HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Gateron Ink Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and Gateron Ink Yellow both offer appealing characteristics for various typing preferences, despite sharing the linear switch designation. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth feel, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow features a shorter travel distance, catering to users who seek a typing experience that strikes a balance between the tactile feel of a standard mechanical keyboard and the efficiency of a laptop keyboard. This switch is known for its pleasant smoothness combined with a subtle clackiness. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, your choice may ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound ambiance or a more compact keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Caramel Pudding Linear

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Caramel Pudding and Gateron Ink Yellow switches feature distinctly different housing materials that significantly influence their respective acoustic profiles. The Caramel Pudding utilizes classic nylon for both its top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic qualities allow it to absorb sound effectively, yielding a rounder and less pronounced noise when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, which contributes to a higher-pitched and somewhat clacky auditory experience. The pointed nature of the INK blend creates a contrast in sound; where the Caramel Pudding's nylon mellows out vibrations, the Ink Yellow enhances them, resulting in an exposed and sibilant type of feedback.

When considering the acoustic qualities of these switches, the differences in material directly contribute to their overall typability and sound character. The Caramel Pudding's nylon top housing absorbs much of the sound energy, leading to a quieter experience that some typists may find comforting and less fatiguing. Conversely, the Ink Yellow's top housing accentuates the sound of the keystroke's release, producing a crisp and lively response that typists often associate with greater tactility. In this way, the distinct materials not only contrast each other but also invite typists to choose based on their auditory preferences.

However, there is a similarity in how both switch designs balance their acoustic properties between the top and bottom housing. Even though the materials differ, if one were to use the Caramel Pudding top housing with a Gateron Ink Yellow bottom housing, or vice versa, the combination could yield a unique blend of sound characteristics. The softer nylon would cushion the sound resulting from bottoming out, while the synthetic INK blend would deliver a brighter sound profile upon key release. This modular approach allows for a customizable tactile experience where users can experiment with various combinations to achieve a satisfying balance of sound and feel in their keystrokes, regardless of their initial preferences for specific sounds.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces stand out. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Ink Yellow features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter switch might gravitate towards the Caramel Pudding for longer typing sessions or marathon gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel will likely prefer the Ink Yellow. Thus, the Caramel Pudding is the lighter option, while the Ink Yellow is the heavier choice, catering to different user preferences in tactile feedback and force requirements.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, the Caramel Pudding boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference, while minimal, may affect user experience based on personal preference. If you lean towards responsiveness, the Gateron Ink Yellow’s 3.5 mm travel could suit your gaming needs better due to its shorter distance, allowing for quicker key actuation. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial press might opt for the HMX Caramel Pudding, appreciating its longer 3.6 mm travel for a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether you prioritize speed or depth in your switch preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding switch has a resonant, clacky sound signature, which makes it quite engaging and satisfying to type on. This character complements its tactile experience and can provide an enjoyable acoustic feedback for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response from their keyboard. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch presents a more balanced auditory profile. It's described as both clacky and neutral, allowing for a bright, crisp sound that remains approachable. This versatility makes the Ink Yellow suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. Both switches offer a clacky component, but the Caramel Pudding leans more toward an exuberant sound versus the Ink Yellow's mild neutrality.

In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is renowned for its exquisitely smooth typing experience. While specific tactile feedback details aren’t provided, it’s inferred that the smoothness contributes to an enjoyable gameplay or typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is characterized as mild and polished. This means the typing experience is gentle, making it easy to use for extended durations without fatiguing your fingers, and its polished nature enhances the fluidity of key travel. While the Caramel Pudding excels in creating a seamless feel, the Ink Yellow offers a more gentle and approachable experience, making it an excellent choice for those transitioning from laptops to mechanical keyboards.

Overall, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Gateron Ink Yellow linear switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding stands out with its clackiness and smoothness, appealing to users who enjoy a lively auditory experience, while the Gateron Ink Yellow strikes a balance between mildness and smoothness, making it versatile for both casual and serious use. Ultimately, the best choice depends on whether you prioritize a more pronounced sound and feel or a balanced, gentle typing experience. Regardless, both will deliver satisfying results, ensuring an enjoyable typing journey for any user.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a typing experience that is notably smoother and appreciate a clackier sound signature, the Caramel Pudding would be ideal for you. Its medium-light actuation force of 52 grams makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, particularly if you require a lighter touch akin to laptop keyboards. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a bit more resistance and shorter travel, the Gateron Ink Yellow, with its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams, could be your best bet. This switch is particularly beneficial if you’re looking for a balanced experience that sits comfortably between a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you lean toward a lightweight, smooth, and clacky feel or a firmer, polished typing experience that remains approachable in both professional and casual settings.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Caramel Pudding Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more