HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options in the linear category are the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock Mamba. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature, offering an exquisitely smooth typing feel that many enthusiasts adore, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switches pay tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant, providing users with a gliding typing sensation complemented by a rich and creamy auditory experience. While both switches excel in their smoothness and linear action, the Caramel Pudding leans towards a more pronounced sound profile, whereas the Mamba is characterized by a neutral yet polished experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock Mamba, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top housings, which provides a classic and well-regarded performance characteristic. The Caramel Pudding’s nylon top is designed to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience by producing a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Mamba employs a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE. This combination still retains an overall softness similar to pure nylon but infuses a brighter auditory experience, resulting in a sound profile that is cheery and enjoyable without being overly sharp. Despite their differences in material composition, both switches achieve pleasing auditory results, albeit through different acoustic nuances.
The bottom housings of the Caramel Pudding and Durock Mamba markedly diverge in materials, which leads to distinctions in their sound profiles. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon bottom housing, which, like its top housing, promotes a deeper and more muted sound when bottoming out during typing. This uniformity in material between the top and bottom housing enhances the depth of sound and overall tactile feel, lending itself to a very cohesive typing experience. In contrast, the Mamba utilizes POM for its bottom housing, which is known for creating a distinct, rich sound that is also deeper but comparatively more muted than nylon. The contrasting materials used in the bottom housings of the two switches highlight their unique auditory signatures, despite both producing sounds that are not particularly sharp.
When synthesizing the qualities of each switch's materials, it becomes clear that the combination of housing materials results in varied but complementary effects on the typing experience. For the Caramel Pudding, the consistent use of nylon across both top and bottom housings ensures a cohesive sound profile and tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the Durock Mamba's mix of polymer nylon and POM allows it to produce a brightness in sound during the key-release phase, while still achieving a satisfying depth when the key is pressed down. Ultimately, while each switch operates under different material strengths, both can achieve rich and pleasing sound profiles that cater to varied preferences in typing experiences.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have distinct actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different preferences in typing feel. The Caramel Pudding switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming due to its medium-light feel. In contrast, the Mamba switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is notably higher at 60 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully pressed. This makes the Mamba switch a heavier option compared to the Caramel Pudding. Therefore, typists who favor a more substantial push feel would likely prefer the Mamba, while those seeking a lighter experience for extended use might lean towards the Caramel Pudding.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, the Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mamba features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that players seeking a more responsive experience may gravitate towards the Mamba due to its shorter actuation distance, which can facilitate quicker responses during gameplay. Conversely, if you prefer a bit more depth and a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Caramel Pudding's longer travel distance could be more appealing. Ultimately, while both switches offer relatively shallow travel distances, those who favor a more immediate engagement might appreciate the Mamba, whereas the Caramel Pudding caters to those who enjoy a little more 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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Caramel Pudding and Durock Mamba linear switches, the Caramel Pudding produces a resonant, clacky sound signature that is more pronounced and lively, appealing to those who enjoy a sharper auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Mamba switches provide a richer, creamy auditory experience that leans towards a thocky sound. This deep, satisfying sound is characteristic of switches designed for a more nuanced auditory response. The differences in sound signature can significantly affect the typing experience, and while both switches can offer an engaging sound, the choice will ultimately depend on personal preference.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, likely offering a seamless typing motion that many users favor. The Durock Mamba switches, on the other hand, are characterized by a mild feel that promotes a gentle typing experience. In addition to this, Mamba switches are polished, indicating a refined finish that reduces friction and enhances smooth key travel. This duality offers a more approachable experience that could appeal to users looking for both comfort and ease in their typing endeavors. The smoothness of the Caramel Pudding may mirror this to some extent, but the Mamba's mild and polished characteristics provide a more universally acceptable feel.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Durock Mamba linear switches have unique qualities that will cater to different preferences among users. The Caramel Pudding offers a lively clacky sound and a smooth typing feel, while the Mamba provides a creamy auditory experience with a mild and polished touch. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether a user prioritizes a more resonant sound or a nuanced, gentle typing experience. Both switches can deliver satisfying results, but they excel in different areas, making them suitable for various typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock Mamba linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottoming out force of 52 grams, the Caramel Pudding is the way to go. Its resonant and clacky sound signature, combined with an exquisitely smooth typing feel, makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively auditory experience while typing. This switch is particularly suitable if you’re looking for a fun and expressive typing environment, whether for casual gaming or light typing tasks. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more balanced and slightly firmer feel with a bottoming out force of 60 grams, the Durock Mamba is an impressive option. Known for its gliding typing sensation and rich, creamy sound, the Mamba offers a mild yet polished experience that caters to both beginners and experienced typists alike. Its neutral and thocky tones ensure it fits seamlessly into a variety of environments, from home to the office. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and the atmosphere you wish to create, and you’ll be well-equipped to choose the switch that suits you best.
Mentioned in this article
