HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock Daybreak present two intriguing linear options, each catering to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature, combined with an exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it a delightful choice for users who enjoy auditory feedback along with their tactile experience. Conversely, the Durock Daybreak offers a heftier typing experience with a solid 67g actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial touch while also benefiting from its polished, muted operation, which is perfect for maintaining a quiet environment in shared workspaces. While both switches bring their own unique qualities to the table, both embody the sought-after linear feel associated with mechanical switches. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock Daybreak switches represent contrasting approaches in sound profile production. The Caramel Pudding utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer texture. This results in a deeper, fuller sound as nylon absorbs more sound waves than harder plastics, leading to a more subdued auditory experience. In comparison, the Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The inherent rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant and clearer sound, making it a preferred choice for users who enjoy a crisper keystroke. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the significant difference in the top housing materials sets the two apart in terms of acoustic characteristics.
Both the Caramel Pudding and the Durock Daybreak employ nylon for their respective bottom housings, which means they achieve similar outcomes in terms of the tactile experience and bottom-out sound. As nylon is known for its sound-dampening properties, both switches will feel comparable when bottoming out. This shared material in the bottom housing helps create a deeper and rounder auditory profile regardless of the differences in sound created by the top housings. Consequently, users can expect consistency in the tactile feedback of the switches, which may appeal to typists who favor that particular sensation during keystrokes.
Ultimately, the distinct housing compositions lead to different overall sound experiences, despite sharing a common feature in the bottom housing. The Caramel Pudding's nylon top evinces a softer sound signature suitable for those who prefer muted auditory feedback, while the Durock Daybreak's polycarbonate top caters to users seeking brightness and clarity in their typing sounds. When selecting between these two switches, one must consider whether a deeper or crisper sound profile is preferable, as this decision is largely dictated by the top housing material. By understanding these characteristics, users can better determine which switch will meet their typographic desires while enjoying the consistent feel provided by nylon in the bottom section.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch offer distinct tactile experiences primarily due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams but does not specify an actuation force, indicating that it might be on the heavier side when compared to the Caramel Pudding. Consequently, the Daybreak is geared towards those who favor a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy feel. Overall, the Caramel Pudding is the lighter option, while the Daybreak provides a heavier push, catering to different user preferences in typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Daybreak linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Therefore, when comparing these two switches, the Caramel Pudding is the shorter option, which may be more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Daybreak, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: if a snappier response is favored, the Caramel Pudding is ideal; however, if the user seeks more pronounced feedback, the Daybreak would be the better option.
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 Durock Daybreak has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Daybreak for $5.41.
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 switch offers a resonant and clacky sound signature that many typing enthusiasts find satisfying and engaging, especially for those who enjoy an audible feedback during use. This auditory quality can enhance the tactile experience, creating a more dynamic interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak switch features a more muted sound that is notably low-pitched, offering a soft and bass-heavy tone. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is important, allowing for a more discreet typing experience without sacrificing the feel of a mechanical switch. Together, the sound profiles of these switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing auditory pleasure and the other prioritizing subtlety.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is celebrated for its exquisitely smooth typing experience. This fluid key travel can be attributed to either the materials used or the factory lubing, which effectively reduces friction for a seamless interaction with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switch provides a heftier typing experience with its solid 67g actuation force. This weightiness adds a satisfying resistance that can enhance tactile feedback for users who prefer a more substantial touch. While the Caramel Pudding emphasizes smoothness, the Daybreak’s polished feel delivers a refined typing experience that some users may find equally enjoyable, albeit with a different focus.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Durock Daybreak linear switches offer unique features that cater to different user preferences. The Caramel Pudding is ideal for those who appreciate a lively, clacky sound along with an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Conversely, the Daybreak is suited for individuals seeking a quieter, muted operation alongside a more substantial touch that provides solid feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound and smoothness or muted experience and a heavier actuation force. Each switch promises to deliver satisfying results, accommodating various styles of typing and workplace environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a clacky sound signature that adds character to your typing experience, the Caramel Pudding is likely the better choice for you. Its 52-gram actuation force makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue, along with an exceptionally smooth feel that enhances your workflow. Conversely, if you favor a more robust typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the Daybreak switch is the way to go. Its 67-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that many users find grounding, while its muted and low-pitched sound profile ensures quieter operation, making it perfect for shared workspaces or quiet environments where noise reduction is key. Ultimately, understanding your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and the specific context in which you’ll be using the keyboard will guide you to make the best choice between these two exciting options.
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