HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Magnetic Jade present intriguing options, each with distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature and exceptionally smooth typing feel, making them a great choice for users who enjoy an auditory response while typing and require fluid key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches utilize Hall Effect technology, delivering a bright and clacky sound that enhances acoustic performance, making them perfect for those who want a premium typing experience, especially on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. While both switches offer satisfying auditory feedback and smooth typing experiences, they arise from different engineering philosophies. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches exhibit distinct characteristics, primarily due to the differences in their top housings. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is substantially stiffer. This rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a clear and resonant feedback when typing. The aesthetic differentiation is also apparent, as the clear polycarbonate material allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing choice for gamers and enthusiasts.
Interestingly, the bottom housings of both switches differ markedly in their acoustic profiles. The Caramel Pudding employs a nylon bottom housing, which shares the same acoustic properties as its top counterpart. This means that the Nylon bottom adds to the overall full, rounded sound experience, particularly influencing the bottom-out sound when the key is depressed. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade also features a nylon bottom housing, maintaining the deeper, softer sound profile. As a result, while the two switches utilize the same material for their bottom housings, the overall experience is influenced by the top housing's material. Thus, the unique sound signature of each switch largely stems from the contrasting materials used at the top.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Magnetic Jade make use of nylon for their bottom housings, their distinct top housing materials significantly impact the switches' acoustic characteristics. The Caramel Pudding, with its nylon top, yields a more rounded and muted typographical experience, while the Magnetic Jade's polycarbonate top provides a sharper and more vibrant sound. For those seeking similar sound qualities between the two, focusing on the nylon bottom housing's characteristics can create a more consistent auditory experience. Users may also find that mixing or matching the switch components could yield unique sound profiles tailored to individual preferences, allowing for a customizable typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, affecting their overall typing experience. The Caramel Pudding switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while users will find the Magnetic Jade easier to trigger a keystroke, they will feel a more pronounced resistance when pressing down all the way compared to the Caramel Pudding. Thus, the Magnetic Jade switch is lighter in terms of actuation, potentially making it more suitable for prolonged use without fatigue, while the Caramel Pudding offers a slightly heavier tactile experience for those who prefer more substantial feedback. Overall, if a user prioritizes a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Magnetic Jade would be the better choice; however, for those who appreciate a bit more resistance while typing, the HMX Caramel Pudding would likely be preferable.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Caramel Pudding offers a marginally deeper keystroke experience. For gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness, the Magnetic Jade's shorter travel distance may be preferable, providing quicker actuation for faster response times. On the other hand, those who appreciate a fuller feel when pressing keys might lean towards the Caramel Pudding switch, which offers that extra millimeter of depth. Overall, the two switches are quite close in travel distance, yet they cater to different preferences regarding keystroke feedback.
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is best known for its resonant, clacky sound signature, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch also delivers a bright and clacky sound. Both switches share a similar acoustic profile, making them well-suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response when typing. However, the overall sound experience can vary greatly depending on external factors such as the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps, so users can achieve similar sound quality with either switch, provided they fine-tune their setup appropriately.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are renowned for their exquisitely smooth typing feel, enhancing the overall user experience. In comparison, the Magnetic Jade switches are noted for offering a superior typing experience, likely due to their magnetic hall effect mechanism, which enhances both smoothness and precision. While both switches strive to provide a fluid typing action, the Magnetic Jade may offer an edge in terms of responsiveness and tactile feedback, appealing to those who prioritize a more dynamic feel with each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches present an enticing option for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene, especially for those who enjoy a clacky auditory experience. While the Caramel Pudding excels in providing a smooth typing action, the Magnetic Jade enhances this with a magnetic mechanism that may offer additional responsiveness. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in choosing between the two, though users can achieve a similarly rewarding sound experience with both types of switches if their keyboard and keycap choices are well-considered.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch can significantly impact your typing experience based on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a smooth typing feel combined with a satisfying, clacky sound, the Caramel Pudding switch would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, making it particularly suitable for activities like casual gaming or extensive typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you are looking for an upgrade that enhances both acoustics and typing experience, especially if you're using a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, the Magnetic Jade switch may be more appealing. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force, it offers a robust tactile feedback and clear, bright sound that can elevate your overall satisfaction, especially during competitive gaming or prolonged typing tasks. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize a softer typing experience or a more pronounced acoustic profile and tactile feedback.
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