HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing or gaming experience, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock Koala offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding, famed for its resonant and clacky sound, provides an exquisitely smooth typing experience that many users appreciate in a linear switch. Its seamless keystrokes make it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a quiet yet satisfying response without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switches strike a balance between tactile feedback and typing comfort, offering a stepped tactility that delivers a pronounced bump mid-press without overwhelming resonance. This makes them an excellent choice for users who enjoy a bit of feedback without being overly loud. While both switches have their unique selling points—smoothness and sound for the Caramel Pudding, and a pleasant tactile experience for the Koalas—let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock Koala showcase distinct characteristics in their housing materials, influencing the acoustic and tactile experiences they offer keyboard enthusiasts. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality stems from nylon's softer texture, which helps absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Koala incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for generating a crisper and sharper sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to this clarity, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a resonant and vibrant acoustic response. While both switches may be fun to type on, their differing top housing materials will distinctly alter the sound and sensation each produces when activated.
Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which hold additional significance in defining their acoustic properties. With nylon being a classic material favored for its sound-dampening qualities, both the Caramel Pudding and Koala benefit from a fuller, rounder sound from their bottoms. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out feel and sound, both keyboards will evoke a similar sensation in that regard. Although the top housing materials differ in their sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom ensures that users will still experience a softer and more subdued auditory response on bottoming out across both switches. This consistency in bottom housing composition allows for a familiar tactile experience, regardless of the top housing material.
The combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Caramel Pudding and Koala respectively, means that users can expect a blend of sound from each switch while typing. This difference in the materials used for the top housing can lead to an interesting dichotomy in switch behavior; while the deep and rounded sound of the Caramel Pudding captures a more muted ambiance, the sharper and clearer tones produced by the Koala add an energetic flair to the typing experience. Ultimately, the juxtaposition of these materials means that users selecting one switch over the other will do so based on their personal sound and feel preferences. While the construction varies, the consistent nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a level of compatibility in the tactile experience, letting users appreciate the unique attributes that each switch has to offer.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, there are significant differences in weight and feel. The HMX Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light and suitable for users who prefer easier keystrokes for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock Koala, with an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, falls into the medium-heavy category, indicating a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. This difference suggests that the Koala would require a heavier force to activate, intensifying the feedback upon each keystroke. Therefore, those seeking a lighter option for comfort during long use may gravitate toward the Caramel Pudding, while those who enjoy a firmer typing experience would likely opt for the Durock Koala.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that the Caramel Pudding switch may offer a quicker and more responsive feel, which is often favored by gamers looking for faster response times. In contrast, the Koala switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial and sensitive tactile feel, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper actuation. Thus, if one prefers a more immediate response, the HMX Caramel Pudding would be the better choice, whereas the Durock Koala would suit those who prefer a richer depth in their keystrokes. Overall, the two switches cater to different preferences, with the Caramel Pudding being the shorter option and the Koala the longer one.
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 Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 the sound profile of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, it is characterized by a resonant and clacky sound that makes each keystroke feel pronounced and lively. This sound signature adds a spirited quality to typing, often appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback while they type. In contrast, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a more subdued auditory experience. With its low-pitched resonance and neutral tone, the Koala strikes a balance between being pleasant to the ear and not overly loud, making it suitable for environments such as offices or shared spaces. While both switches provide enjoyable acoustic experiences, they cater to different preferences depending on how pronounced you want the sound to be during your typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are renowned for their exquisitely smooth typing experience, which is a hallmark of linear switches. This smoothness allows for a fluid key travel without any tactile interruptions, ideal for users who favor a seamless press. On the other hand, the Durock Koala provides a tactile feedback that is characterized by a stepped tactility, delivering a noticeable bump at the actuation point. This tactile bump is accentuated yet not overwhelming, appealing to those who want feedback without excessive force. Additionally, the Koalas are polished and have a stiff quality, meaning that they require more effort for actuation, which can enhance the sensation of authority with each keystroke. While the Caramel Pudding favors an uninterrupted typing experience, the Koala blends smoothness with tactile feedback, catering to a different user preference.
In summary, both the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch have distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. The Caramel Pudding provides a lively and clacky sound with an assuredly smooth feel, perfect for those seeking a linear switch experience. Conversely, the Durock Koala balances tactility with a polished feel, offering varied feedback without overwhelming the user with noise or force. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on whether you prioritize the smoothness and sound of linear switches or the tactile feedback and nuanced feel of tactile switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you favor a lighter feel with a smooth, clacky experience and enjoy the sound of your keystrokes resonating, the Caramel Pudding switch will likely be your best bet. It’s ideal for casual typing, gaming, or environments where you want to add a bit of character to your keyboard without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback that provides a satisfying bump without being overly intrusive, the Durock Koala switch is a solid option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and polished feel make it suitable for both typing and gaming while maintaining a versatile sound profile that works well in various settings, from your home office to a shared workspace. Ultimately, choose based on whether you lean towards a lighter, smooth experience or a more tactile, robust sensation in your keystrokes.
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