HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Jerrzi Honey Bean are two standout linear options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding switches are widely praised for their resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making them a compelling choice for users who enjoy an auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switches provide a delightful light touch and silent operation, making them an ideal selection for those who work in shared environments where noise reduction is crucial; they ensure a discreet yet satisfying typing experience. While the Caramel Pudding enhances the tactile experience with its clatter, the Honey Bean prioritizes quietness and ease of use with its muted action. 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
42g
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, one notable distinction arises from the choice of top housing materials. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, a material renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon’s relatively soft nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, thus resulting in a sound that is both duller and rounder. In contrast, the Honey Bean features POM (polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, which also creates a muted and deep sound profile, though there are nuances to the way the sound is generated. The POM material is known for offering a crisp sound with its own unique tonal qualities, providing an interesting auditory experience that differs from the warmth imparted by nylon.
The bottom housing of both switches presents another avenue for comparison. The Caramel Pudding’s nylon bottom housing reinforces its strong sound-absorbing properties, further contributing to the overall depth and muted sound profile of the switch. Similar to the top housing, the nylon bottom is aimed at creating a consistent auditory experience, enabling users to enjoy a deep typing sound that feels cohesive throughout. On the other hand, the Honey Bean's use of POM for its bottom housing creates a distinctive sound experience as well; while still on the deeper spectrum, POM's properties lend themselves to a contrast with the top housing, potentially resulting in varied sound characteristics that could be perceived slightly differently when bottoming out.
Ultimately, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches deliver satisfying auditory experiences, albeit through different materials that embody unique characteristics. While the Caramel Pudding maintains consistency with nylon throughout, offering a warm, rounded sound, the Honey Bean adopts a dual-material approach that celebrates the distinctive acoustic performance of both POM and nylon. For users seeking a harmonious auditory experience, the similarities in sound depth between both switches indicate that they are likely to achieve appealing results in terms of overall sound, despite the differences in material. The juxtaposition of the softer nylon against the more detailed POM can yield a rich auditory landscape that will satisfy various preferences in tactile feedback and sound.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it is evident that the Caramel Pudding offers a slightly heavier actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Honey Bean's 42 grams. This difference makes the Honey Bean linear switch a somewhat lighter option, which could benefit users who prioritize longer typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. However, the Caramel Pudding's bottom out force is 52 grams, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down completely on the key. In contrast, the Honey Bean's bottom out force is unknown, leaving its bottoming out experience unclear. If the bottom out force of the Honey Bean were to be measured, it might provide similar results to the Caramel Pudding in terms of substantial feedback. Overall, the Caramel Pudding is suited for those who prefer a firmer key feel, while the Honey Bean is ideal for users favoring a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, the Caramel Pudding measures 3.6 mm, while the Honey Bean measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This means that if you choose the Caramel Pudding, you'll experience a shorter travel distance, which may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Honey Bean's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke and a deeper feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for either a snappier or a more robust typing experience.
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 Jerrzi Honey Bean has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey Bean for $3.59.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Caramel Pudding and Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches, distinct differences emerge. The Caramel Pudding switch is known for its resonant, clacky sound signature, which provides a more pronounced auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This sound characteristic may enhance the tactile experience for users who appreciate audible confirmation when each key is pressed. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switch features a muted sound profile, producing softer and quieter keystrokes. This makes the Honey Bean a preferable choice for environments where noise reduction is paramount, such as offices or shared spaces. The choice between these two can greatly depend on personal preference regarding sound; those who favor a lively typing experience might lean towards the Caramel Pudding, while individuals seeking discretion will likely prefer the Honey Bean.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is renowned for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, offering a satisfying resistance during key presses that can enhance tactile engagement. This smoothness can lead to enhanced typing speed and fluidity, making it appealing for both typists and gamers alike. Contrarily, the Honey Bean switch provides an easy-to-press feel, characterized by gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate each key. This light actuation force translates to effortless typing, significantly reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. Additionally, the feathery nature of the Honey Bean switch makes it exceptionally comfortable to use, particularly in settings requiring extensive typing or gaming. The Caramel Pudding offers a smooth feedback that can be delightful for users who enjoy that sensation, while the Honey Bean caters to those who want a light and responsive experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, providing unique advantages based on user needs. The Caramel Pudding is ideal for those who enjoy a clacky, resonant sound and a smooth typing experience, enhancing engagement through auditory feedback. In contrast, the Honey Bean excels with its muted sound for quiet environments and its effortless, feather-light feel, making it suitable for prolonged use without strain. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value an auditory experience or prioritize a soft, light touch while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback with a resonant, clacky sound signature and appreciate a smooth typing experience, the Caramel Pudding switch may be the ideal choice for you, particularly if you prefer a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance for both typing and gaming. However, if you find yourself in environments where noise control is paramount—such as an office or shared workspace—the Honey Bean switch would be your best option, as it offers a muted sound profile and a delightfully light, easy-to-press action that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In essence, consider not just how you type or game, but also the setting in which you’ll be doing so; this will help guide your decision toward the switch that best fits your lifestyle and typing preferences.
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