HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable linear options stand out: the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Cherry Nixie. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature coupled with an exquisitely smooth typing experience, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback and fluid keystrokes. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switches have earned a revered status among enthusiasts for their substantial heft and richly textured typing feel, embodying a blend of tradition and modern innovation thanks to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update. While the Caramel Pudding excels in providing a smooth and engaging sound profile, the Nixie offers a thocky, low-pitched experience that many typists appreciate for its tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Cherry Nixie are strikingly similar, as both models employ nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, offers a unique typing experience that is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality means that both switches will elicit a similar auditory experience, making for quiet but rich sounds as you type. The soft nature of nylon contributes to its ability to absorb sound, allowing for a rounder and duller acoustic profile, which is appreciated by users looking for a more muted typing experience.
In terms of their construction, both the Caramel Pudding and Cherry Nixie benefit from nylon's pliability, which enhances the overall feel of their switches. The consistent use of nylon in both top and bottom housings results in a unified tactile experience that allows typists to enjoy a smooth and responsive keystroke. This shared material not only affects the sound produced when a key is pressed and released, but also the sensation felt when bottoming out, as the nylon provides a forgiving cushion under pressure. Thus, the typing experience across both switch types is likely to be comparably pleasant, offering users an engaging tactile feedback that is characteristic of nylon housings.
Moreover, the fact that both switch types use identical materials for their housing means that the qualities imparted by the nylon will be evenly distributed. While the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback during typing, the top housing's material will play a crucial role in the sound produced upon release of the keys. Given that both the Caramel Pudding and Cherry Nixie feature the same nylon components, users can expect a distinct level of consistency in the acoustic performance along with a balanced response. Therefore, whether one favors the Caramel Pudding or the Cherry Nixie, the outcome in terms of sound and feel will be effectively similar, making either choice satisfying for enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, significant differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie has a notably heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. This means that while the Caramel Pudding is ideal for long work sessions or gaming marathons due to its lower resistance, the Nixie provides a firmer response, which some may find satisfying for a more tactile experience. Consequently, those seeking lighter switches should gravitate towards the Caramel Pudding, while those looking for heavier switches will likely prefer the Nixie.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this comparison, the Caramel Pudding offers a shorter travel distance, providing a quicker response time that can be advantageous for gamers who favor rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more deliberate and deeper feel when typing, as it allows for greater key travel and can feel more satisfying to some. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference—those seeking speed may opt for the Caramel Pudding, while those who value tactile feedback might favor the Nixie.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch offers a resonant, clacky sound signature that makes each keystroke audible and lively, adding an engaging auditory element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is renowned for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile. With a deep, rich, and satisfying tone, the Nixie's auditory feedback is reminiscent of a soft thud, providing a mellow sound that many users find pleasurable. While both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, the Caramel Pudding's clackiness stands in contrast to the deep thock of the Nixie, showcasing a fundamental difference in their sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, making it an appealing choice for users who prefer a frictionless keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie features a textured feel that can introduce a level of friction during typing. This texture might not be for everyone; some users appreciate the tactile feedback it provides, while others may find it less desirable than the Caramel Pudding’s smooth operation. The subjective nature of feel can greatly influence typing preferences, making the Caramel Pudding suitable for those seeking seamless performance and the Nixie appealing to those who enjoy a bit of resistance.
In summary, the HMX Caramel Pudding and Cherry Nixie linear switches each have distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding's clacky sound and smooth feel may attract users looking for an energetic typing experience, while the Nixie's thocky sound and textured feedback may appeal to those who appreciate a more traditional, rich auditory sensation paired with a slightly gritty tactile experience. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding auditory feedback and the tactile sensations experienced during regular typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches and Cherry Nixie linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 52 grams, resulting in a smooth typing experience, the Caramel Pudding switches might be the ideal choice for you. Their clacky sound signature adds a unique auditory element that can enhance typing enjoyment, making them a good fit for typing-heavy tasks or casual gaming where a responsive feel is key. On the other hand, if you appreciate a heavier typing experience, the Cherry Nixie switches, with a robust 80 grams of force, offer a textured feel that many long-time keyboard enthusiasts cherish. Their deep, thocky sound gives a satisfying auditory feedback that can be rewarding during both typing and gaming sessions. Ultimately, consider your own comfort and the type of tactile experience you seek, as both switches have strengths that cater to different preferences.
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