HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the options between the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Mars, both of which are linear switches but offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound and an exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches bring innovation to the table with their unique POK stem design and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, which promises durability and a refined typing experience. While both switches cater to fans of linear feedback, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preference in sound and material feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and Gateron Mars switches, we find that both models utilize nylon for their top housings. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches will exhibit similar acoustic properties when it comes to sound output. Nylon is celebrated for its softer plastic composition, which effectively dampens sound waves, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Both switches, therefore, promise a subdued and rounded sound profile, enabling an enjoyable typing experience that can be perceived as more muted compared to harder plastic alternatives. The commonality in material for the top housing creates a solid foundation for sound characteristics in both switches.
Conversely, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the Caramel Pudding and the Mars switches. The Caramel Pudding employs a nylon bottom housing, mirroring the material used in its top housing, which contributes to the switch's overall consistency in sound and feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars incorporates a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing. POM is known for its unique acoustic properties that yield a distinct sound profile, described as muted yet still pleasing. As a result, while both switches share similar top housing characteristics, the bottom housings will produce different sonic qualities that can influence the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in each switch leads to nuanced differences in sound. For the HMX Caramel Pudding, the cohesive use of nylon for both top and bottom housing enhances the uniformity of its sound and feel. In contrast, the Gateron Mars, with its POM bottom housing, introduces a variation that results in a slightly differing sound profile, particularly felt during the bottoming out of the switch. Therefore, while typing on either switch will yield a consistent experience due to the similarities in top housing, the differing bottom housings will create distinct impacts on sound and feel, offering typists a slightly varied auditory experience depending on their choice of switch.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, it is noteworthy that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the Caramel Pudding has a defined bottom out force of 52 grams, indicating how much force is needed to fully press the key down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Mars switch remains unknown, leaving a gap in understanding its overall feel when fully pressed. Given that the Caramel Pudding's overall force feedback is moderately balanced—neither too cumbersome nor too light—the Mars could potentially offer a different tactile experience depending on its hidden bottom out force. Until further information is available regarding the Mars switch, one can conclude that the Caramel Pudding is the heavier option when considering the bottom out force, while both switches are equally light in their actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding and Gateron Mars linear switches are both 3.6 mm, indicating that they provide the same amount of key travel when pressed. This equality means that users can expect similar results in terms of the depth of actuation for both switches, offering a consistent typing experience. As a result, when comparing these two switches, the feel of pressing down on the keys will be identical, allowing for a seamless transition for users who may switch between them.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 switches are characterized by a resonant, clacky sound signature that brings a lively acoustic response, making them enjoyable for typists who appreciate auditory feedback while they work or game. This contrast is found in the Gateron Mars switches; however, their sound quality is less defined and remains unknown, which can vary greatly depending on factors like the keyboard build and keycap choice. Thus, while the Caramel Pudding offers a distinct auditory experience, the Mars may have a more subdued sound profile, making it essential to test both switches on your specific keyboard setup for the best comparison.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding linear switches provide an exquisitely smooth typing experience, ensuring effortless key presses that make them appealing for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. The Gateron Mars switches, with their innovative design combining a POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM for the housing, suggest a similarly smooth feel, yet the precise tactile feedback remains unknown. If both deliver on their promises of smoothness, users can expect a comparable experience, allowing for an effortless and fast response regardless of which switch is chosen.
Overall, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Gateron Mars linear switches cater to enthusiasts seeking a smooth typing experience. The Caramel Pudding impresses with its unique sound signature, while the Mars stands out with its innovative design and potentially smooth feel. Given these attributes, you might find that while they have distinct characteristics, they could both provide satisfying performance on your mechanical keyboard depending on your specific preferences and setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you desire. If you are looking for a switch that offers a satisfying, clacky sound profile paired with a smooth typing feel, the Caramel Pudding would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams makes it suitable for users who prefer a lightweight touch without sacrificing feedback. On the other hand, if you're intrigued by innovative designs and materials and want a unique typing experience that combines comfort with durability, the Gateron Mars switch may be the way to go. Although its bottom-out force is not specified, the blend of Nylon and POM in its design suggests a robust construction that could provide a different tactile sensation. Ultimately, your decision should depend on whether you prioritize sound and feel (Caramel Pudding) or innovative design and potential durability (Gateron Mars).
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