HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Aflion Iceberg offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Caramel Pudding stands out with its distinctively resonant and clacky sound signature, providing an auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying, while delivering an exquisitely smooth typing feel. This switch appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience when typing. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg, though a newcomer in the switch market, has quickly garnered appreciation for its smoothness and two-stage spring design, which offers a fulfilling tactile experience. Its characteristics lean towards a snappier, more subtle typing experience, making it a favorite for users who prioritize quiet efficiency during prolonged typing sessions. Both switches come with their own set of advantages; 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
37g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and Aflion Iceberg switches showcase notable differences that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to create a deeper, full-bodied sound due to its softer plastic construction. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a mellower typing experience. Conversely, the Aflion Iceberg utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. As a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate allows sound waves to resonate more clearly, offering a more pronounced auditory feedback. Thus, the contrasting properties of these materials significantly influence the overall acoustic characteristics of each switch, highlighting the Caramel Pudding's warmer tones against the Iceberg's bright clarity.
While the top housings differ, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to similarities in their performance when it comes to the tactile experience. The nylon bottom housing in both the Caramel Pudding and Iceberg provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as this material inherently absorbs sound and creates a rounder bottoming-out feel. This shared aspect means that both switches will deliver a similar tactile sensation when pressed down, allowing users to enjoy a consistent experience despite the discrepancies in their upper housing materials. Ultimately, whether one is typing on the Caramel Pudding or the Iceberg, the nylon bottom housing ensures a comparable depth of sound and feel.
The interaction of the differing top housing materials with their shared bottom housings reveals an interesting dynamic in switch design. In the Caramel Pudding, the nylon top housing promotes a richer sound when keys are released, effectively combining its acoustic properties with the grounding depth of the nylon bottom. In contrast, the Iceberg, with its polycarbonate top, brings brightness to the sound during key releases while still relying on the nylon bottom to provide that familiar comfortable base. Hence, although these switches present distinct auditory profiles due to their unique top materials, the use of nylon in both their bottom housings allows for overarching similarities in tactile feedback and sound absorption. This cohesive interaction underscores how the careful selection of housing materials influences overall switch performance, allowing users to tailor their typing experiences based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of 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 Iceberg offers a lighter experience with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference makes the Iceberg more suitable for users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions, while the Caramel Pudding caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feel with a heavier push. Ultimately, users seeking a softer touch should gravitate toward the Aflion Iceberg, while those desiring slightly more resistance might favor the HMX Caramel Pudding.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, the Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Iceberg features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Caramel Pudding switch, you'll experience a slightly shorter actuation distance, which many gamers may find advantageous for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Iceberg switch, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more substantial pressing sensation that some users prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, if you value responsiveness and a more abrupt feel, the Caramel Pudding might be the better choice. However, if you appreciate a deeper travel distance and tactile feedback, the Iceberg would be preferable.
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 Aflion Iceberg has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iceberg for $3.07.
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 switches are known for their resonant and clacky sound profile, which delivers a sharp and percussive experience with each keystroke. This clacky sound signature is characterized by a bright and snappy response, providing an auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg switches also feature a clacky quality but with a notable high-pitched tone. This high-pitched sound ensures crispness during typing, making it ideal for those who prefer a more lightweight and bright auditory experience. However, both switches will produce sound that can vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap choice, indicating that acoustics are not solely reliant on switch design.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are renowned for their exquisitely smooth typing experience. This seamless feedback allows users to glide from key to key with ease, ensuring a pleasurable and efficient typing experience. On the other hand, the Iceberg switches introduce a blend of responsiveness and lightness, thanks to their dual-stage spring design. This results in a snappy feel, making each key press feel more alive and engaging. Additionally, their feathery nature reduces finger fatigue, which is highly beneficial for extended use. While the Caramel Pudding delivers a smooth experience, the Iceberg offers a blend of smooth and responsive qualities, making both suitable for different typing preferences.
In summary, the HMX Caramel Pudding and Aflion Iceberg linear switches each present unique auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to varying personal preferences. The Caramel Pudding shines with its resonant clack and silky smooth feel, while the Iceberg impresses with its high-pitched sound and responsive, light touch. Depending on your priorities—be it sound or feel—both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, though they do represent subtly different approaches to linear switch design. Ultimately, your experience will be shaped by not only the switches themselves but also by the overall keyboard configuration you choose.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, consider how you prioritize sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation force accompanied by a resonant, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Pudding is ideal for you, especially if you appreciate a smooth typing feel for both gaming and typing sessions. Its 52-gram bottom-out force strikes a balance, providing satisfying feedback without being overly taxing on your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, the Iceberg switch may be more suitable. Renowned for its snappy responsiveness and feathery feel, this switch excels in situations where speed and comfort are essential, making it an excellent choice for prolonged use or fast-paced gaming. Additionally, the Iceberg’s subdued sound profile allows for a more discreet typing experience, perfect for shared workspaces or quiet environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in typing dynamics, sound aesthetics, and ergonomic comfort.
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