HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch you select can significantly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy linear options are the HMX Caramel Pudding and Cherry MX Orange switches. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its unique resonant, clacky sound signature, which adds a playful auditory feedback while maintaining an exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a lively keystroke experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches are a modern revival of the original MX Orange, enhanced with the latest MX2A generation features to meet growing demand for high-quality performance. While the Cherry MX Orange is favored for its balanced feel and reliable consistency, offering a more understated typing experience, the Caramel Pudding caters to users who appreciate a bit more character in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Cherry MX Orange switches are crafted from nylon, a classic and widely used material in the keyboard switch industry. This shared choice of nylon for both the top and bottom housings results in a consistent typing experience across both switch types. The inherent properties of nylon contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, largely due to its softness, which allows it to absorb more sound as compared to harder plastics. As such, users can expect a distinctly duller and rounder auditory feedback from their keystrokes when using either switch. The identical material choice ensures that both switches will elicit similar sound characteristics and tactile responses.
Despite the similarity in materials, the nuances in the design and engineering of the top and bottom housings could lead to subtle differences in feel and performance between the two switches. While both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Cherry MX Orange switches employ the same nylon construction, variations in shape, weight, or assembly can influence how these materials perform under pressure. For example, while typing on either switch, the bottom housing may have a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel due to its role in absorbing the force at the key's lowest point, while the top housing can affect the sound signature when releasing the key.
In conclusion, the use of nylon in both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Cherry MX Orange switches suggests that users will experience a similar auditory and tactile response when typing. However, the overall typing experience may be differentiated by the unique engineering decisions that separate the two designs. If both housings are made of the same material, the final typing results—in terms of sound and feel—can be expected to be somewhat aligned, yet individual design elements in each switch might enhance certain characteristics, providing users with a subtly different experience depending on their choice.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch to the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The Caramel Pudding requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Cherry MX Orange's heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This difference may appeal to typists who prefer less resistance for longer typing sessions, as the Caramel Pudding's lighter touch allows for more comfortable use over extended periods. In terms of bottom out force, the Caramel Pudding has a measurable bottom out force of 52 grams, while the bottom out force for the MX Orange remains unknown. Nonetheless, with the known values, it is clear that the Caramel Pudding is the lighter option overall, making it suitable for users who favor a softer keystroke experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, with its heavier actuation force, caters to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, providing additional feedback during use.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch measures 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Pudding the shorter option and the Cherry MX Orange the longer one. For users who favor quick response times, the Caramel Pudding’s shorter travel distance may provide a more responsive feel, making it suitable for gaming or fast-paced tasks. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange's longer travel distance of 4 mm may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press, offering a greater depth and a more traditional typing experience. Thus, while both switches offer unique benefits, the difference in travel distance caters to different preferences among users.
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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 known for their resonant and clacky sound signature, which creates an engaging auditory experience while typing. This unique acoustic profile can add a certain character to your typing sessions, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches are crafted with enhancements from their original counterpart, leading to a refined sound that is generally well-regarded among users. However, exact details about the sound signature of the MX Orange switches are not specified, but they typically produce a more subdued and consistent sound as compared to the lively Caramel Pudding.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, which allows for a seamless transition between key presses. This smoothness can contribute to reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Meanwhile, the MX Orange switches are reissued with improvements that cater to a high demand, although specific details regarding their feel are not mentioned. However, Cherry MX switches are generally known for their smooth actuation and reliable performance, suggesting that users can still expect a comfortable experience when using MX Orange switches.
In summary, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Cherry MX Orange switches offer distinct experiences. While the Caramel Pudding stands out with its clacky sound and exceptionally smooth feel, the MX Orange provides a more classic, albeit less defined, auditory experience along with the reliability typically associated with Cherry MX switches. Both offer excellent typing experiences but cater to different auditory preferences. Users looking for a lively sound may gravitate towards the Caramel Pudding, while those preferring a more subdued experience may find satisfaction in the MX Orange.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing experience goals. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a medium-light bottom-out force along with a distinct resonant and clacky sound signature, the Caramel Pudding would be your best bet. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a smooth typing feel and want to make an auditory statement while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued auditory experience yet still want the reliability and enhancements found in the MX Orange, then this switch might resonate better with you. Though it has an unknown bottom-out force, the reputation of the MX Orange for quality feel and a balanced performance makes it a strong contender for both gaming and typing. Therefore, consider what sounds and feels right to you in your typing environment; select the Caramel Pudding for a lively and expressive experience, or opt for the Cherry MX Orange for a more classic, refined approach.
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