HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between linear and tactile options, each offering a unique typing experience. The HMX Caramel Pudding switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth feel and distinctively resonant, clacky sound, making it an attractive choice for typists who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a more subdued experience with its light actuation and subtle clickiness. This switch caters to users looking for something quieter yet still engaging to type on, embodying the characteristics of easy-to-press, chirpy switches. The Caramel Pudding may be the go-to for those who revel in the sounds of their typing, while the Firefly appeals to those who prefer a more understated yet tactile interaction. 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
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
4.00 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 HMX Caramel Pudding and the Dareu Firefly exhibit distinct contrasts in their top housing materials, which significantly affect their overall sound profiles. The Caramel Pudding's top housing is made from nylon, a material recognized for its softer properties that lead to a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic allows nylon to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less resonant. In contrast, the Firefly utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, known for its sturdiness. The stiffer polycarbonate contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in material properties suggests that the Caramel Pudding will provide a warmer audio experience, while the Firefly will deliver bright and clear tones, appealing to different user preferences in keyboard sound aesthetics.
While the top housing materials diverge, both the Caramel Pudding and the Firefly share nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This commonality means that the deeper and more absorbing sound qualities associated with nylon will play a significant role in each switch's bottom-out sound and feel. As a result, users of either switch can expect a fuller acoustic experience when the key is fully pressed down, emphasizing the richness that nylon brings to the overall typing experience regardless of the distinct sound profiles established by their respective top housings.
In terms of visual aesthetics, the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing light to shine through clearly and effectively. This translucency makes polycarbonate a popular choice for those who prioritize customizable lighting effects. Meanwhile, the nylon top of the Caramel Pudding will not offer the same level of light diffusion, leading to a more muted visual display. Thus, while both switches share performance qualities due to their use of nylon in the bottom housing, they cater to different user experiences regarding sound and aesthetics—appealing to those who seek a visual spectacle with the Firefly and those who prefer the warm sound profile of the Caramel Pudding.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, indicating a medium-light feel that caters well to users who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it even easier to trigger keystrokes, though it lacks a specified bottom out force. This means users of the Firefly may not have precise feedback on the pressure needed for fully pressing down the key, which could affect the typing experience differently than the Caramel Pudding's clear bottom out feel. Ultimately, while the Caramel Pudding offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force, the Firefly allows for even lighter actuation, reinforcing the preference for lighter switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, there is a clear difference in their specifications. The Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Firefly has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding will provide a more responsive feel due to its shorter distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor quick key presses. In contrast, the Firefly, with its deeper travel, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience, offering a sensation that feels less abrupt during typing. Ultimately, if responsiveness is your priority, the Caramel Pudding is the better choice, while the Firefly caters to those who enjoy a more traditional and hearty depth in their keystrokes.
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 Dareu Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly for $3.76.
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 sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches are notable for their resonant, clacky sound signature, which adds a satisfying auditory element to the typing experience. This distinct sound can often provide feedback that enhances the tactile relationship users have with their typing. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly switches are characterized by a chirpy sound that offers a subtle squeak with each key press. While the Firefly is quieter overall and lacks the traditional resonant click, its unique acoustic signature gives it a personality of its own. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual sound preferences, with the Caramel Pudding leaning toward a louder, more pronounced experience, while the Firefly provides a more subdued ambiance.
Turning to feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are praised for their exquisitely smooth typing experience, promoting a seamless and enjoyable interaction with the keyboard. This smoothness can enhance the overall typing rhythm and reduce friction during key presses, making long typing sessions more pleasurable. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly is designed to be easy to press, with gentle resistance and a lightweight actuation force that requires minimal effort to activate. This design emphasizes comfort and reduces finger fatigue, making the Firefly an excellent choice for those who prioritize a relaxed typing experience. While the Caramel Pudding offers a luxurious smoothness, the Firefly ensures effortless key presses, catering to different typing styles and preferences.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch present distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Caramel Pudding excels in producing a clacky sound that can be very satisfying, coupled with a smooth typing sensation. Conversely, the Firefly stands out for its quiet, chirpy sound and effortless actuation, making it suitable for users who prefer a more subtle auditory feedback and comfort. Ultimately, the choice will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and typing feel, and both switches can provide enjoyable experiences in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches and Dareu Firefly tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you're looking for a switch that offers a smooth and creamy typing experience complemented by a satisfying clacky sound, the Caramel Pudding is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams allows for a comfortable typing experience, and its resonant sound signature adds a delightful auditory element. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with ease of actuation, the Firefly tactile switch is the way to go. It features a light actuation with just a hint of clickiness, offering an effortless and responsive feel that can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This makes the Firefly an ideal option for productivity-focused users who prefer less noise without sacrificing a tactile experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing habits and auditory preferences, ensuring that you select the switch that enhances your keyboard experience to the fullest.
Mentioned in this article
