HMX Caramel Pudding vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, many enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to linear options due to their smooth actuation and lack of tactile feedback. Among these, the HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Gravel switches present compelling choices, each with its own unique qualities. The Caramel Pudding is renowned for its resonant, clacky sound signature complemented by an exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it a favorite for those who enjoy auditory feedback alongside performance. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel offers exceptional smoothness and a refined typing experience with a medium-light actuation force that emphasizes a responsive yet effortless feel, perfect for users who prioritize rapid key presses and minimal fatigue. While both switches provide a fluid typing environment, the Caramel Pudding leans towards a lively auditory experience, whereas the Gravel focuses on a lighter touch and enhanced responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
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
3.50 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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Gravel switches feature contrasting top housing materials that significantly impact their acoustic profiles. The Caramel Pudding utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is described as round and dull, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a warmer auditory experience. In contrast, the Gravel's polycarbonate top housing creates a much sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for greater resonance and clarity, producing a higher-pitched sound that cuts through the auditory landscape. Therefore, the choice of top housing material inherently influences the sound experience users can expect from each switch.
On the other hand, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Gravel switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which plays a crucial role in determining how the switches feel and sound when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing, consistent in both models, contributes to that deeper, fuller sound profile characteristic of softer plastics, maintaining a duller and rounder sound. This shared feature establishes a tonal similarity between the two switches when pressed down since the interaction with the bottom housing predominates the bottoming out feel and sound. Therefore, despite their differences in top housing, both switches harmonize in their lower audible spectrum due to the nylon material used in the bottom housing.
Considering these differences and similarities, the ultimate user experience when typing on either switch will result from an interplay between the top and bottom housings. While the Caramel Pudding leans toward a warmer and more muted acoustic experience from the nylon top, the Gravel offers a vibrant and punchy response with its polycarbonate casing. However, the similar nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a commonality in the deeper and more substantial sound profile when bottoming out, allowing users to enjoy certain consistent characteristics regardless of their choice in top housing material. Thus, both switches can yield similar results when considering the overall typing experience, blending distinct highs with shared lows.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, we find that both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a similar typing feel when it comes to initiating a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Caramel Pudding registering at 52 grams while the Gravel is slightly lighter at 50 grams. This means that although both switches require the same force to actuate, the Caramel Pudding offers a firmer feel upon bottoming out, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gravel’s lower bottom out force makes it the lighter option overall, catering to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Thus, despite their equal actuation forces, the Caramel Pudding provides a heavier feel compared to the Gravel's lighter response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, we find that the Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gravel features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding provides a more substantial feel when pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a bit more resistance and depth in their key presses. Conversely, the Gravel, with its shorter 3.5 mm distance, may cater to gamers or users seeking a quicker and more responsive keystroke. If you prioritize fast response times, you might find the Gravel switch more suitable, while those who enjoy a hearty depth might lean towards the Caramel Pudding for its slightly longer travel distance.
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 HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 its resonant, clacky sound signature. This adds a certain brightness and liveliness to the typing experience, which can be quite enjoyable for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel linear switch does not have its sound qualities explicitly detailed, but given that it is a linear switch, one could reasonably expect a smoother, quieter output compared to the more resonant Caramel Pudding. It's important to note that the overall sound produced by a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard frame, the type of keycaps used, and even the acoustics of the room.
Regarding the feel, the HMX Caramel Pudding switch is lauded for its exquisitely smooth typing experience. This smoothness is complemented by the linear design, which avoids any tactile bump or audible click, making it ideal for those who prefer a seamless stroke. The Gravel switch, similarly, offers an exceptional smoothness that is evident in its refined typing feel. With a medium-light actuation force that trends towards the lighter side, the Gravel allows for a responsive and effortless typing experience, enhancing comfort and speed during prolonged use. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the Gravel's lighter actuation may cater to users looking for ease during fast typing tasks.
In conclusion, when comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Gravel linear switches, both display a strong emphasis on smoothness in their typing feel; however, they differ in their sound profiles, with the Caramel Pudding being more resonant and clacky. The Gravel switch, while lacking explicit sound details, is likely to deliver a quieter, more subdued experience in that department. Ultimately, both switches promise a high-quality experience, with the Caramel Pudding providing a more pronounced auditory feedback and the Gravel offering effortless responsiveness, making them appealing choices for different user preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Gravel linear switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you find yourself drawn to a keyboard that produces a resonant, clacky sound and provides a smooth typing experience with a slightly heavier feel, then the Caramel Pudding switch may be the ideal choice for you. This switch is especially suitable for those who enjoy that tactile auditory feedback while typing and appreciate a medium-light force that still offers a solid typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel with a more effortless keystroke, the Gravel switch would be your go-to option. With its lighter actuation force and responsive nature, it is perfect for those who value quick typing and a whisper-quiet sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, so consider what aspects matter most to you before making a decision.
Mentioned in this article
