HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, particularly the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Haimu Neo White, keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves weighing performance characteristics and auditory feedback. The Caramel Pudding switch is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch features a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing experience marked by its remarkably smooth actuation, thanks in part to its unique Ly stem design. While both switches fall under the linear category, the Caramel Pudding is favored for its engaging sound profile, while the Neo White is appreciated for its smooth and satisfying keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and Haimu Neo White switches, one can observe distinct differences in the top housing that influence their acoustic profiles. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder acoustic signature. In contrast, the Neo White uses a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer plastic that generates a sharper and crisper sound profile. As polycarbonate is more resonant, switches with this material often produce a clearer, higher-pitched sound, making it especially suitable for environments where RGB lighting is a consideration, as its translucency allows for better light diffusion.
While the top housings of the two switches significantly differ, both the Caramel Pudding and Neo White utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity means that when typing on either switch, you will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile in terms of the bottoming out feel, as nylon absorbs sound in a way that softens the impact. This shared bottom housing material allows for a consistent tactile experience despite the differences in the top housing materials. Therefore, while the acoustic results differ when discussing the sound upon key release, the bottom-out sound will remain similar due to the commonality of the nylon used in both switches’ bottom housings.
Ultimately, the interaction between the two different top housings and identical bottom housings provides users with a unique switching experience. The contrast between the warm, fuller sound of the nylon top in the Caramel Pudding and the bright, clear sound of the polycarbonate top in the Neo White suggests that the switches have distinct sound profiles that cater to different user preferences. So while both switches will share some auditory characteristics due to their nylon bottoms, the choice between them will come down to whether a user favors the deeper sound of nylon or the crispness of polycarbonate, especially during the key release. This nuanced combination ensures a diverse sonic experience that can enhance the typing experience based on personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming periods. In contrast, the Neo White switch lacks a specified actuation force but has a higher bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a firmer key feel and a more substantial typing experience. This heavier bottom out force may appeal to users looking for a stronger tactile feedback when pressing the keys. Overall, while the Caramel Pudding offers a medium-light touch, making it more comfortable for prolonged use, the Haimu Neo White's heavier bottom out force can provide users with a sense of durability and strength, though it does not specify an actuation force for comparison.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in identical actuation characteristics when pressed. This equivalence means that users of either switch will experience the same feel and responsiveness, making both options suitable for those seeking a consistent keystroke experience. Consequently, there isn't a shorter or longer option between the two; instead, their comparable travel distance ensures that you will achieve similar results in typing performance and tactile 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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches are characterized by a resonant, clacky signature that provides a lively acoustic feedback with each keystroke. This quality makes them engaging to type on, as the sound can enhance the overall experience, especially for those who appreciate auditory stimulation in their typing. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switches exhibit a neutral sound profile; they offer a moderate actuation force and are generally not overly loud, making them versatile for use in various environments, be it at home or in an office. The choice of board and keycaps can further influence the sound produced, but the inherent characteristics set these two switches apart, with the Caramel Pudding leaning towards a more pronounced auditory experience.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are lauded for their exquisitely smooth typing experience, making them enjoyable for users who prioritize seamless keystrokes. In comparison, the Neo White switches provide a mild feel, characterized by a medium weight and slightly reduced travel distance. This creates a typing experience that feels gentle and approachable, catering well to both beginners and seasoned typists. The unique use of a Ly stem in the Neo White adds a layer of smoothness to the actuation, thereby enhancing user satisfaction. While both switches aim to provide comfort and ease of use, the Caramel Pudding is more suited for those who crave a richer tactile feedback, whereas the Neo White offers a more subdued typing sensation.
In summary, the HMX Caramel Pudding and Haimu Neo White switches each have their unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding excels in delivering a vibrant, clacky sound along with a remarkably smooth feel, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy auditory feedback during typing. Meanwhile, the Neo White stands out with its neutral sound profile and mild typing experience, which are both versatile and less likely to overwhelm users. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize an expressive sound and feel or a more balanced, accommodating typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and use cases. If you favor a lighter actuation force and appreciate a resonant, clacky sound signature that adds character to your typing experience, the Caramel Pudding may be the ideal pick for you. This switch is excellent for those who enjoy a smoother feel and want to create a vibrant atmosphere, whether for gaming or casual typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer typing action with a more neutral sound profile, the Neo White switch could be more suitable. Its medium weight and mild characteristics yield a solid typing experience that balances comfort and performance, making it a versatile choice for both work and play environments. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard, and whether you lean more toward tactile feedback or a smoother operation.
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