HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red both stand out as appealing linear options, yet each offers a unique experience for the user. The Caramel Pudding is cherished for its distinctively clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it a favorite among those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its budget-friendly appeal without sacrificing performance; featuring a medium-light actuation force, it strikes a commendable balance between responsiveness and ease of use, alongside a frosted light diffuser that enhances RGB lighting effects. While the Caramel Pudding provides an engaging auditory experience, the G Pro Red leans towards a mild, polished feel favorable for long typing sessions. 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
45g
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
4.00 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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red feature distinct top housing materials that greatly influence their auditory characteristics. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for its top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer texture. This absorption of sound leads to a more muted auditory experience compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate not only enhances clarity but also resonates in a way that contributes to a more pronounced acoustic experience. Consequently, the two switches cater to different auditory preferences; the Caramel Pudding is suited for those seeking a subdued sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Red appeals to users who favor clarity in their keystrokes.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches share the same material—nylon. This similarity in material leads to consistent sound performance characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the Caramel Pudding, similar to that of the G Pro 3.0 Red, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall auditory feedback when a key is fully pressed down. This shared quality ensures that users will experience a more pronounced bottom-out sound and feel, regardless of the differences in their top housings. Hence, while the top housing materials create a distinction between the two switches, the uniformity in their bottom housings offers a cohesive experience during use, with both providing a satisfying tactile sensation.
Overall, the synthesis of different housing materials in the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red creates varied yet complementing sound environments. With the nylon bottom housing common to both, users will appreciate a similar tactile response and sound quality when bottoms-out. The uniqueness of the top housings introduces contrasting auditory profiles that allow users to choose a switch that aligns more closely with their personal preferences—whether that be the warm, muted tones of the Caramel Pudding or the bright, resonant sounds of the G Pro 3.0 Red. Ultimately, individuals can achieve preferred sound outcomes by selecting the switch that best fits their desired typing experience, knowing that both offer reliable performance where it counts.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch exhibit similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams of pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Caramel Pudding requiring 52 grams to bottom out, while the G Pro 3.0 Red needs only 50 grams. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Red a marginally lighter switch overall, as its total bottom out force is lower than that of the Caramel Pudding. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially during extended periods of use, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be the better option. Conversely, those who enjoy a slightly more substantial push feel might gravitate towards the Caramel Pudding due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-light to light experience, making them suitable choices for different user preferences in terms of typing and gaming comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, we find that the Caramel Pudding has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference in travel distance can greatly affect the typing experience and responsiveness. The Caramel Pudding's shorter travel distance aligns with the trend of gaming switches, offering quick actuation for faster responses, which may be appealing for gamers seeking heightened performance. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Red, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, provides a more pronounced keystroke that many typists may appreciate for its depth. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should depend on your preference for either quick responsiveness or a more substantial typing feel.
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 G Pro 3.0 Red has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Red for $2.77.
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 examining the sound profile, the HMX Caramel Pudding switch is characterized by a resonant, clacky sound signature, offering a more pronounced auditory experience that adds a lively dimension to typing. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red delivers a more neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes the G Pro Red switch versatile for both beginners and advanced users, catering well to a variety of environments, whether at home or in the office. The sound produced by the G Pro Red is less aggressive compared to the Caramel Pudding, emphasizing a balanced auditory experience that complements its design for everyday use. However, it’s essential to note that the overall sound produced by either switch may be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard build and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is celebrated for its exquisitively smooth typing experience. This characteristic is echoed in the performance of the G Pro 3.0 Red, which is particularly known for its creamy and buttery tactile sensation. Users can expect a silky, polished touch from both switches, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The G Pro Red also offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable and comfortable for extended typing sessions. While both switches provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Caramel Pudding’s smoothness is noted as being exquisite, suggesting a potential edge in refinement when compared to the smooth yet slightly more subdued feel of the G Pro Red.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switches bring unique qualities to the table, with the Caramel Pudding standing out for its clacky sound signature and exquisitively smooth feel, while the G Pro Red offers a more neutral sound profile and a reliable, creamy typing experience. If you prioritize a lively auditory performance, the Caramel Pudding may suit your preferences better, but if you are looking for versatility and ease of use, the G Pro Red is budget-friendly and provides a pleasing typing experience. Regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a smooth typing experience complemented by each switch's distinctive sound characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and use cases. If you prefer a switch that provides a pronounced auditory experience with a more resonant and clacky sound, the Caramel Pudding is your best bet. It also offers a slightly firmer feel due to its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams, making it ideal if you enjoy a more tactile feedback while typing. Additionally, the exquisitely smooth typing experience and polished qualities of the Caramel Pudding make it a great choice for enthusiasts who want that premium feel with their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that combines smoothness with a budget-friendly price, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice. With its light bottom-out force of 50 grams and creamy feel, it allows for effortless typing, appealing to both beginners and experienced users looking for reliability across various settings, whether at home or in the office. Plus, the switch’s frosted light diffuser ensures that your RGB lighting will shine bright, adding an aesthetic touch to your keyboard. Ultimately, consider what aspects are more important to you—be it sound and feedback or smoothness and versatility—as this will guide you to the switch that best fits your typing style and environment.
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