HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and Cherry MX Red offer distinct experiences, each catering to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making them an ideal choice for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switches, a classic in the mechanical keyboard community, are known for their slightly heftier feel and low-pitched, thocky sound profile. This depth enhances the robust typing experience, appealing to users who value a more grounded auditory feedback. Both switches are linear, meaning they provide a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps, but they significantly differ in sound and overall typing feel. Ultimately, your choice may boil down to whether you prioritize a more playful sound experience with the Caramel Pudding or a solid, weighty feedback with the Cherry MX Red. However, 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
45g
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
Both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Cherry MX Red utilize nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, leading to similarities in the auditory and tactile experiences provided by these switches. Since both models employ nylon—heralded for its softer properties—users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This inherent quality of nylon allows the switches to absorb more sound vibrations, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to switches made with harder plastics. Consequently, individuals using either the Caramel Pudding or Cherry MX Red will enjoy a generally quiet, smooth typing experience characterized by muted acoustics.
While the top and bottom housings of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Cherry MX Red are both composed of nylon, allowing for consistent sound absorption characteristics, it's essential to recognize the impact each housing has on the overall switch performance. Given that the bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, users might experience differences in how these switches feel when pressed down. This variance, while subtle, can influence user preference, as the sensation of bottoming out can affect typing speed and accuracy. The top housing, similarly, influences the sound and feel when keys are released, making it apparent that even with identical materials, the arrangement can lead to nuanced differences.
In summary, while the HMX Caramel Pudding and Cherry MX Red share the same nylon material for both their top and bottom housings—contributing similarly to their sound profiles—there may still be distinct performance perceptions due to the design of each switch. Ultimately, the shared housing material translates into comparable acoustic experiences, but individual preferences may be swayed by differences in user interactions with each switch. Thus, players and typists alike can rely on the consistent characteristics of nylon, while still appreciating the unique touch each switch design imparts to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it's evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users can expect a similar keystroke activation experience from both. This equal actuation force makes them both suitable for those who enjoy lighter switches, perfect for long typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ, as the Caramel Pudding has a bottom out force of 52 grams, which indicates a slightly firmer feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red’s bottom out force is unavailable, leaving its overall force characteristics less defined. Therefore, while the actuation forces are equal, the HMX Caramel Pudding provides a heavier bottom out feel compared to what is known about the Cherry MX Red. This means that for those who prefer a bit more resistance at the bottom of their key presses, the Caramel Pudding would be the better choice, whereas the Cherry MX Red might appeal more to users seeking a lighter or undefined tactile experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Caramel Pudding switch is the shorter option, providing a snappier feel that enhances responsiveness—ideal for gamers who prioritize speed. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial keystroke which some users may find more satisfying for typing or gaming due to the deeper feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 switch is characterized by a resonant, clacky signature that makes each keystroke quite noticeable, enhancing the auditory feedback during typing. This lively sound can be quite pleasing for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch provides a deeper and more robust auditory output described as thocky. This low-pitched quality delivers a satisfying and rich sound profile, akin to a deep thud or soft knock when a key is pressed and released, offering a different type of auditory satisfaction compared to the Caramel Pudding’s clackiness.
When considering the feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is known for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for seamless keystrokes without any noticeable texture or resistance. This caters well to typists seeking a fluid and effortless motion. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is noted for its slightly heftier feel, accompanied by a textured experience that can introduce a subtle friction when pressing the keys. While the Reds don’t have the smoothness that the Caramel Pudding switches provide, the added resistance can yield a more tactile typing sensation for those who appreciate feeling the keypresses.
In summary, while both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Cherry MX Red linear switches offer linear keyfeel with a focus on smooth operation, they diverge in their auditory and tactile experiences. The Caramel Pudding delivers a vibrant clacky sound and ultra-smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy prominent feedback with minimal friction. In contrast, the Cherry MX Reds provide a deeper sound profile and a heftier, textured feel that can be preferred by those who appreciate a more robust auditory experience coupled with slight resistance during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences, as they each offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing styles and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch comes down to your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a switch that is medium-light with a resonant, clacky sound signature to accompany its exquisitely smooth typing feel, the Caramel Pudding switch would be a fantastic option for you, especially if you enjoy a friendly and playful acoustic profile in your keyboard. This makes it ideal for casual typing and gaming, providing an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that offers a slightly heftier feel with a deeper, thocky sound, the Cherry MX Red suits you well. Its rich and satisfying auditory depth combined with its textured feedback creates a more robust typing experience, perfect for those who wish to balance responsiveness with a solid sense of control during intense gaming or productive typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles, so it's essential to consider your desired experience when making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
