HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switches can significantly affect both your typing experience and the overall sound profile. The HMX Caramel Pudding switch, a linear switch, is celebrated for its resonant clacky sound signature and exceptionally smooth typing feel, making it an appealing option for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a lively auditory experience. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switch represents a more innovative approach as a Hall effect switch, known for its clean, low sound, and compatibility with Wooting keyboards. This switch stands out for its unique magnetic mechanism, which offers a distinct typing experience marked by precision and durability. While the Caramel Pudding caters to users seeking a vibrant and responsive typing environment, the Lavender HE appeals to those who prioritize a quieter, more refined feel. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and the Neo Lavender HE both utilize nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, establishing a strong foundation for comparison in terms of material properties and resultant sound profiles. Both switches are designed to provide a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon’s unique characteristics. As a softer plastic, nylon is adept at sound absorption, minimizing the sharpness that might come from harder materials. This shared housing material lends both switches a rounder sound profile, creating a similar auditory experience when typing, ultimately appealing to users seeking a rich and more gentle acoustic feedback.
In terms of performance, the dual use of nylon in both the Caramel Pudding and Lavender HE enhances the overall typing experience by distributing qualities evenly between the top and bottom housings. When pressed, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in how the switch feels and sounds upon bottoming out, while the top housing influences the sound profile during key release. Since both switches employ identical nylon materials for both top and bottom housings, users can expect consistent acoustics across different types of keystrokes. This means that whether engaging the key or releasing it, the resulting auditory feedback will be quite similar for both models, contributing to a cohesive typing experience.
Despite their distinct names and designs, the similarity in housing materials ensures that users of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Neo Lavender HE will enjoy comparable tactile and auditory characteristics. The uniform nylon composition implies that, regardless of external aesthetics or branding, the sound profile and overall performance will exhibit minimal divergence. This compatibility in material translates into an easily appreciable experience for typists, reinforcing the appeal of both switch types to those who prioritize acoustic enjoyment and tactile feedback when choosing their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Lavender HE switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Neo Lavender HE switch is generally easier to press, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, where fatigue may be a concern. Conversely, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Caramel Pudding switch offer a more substantial feel during use, which might appeal to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, each switch presents unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences: the Lavender HE as the lighter option and the Caramel Pudding providing a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Caramel Pudding the shorter option between the two, promoting quicker key presses that can be particularly appealing for gamers seeking rapid response times. In contrast, the Lavender HE's longer travel distance may provide a more pronounced and hearty feel for those who prefer deeper keystrokes, potentially enhancing the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance, where the Caramel Pudding favors responsiveness and the Lavender HE caters to users who enjoy a more substantial keypress.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch produces a resonant, clacky sound signature that gives a lively acoustic presence during typing or gaming sessions. This sound can create a satisfying auditory experience for those who enjoy the audible feedback of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch generates a clean, low sound that lends itself to a more subdued acoustic profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a quieter keyboard environment. Ultimately, the sound experience of each switch can also vary depending on the keyboard construction and keycap materials used, which means you can achieve different outcomes even with the same switch.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switch stands out with its exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that enhance both typing speed and comfort during extended use. This smoothness can be especially appealing to typists and gamers alike who favor a responsive touch. On the other hand, the feel of the Neo Lavender HE remains less defined in the provided information. However, the switch is known for its compatibility with Wooting keyboards, which may imply it offers a unique tactile experience that aligns well with the versatility and responsiveness of hall effect technology.
In summary, the HMX Caramel Pudding and Neo Lavender HE linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Caramel Pudding’s clacky resonance and silky smoothness create an engaging typing experience, while the Lavender HE’s clean, low sound may appeal to those who prioritize a quieter setup. With the information available, users can select a switch that best matches their needs, or, if unsure, consider trying both switches to see which qualities resonate more with their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of acoustic feedback while typing or gaming, and you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force for a touch of resistance, the Caramel Pudding will likely be your go-to option. Its resonant, clacky sound signature can enhance your typing experience, making it more engaging and expressive, especially when you're in a lively setting or gaming with friends. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a clean and low sound—enabling you to work or game quietly without disturbing others—the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent choice. With its light bottom-out force, it provides a smooth typing feel that can be especially appealing during long typing sessions or when precise keystrokes are essential, as it works seamlessly with Wooting keyboards for those who value flexibility in key mapping. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your sound preferences, typing feel, and intended usage to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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