HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar 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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar offer distinctive experiences, both falling into the linear switch category. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exceedingly smooth type feel, making it an enticing choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Everfree Cedar excels in providing smooth and reliable performance at a budget-friendly price, utilizing Gateron’s trusted proprietary mold to produce a satisfying, poppy sound profile. While the Caramel Pudding excels in delivering an engaging acoustic experience, the Everfree Cedar offers a more economical solution without sacrificing quality. 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
55g
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
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches highlight a contrast that plays a significant role in the sound profiles they produce. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that many users appreciate for its muted yet rich auditory experience. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar's top housing is constructed from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The transparency of the polycarbonate housing also allows for impressive RGB lighting effects, which are desirable for many users looking for aesthetic enhancements in their mechanical keyboards.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, align closely in their material composition, as both utilize nylon. This similarity impresses upon the switches a commonality in producing a deeper and more resonant sound upon bottoming out. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the sound and feel when a key is pressed, the nylon used in both models contributes to a consistent tactile response and sound signature that feels noticeably similar. This combined element of provenance in the bottom housing suggests that users can expect a familiar auditory experience in terms of depth and fullness, regardless of the differences seen in the top housings.
In considering the overall performance and auditory characteristics of both switches, the variances between their top and bottom housing materials highlight how sound can be tailored based on specific applications. The Caramel Pudding's nylon top dampens the sound further, emphasizing its rounded qualities, while the polycarbonate top of the Everfree (EF) Cedar introduces a clearer resonance with its brightness. The nylon bottom housing unifies the two switches somewhat, ensuring that while there are key distinctions in sound and tactile feedback, a user could find commonalities if they were using both switches in similar settings. Thus, despite the contrasting materials in their tops, the bottom housings create a bridge of familiarity in tactile and auditory experience.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch offer contrasting actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Caramel Pudding features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions, whether at work or during long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which may appeal to users who value a more substantial push feel in their keystrokes. Notably, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unavailable, leaving that aspect uncertain. Ultimately, those who favor a lighter switch for comfort and ease would lean towards the Caramel Pudding, while those seeking a firmer typing experience might gravitate towards the Everfree Cedar.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys of either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel, leading to a similar tactile feedback and overall typing experience. The uniformity in travel distance ensures that those who appreciate the feel of either switch will not notice a significant difference in terms of key travel, making them equally suitable for various typing preferences.
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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Everfree (EF) Cedar for $2.75.
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 enhances the auditory experience while typing. This sound profile can contribute to a lively atmosphere, making it a great option for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback from their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which is both engaging and distinct. While both switches aim for a pleasant auditory feedback, the Caramel Pudding offers a sharper, clackier tone, whereas the Everfree Cedar provides a more subdued yet satisfying pop. It’s important to note that the overall sound can vary based on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
When considering the feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are renowned for their exquisitely smooth typing experience. This smoothness allows for effortless keystrokes, making long typing sessions enjoyable and reducing finger fatigue. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is also designed for a smooth typing experience, focusing on reliable performance without any tactile bumps, which many users appreciate for a fluid typing experience. While both switches excel in delivering a smooth feel, the Caramel Pudding seems to elevate that experience further, offering a more refined touch.
In summary, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches bring unique qualities to the table. The Caramel Pudding is well-suited for users who crave a more pronounced sound with an exceptionally smooth feel, while the Everfree Cedar provides a pleasant poppy sound and reliable performance at a cost-effective price. Ultimately, your choice between these switches may hinge on your personal preference for sound profiles and the smoothness of the typing feel, but both options promise to deliver satisfying results in their own ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and the kind of experience you desire. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force combined with a resonant, clacky sound profile, and you’re looking for an exquisitely smooth typing feel, then the Caramel Pudding is the ideal choice. It's perfect for those who prefer a more tactile feedback and a lively auditory experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a more subtle sound and the emphasis is on smooth and reliable performance without specific bottom-out force data to hinder your decision, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar will serve you well. Its cost-effective nature and satisfying, poppy sound profile make it an excellent option for general use, including prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should reflect your priorities—whether you want a more engaging auditory experience with the Caramel Pudding or a reliable, understated switch with the Everfree Cedar.
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