HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Huano Elf stand out as solid options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature paired with an extraordinarily smooth typing experience, making them a great choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, Huano Elf switches are designed with a POK top housing that enhances acoustics, offering a deep sound signature with a medium-light feel, which can provide a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a balance between feedback and ease of keypress. While both switches excel in delivering a linear typing feel, their acoustic characteristics and tactile sensations cater to different preferences. 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
42g
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
3.60 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
POK
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 spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Huano Elf exhibit noteworthy contrasts, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for its top housing, a classic choice that is celebrated for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic nature absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted, round sound. In contrast, the Huano Elf employs POK (polyketone) as its top housing material. POK offers a slightly higher coefficient of friction than nylon, enabling a smoother typing experience attributed to its strong wear resistance and shock absorption. While both materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches, their distinct properties lead to differing auditory experiences during typing sessions.
Both the Caramel Pudding and the Huano Elf share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is also made of nylon for both switches. This consistency means that typing on either switch will elicit similar deep and rich sound profiles attributed to the nylon material. The relative softness of nylon ensures that the acoustic qualities remain consistent in both models, meaning the bottom-out sound and tactile feel of keypresses will be akin across both switches. Therefore, even though the top housings differ and impact sound production during the release of the keys, the bottom housings present an especially influential commonality that shapes the striking auditory and tactile experience.
In conclusion, while the Caramel Pudding and Huano Elf offer diverging characteristics through their top housing materials, they align in their bottom housing of nylon, resulting in comparable auditory traits. The POK top housing of the Elf provides durability and smoothness, which enhances the typing experience, whereas the Caramel Pudding’s nylon top enhances the sound profile with its softer nature. As a result, users can expect distinct yet harmonious experiences due to the synergy between the softer nylon bottom and the differing top materials, demonstrating how varied qualities can meld to evoke an effective keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, notable differences emerge in both their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Elf slightly edges it out with a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means the Elf is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding, with its medium-light feel, may offer a more substantial typing experience for those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. However, the bottom out force of the Huano Elf remains unknown, which leaves a gap in understanding how it feels to press all the way down compared to the Caramel Pudding's bottom out force of 52 grams. For users who favor a lighter switch, the Huano Elf would likely be the better choice, while those who appreciate a heavier switch might find the Caramel Pudding to be more satisfying.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch both feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that you will experience a similar feel when pressing down on either switch. This equivalence in travel distance results in comparable keypress sensations and actuation experiences, making them effectively indistinguishable in that regard. Since both switches have the same specified travel distance, users can expect similar performance standards when using either option for their keyboards.
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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf 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 switch is characterized by its resonant, clacky sound signature, which makes each keystroke distinctly audible and pleasantly engaging for typists who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, the Huano Elf switch features a deep sound signature thanks to its POK top housing that enhances acoustics. This switch offers a somewhat subtler auditory experience but is still satisfying, providing a medium-light resistance that resonates without being overwhelming. It is worth noting that the actual sound produced can vary depending on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, making the overall auditory experience somewhat personal and dependent on setup.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is renowned for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that many typists find conducive to prolonged use. This smoothness lends itself to a satisfying and fluid typing rhythm. Meanwhile, the Huano Elf switch, while still providing a satisfying typing experience, offers a medium-light feel that can cater to those who prefer a bit more resistance without sacrificing comfort. This differentiation in feel can influence typing speed and accuracy, appealing to different preferences among users.
In summary, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Huano Elf linear switches provide distinctive auditory and tactile experiences, each tailored to the types of feedback that different users might prefer. The Caramel Pudding is ideal for those who enjoy a clacky sound and smooth feel, while the Elf is suited for individuals who appreciate deeper sounds and a medium-light resistance. Depending on personal preference, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch, but your choice may ultimately hinge on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, your choice should reflect your specific preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-light feel with a delightful clacky sound that's both resonant and satisfying, the Caramel Pudding switch is the way to go. It excels in providing an exquisitely smooth typing experience, making it an excellent option for both casual users and those who are heavy typists. On the other hand, if you're looking for a deeper sound signature paired with enhanced acoustics, the Huano Elf switch may better suit your needs. While it also offers a medium-light feel, its unique POK top housing amplifies the depth of sound, creating a distinct auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize the superior smoothness and clacky sound of the Caramel Pudding or the deep acoustics and satisfying feel of the Elf. Both switches have their distinct advantages, so consider which aspects are most important to you for an enhanced typing experience.
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