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HMX Caramel Pudding vs. PH Studio Jacaranda

An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that fits your typing style and preferences, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the PH Studio Jacaranda both offer distinctive features that cater to different user needs. The Caramel Pudding is known for its smooth typing experience and resonant, clacky sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who value both auditory feedback and a seamless keystroke. On the other hand, the Jacaranda, crafted by KTT, showcases its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force that ensures fatigue-free typing while providing a distinctly bouncy sensation from its extended 22mm spring. Both switches lean towards a clacky sound, but the Jacaranda's crisp feedback and silky feel set it apart as an inviting option for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, appealing to diverse preferences in sound and tactile feedback. 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

39g

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

3.50 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

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

Single stage lengthened 22mm spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials used in the HMX Caramel Pudding and the PH Studio Jacaranda, distinct differences emerge in their top housing compositions. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material noted for its softer qualities that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows nylon to absorb more sound, leading to a typing experience characterized by a rounder, more muted auditory feedback. In contrast, the Jacaranda employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Polycarbonate’s clear nature not only enhances sound clarity but also makes it a favored choice for RGB lighting applications, providing an aesthetic advantage alongside its performance characteristics.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Caramel Pudding and Jacaranda use nylon, which creates a consistent impact on the overall sound profile when typing. The nylon bottom housing fosters a typing experience that remains deep and rounded due to the material's inherent sound-absorbing properties. This uniformity in the bottom housing ensures that the characteristics of the nylon material can be appreciated in both switches, resulting in a similar feel during key bottoming-out regardless of the distinct top housing materials utilized. Therefore, while the top housings differ significantly in their sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom offers a consistent foundation for user experience.

The interaction between the two types of housing emphasizes how the sound characteristics of the Caramel Pudding and Jacaranda will be perceived during use. With the Caramel Pudding’s nylon top housing generating a lower pitch and the Jacaranda’s polycarbonate top housing producing a brighter sound, the feel and auditory feedback experienced by users will evoke different sensitivities. However, since both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, this similarity in material means that the overall acoustic signature can still echo a blend of rounded and crisp sound profiles depending on the key actuation and release. Consequently, while users can expect distinct sound experiences when pressing the switches, the nylon bottom housing effectively ties both experiences together, providing a common touchpoint in the mechanical keyboard landscape.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Caramel Pudding switches have an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing them as medium-light. In contrast, the Jacaranda switches feature a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Jacaranda is the lighter option overall, which can be more suitable for users who prefer less resistance during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The Caramel Pudding, being heavier, offers a more substantial feel that might appeal to those who appreciate a firmer push when typing. Therefore, while users of both switches will experience the actuation and bottom out forces distinctly, the Jacaranda provides a softer touch compared to the Caramel Pudding, making it more appropriate for those who favor lighter switches.

Travel distance

The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Caramel Pudding the option with a longer travel distance, providing a marginally deeper feel when pressed down compared to the Jacaranda. Both switches occupy a range that is slightly below the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a quicker response time typical in gaming. As such, choosing the slightly shorter Jacaranda could enhance responsiveness for those prioritizing speed, while the Caramel Pudding may be more suitable for users who appreciate a touch of depth in their keystrokes.

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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.

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 switch is characterized by its resonant and clacky sound signature, providing a lively auditory experience as you type. This sound profile tends to be clean and sharp, contributing to a stimulating typing atmosphere. The PH Studio Jacaranda switch shares a similar clacky quality, with a crisp and bright auditory feedback that is noticeable with each keystroke. The Jacaranda's sound leans towards the high-pitched spectrum, ensuring a sharp and percussive response that underscores the typing experience. Both switches, while having similar clacky attributes, depend on the keyboard and keycap configurations to produce their full sound potential.

When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switch offers an exquisitely smooth typing experience, making it easy to glide from key to key. On the other hand, the Jacaranda switch stands out with its unique features, particularly its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g which minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, the Jacaranda incorporates an extended 22mm spring that delivers a distinctive bouncy sensation, enhancing the overall tactile response while typing. Consequently, while both switches provide a satisfying typing feel, the Jacaranda's combination of smoothness and bounce presents a different experience compared to the Pudding.

Overall, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches cater to typists seeking a clacky sound profile and smooth operation, making them suitable choices for enhancing the typing experience. While they share similarities in sound, the Jacaranda's cushioned transition and spring design create a unique tactile sensation that distinguishes it from the Caramel Pudding. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise rewarding feedback and stimulation, ensuring a pleasing typing journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a slightly firmer keystroke with a bottom-out force of 52 grams and crave an exquisitely smooth typing experience paired with a resonant, clacky sound profile, then the Caramel Pudding is likely your best bet. It's ideal for tasks that require precision and feedback, such as coding or casual gaming, where the tactile response adds a subtle dimension to your work. However, if you prefer a lighter touch with an even easier press thanks to the Jacaranda's 45-gram bottom-out and extended 22mm spring, this switch caters to a fatigue-free typing experience, making it perfect for long typing sessions or if you need a bouncy feel that enhances your overall engagement with the keyboard. The Jacaranda’s crisp, high-pitched sound further adds to the auditory satisfaction, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate a sharp and lively typing experience. Depending on your needs, selecting the right switch can greatly enhance your enjoyment and efficiency, setting the tone for your mechanical keyboard journey.

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