HMX Caramel Pudding vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the HMX Hibiscus 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 HMX Hibiscus offer two enticing options for those who favor a linear feel while typing. The Caramel Pudding is acclaimed for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing experience, making it a delightful choice for enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback along with performance. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus also provides an exceptional smoothness and features an ultra-light actuation force, making typing effortless, while delivering a satisfyingly poppy and crispy sound that appeals to a variety of users. Both switches present unique advantages: the Caramel Pudding for those who enjoy a rich auditory presence during their keystrokes, and the Hibiscus for individuals who prioritize light actuation and pristine smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and the HMX Hibiscus switches share fundamental similarities in their housing materials, both featuring top and bottom housings made of nylon. This commonality is significant as nylon is known as a classic material for switch housings. It provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a cohesive auditory experience that enhances the overall typing pleasure, with each switch delivering the same satisfying acoustic signature.
Examining the housing's impact further reveals that both the Caramel Pudding and Hibiscus switches will offer a consistent performance due to the identical nylon material used in both the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and tactile feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound profile when keys are released. Given that both switches utilize nylon for both top and bottom housings, users can expect similar tactile sensations and auditory feedback regardless of which switch they opt for. This uniformity fosters a familiar typing experience among the HMX offerings.
In conclusion, while the HMX Caramel Pudding and the HMX Hibiscus may differ in color and aesthetics, their housing materials reinforce a shared performance standard. With nylon’s inherent properties providing consistent sound absorption and depth across both models, users can anticipate a similarly engaging typing experience. The experience of pressing a key, listening to the sound it produces, and feeling the feedback will remain consistent between the two, highlighting how material choice can influence performance despite differences in design. Whether one chooses the Caramel Pudding or Hibiscus, the results will resonate with familiar depth and fullness characteristic of durable nylon technology.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Hibiscus linear switches, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Hibiscus switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a softer touch. The lighter actuation force of the Hibiscus may appeal to users who anticipate longer typing sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger keystrokes. However, for those who prefer a more substantial, heavier feel while typing, the Caramel Pudding's higher actuation and bottom out forces could provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, if one prefers lighter switches, the Hibiscus is the clear choice, while those who favor a bit more resistance might gravitate toward the Caramel Pudding.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly longer than the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This 0.1 mm difference means that the Caramel Pudding offers a more pronounced keypress, ideal for those who appreciate a deeper tactile feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Hibiscus, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a more immediate responsiveness, appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times. For users who favor a robust depth in their keystrokes, the Caramel Pudding is the better choice, while those preferring a snappier feel will likely gravitate towards the Hibiscus. Overall, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional options, the Caramel Pudding is the longer of the two.
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 Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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 switches deliver a resonant, clacky sound signature that adds an engaging auditory feedback to your typing experience. Similarly, the HMX Hibiscus switches also produce a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound, making both switches enjoyable for those who appreciate an audible response while typing. However, the specific characteristics of each switch’s sound can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, so individual experiences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switches offer an exquisitively smooth typing feel, making them accessible for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Hibiscus switches take smoothness a step further, promising an unparalleled typing experience with an ultra-light actuation force that surpasses 80% of all switches. This combination results in a unique tactile experience, where both switches aim to provide a comfortable and fluid typing experience, but the Hibiscus may feel lighter and potentially faster in terms of actuation.
Overall, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Hibiscus linear switches bring enjoyable qualities suited for different preferences. The Caramel Pudding stands out with its smooth feel and engaging clacky sound, while the Hibiscus excels with its ultra-light actuation and crisp auditory feedback. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the Caramel Pudding for its smoothness or the Hibiscus for its delightful actuation, both switches promise a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience, enabling users to enjoy similar results based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Caramel Pudding and the HMX Hibiscus linear switches, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams that provides a resonant, clacky sound signature combined with an exquisitely smooth typing experience, then the Caramel Pudding will be more suited to your needs. It's a fantastic option if you enjoy auditory feedback alongside a satisfying feel during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an effortless bottom-out force of just 48 grams, the Hibiscus switches may be your best choice. Known for their unparalleled smoothness and a poppy, crispy sound profile, these switches excel in situations where speed and subtlety in typing are paramount. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will hinge on your desired balance of actuation force and sound characteristics, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to your liking.
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