HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to consider the unique characteristics that each type brings to the table. The HMX Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy an engaging auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switches emphasize a silky smooth typing experience, thanks to their full nylon construction and generous factory lube, which enhances their subdued and polished feel. While both switches fall under the linear category, catering to those who prefer a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback, their distinct sound profiles and materials create different typing experiences. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you favor a more pronounced acoustic feedback with the Caramel Pudding or a quiet, buttery experience with the Ice King Linear. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and Durock Ice King Linear both feature nylon as the primary material for their top and bottom housings, contributing to a unique auditory experience when typing. Nylon is celebrated for its acoustic properties, which absorb sound and result in a muted, fuller sound profile. Both switches in question capitalize on this characteristic to produce a typing experience that is rich and deep. Despite the subjective variations in feel and experience, users can generally expect similar sound profiles and tactile feedback when using either switch due to their common material composition.
In terms of housing structure, both the Caramel Pudding and Ice King Linear switches utilize nylon consistently in both their top and bottom housings. This consistency plays a significant role in the overall characteristics of the switches. Since both the top and bottom contribute equally to the final sound and feel of the switch, users will experience a balanced auditory and tactile sensation, reinforcing the notion of a streamlined and coherent typing feel. Consequently, this dual use of nylon ensures that users will not only enjoy a deeper sound but also a tactile harmony throughout their typing experience.
While the similarities are apparent, the integration of nylon in both switches means that any nuanced differences in their performance will rely on other components, such as the spring and stem design. Both switches may deliver a similar sound profile, yet the interaction of the other elements can create distinct experiences in terms of feedback and actuation force. Therefore, while the nylon housings provide a familiar foundation, enthusiasts may still appreciate the unique features present in each switch that contribute to individualized preferences across the keyboard landscape. Ultimately, this means that while the auditory qualities may align closely, the overall feel and performance could still vary, inviting users to explore the specific strengths of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, notable differences can be observed in both actuation force and bottom-out force. The Caramel Pudding switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, in contrast to the Ice King Linear's heavier actuation force of 52 grams, making the former more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the bottom-out force of the Caramel Pudding is 52 grams, which is also lighter than the Ice King's bottom-out force of 62 grams. Consequently, the Caramel Pudding offers a more forgiving experience, while the Ice King provides a more substantial feel for those who favor a stronger push. In summary, if you're seeking a lighter, more comfortable typing experience, the HMX Caramel Pudding would be the ideal choice, whereas the Durock Ice King Linear caters to those desiring a firmer tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ice King Linear measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that if you're seeking a quicker, more responsive key press, the Ice King Linear may be the preferable choice due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, if you favor a more substantial feel when pressing down on your keys, the Caramel Pudding offers a deeper experience with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference in travel distances—0.1 mm—may seem minor, but it can significantly impact your typing or gaming experience depending on your preference for responsiveness or depth.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 linear switch presents a resonant, clacky sound signature that can evoke a tactile auditory feedback that some typists crave. This characteristic can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch delivers a more subdued auditory experience, producing a dampened sound that is less pronounced compared to the Caramel Pudding. Although it does not offer complete silence, the Ice King's quieter profile makes it a great choice for those seeking a less intrusive typing environment. Keep in mind that the sound produced by either switch can vary significantly depending on the chosen keyboard design and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is renowned for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, providing a delightful tactile feedback that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear excels in providing a silky and frictionless typing sensation, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication. The Ice King's creamy and polished nature further enhances this smooth experience, making it feel effortless when typing. While both switches promise a smooth feel, the Ice King Linear appears to have multiple facets to its smoothness, suggesting a more refined experience compared to the Caramel Pudding.
In conclusion, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch offers a clacky sound signature and a smooth typing experience, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch delivers a more subdued sound alongside an exceptionally silky and frictionless feel. If you're looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Caramel Pudding may be your go-to, while those who prefer a quieter typing environment might lean towards the Ice King. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on your personal preference for sound and tactile feel, as both can still provide a satisfying typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter actuation with a medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams and enjoy a more resonant, clacky sound that adds a layer of character to your typing experience, then the Caramel Pudding switch is the way to go. It provides an exquisitely smooth typing feel that many users appreciate for its pleasant feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a higher bottom out force of 62 grams and appreciate a subdued sound that keeps things quieter, the Ice King Linear switch could be your best bet. With its silky, frictionless feel and polished finish, it offers a thoroughly refined typing experience that's both smooth and consistent, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. In the end, your choice will hinge on whether you value a distinctive acoustic signature and lighter actuation or a more muted, smooth experience with a bit more resistance.
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