature that provides a bright and articulate auditory feedback. This playful sound can be quite satisfying during typing sessions. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch has a loud sound signature that leans toward the bassier side, resulting in a deeper and more pronounced auditory experience. Both switches generate distinct sounds that can enhance the typing experience, although the Caramel Pudding leans towards a higher pitch while the Creamy Purple Pro offers a more muted yet energizing tone. It's worth noting that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by the specific keyboard board and keycap materials used, which may alter the final auditory outcome.
Regarding the feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is well-regarded for its exquisitely smooth typing experience. This smoothness is a defining characteristic of linear switches, ensuring that each keystroke glides fluidly without any tactile interruptions. Conversely, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a pronounced tactile bump that users can easily feel, adding a layer of feedback that can enhance typing precision and satisfaction. While the tactile feedback of the Creamy Purple Pro makes it feel more engaging for users who enjoy a pronounced actuation point, the smoothness of the Caramel Pudding is ideal for those who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes.
Overall, both the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding is all about the crisp, resonant sound and a silky smooth feel, making it perfect for those who appreciate a seamless typing experience. Meanwhile, the Creamy Purple Pro appeals to users who enjoy significant tactile feedback combined with a louder, bass-heavy sound. Depending on one's personal taste in sound and feel, either switch could be an excellent choice, leading to a highly enjoyable typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences and the type of experience you are seeking from your mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a smooth typing experience and enjoy a medium-light force with a resonant, clacky sound that adds character to your keystrokes, the Caramel Pudding is the better choice. It's particularly suitable for gamers or typists who appreciate a quick and fluid feel, making it great for fast-paced action or extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean toward a more tactile feedback with a noticeable bump and prefer a light actuation force, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is ideal. Its bassier sound signature and pronounced tactile response make it a rewarding choice for those who enjoy a more traditional mechanical feel, reminiscent of older keyboards, especially during typing tasks where feedback can enhance accuracy and satisfaction. Ultimately, reflect on your typing style and sound preferences, and you will find that either switch can cater well to your needs in different contexts.
Mentioned in this article
