HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Oil King (V2) present unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature that adds a delightful acoustic element to typing, coupled with an exquisitely smooth feel that enhances the overall experience. On the other hand, the Oil King (V2) stands out for its buttery smoothness, providing a delightful tactile sensation that is often compared to the sound of a dark chocolate bar snapping—a low-pitched, creamy, and polished feel that many users find particularly satisfying. While the Caramel Pudding may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Oil King (V2) caters to users seeking a refined, silky touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and Gateron Oil King (V2) both feature nylon as the material for their top housings, which creates an opportunity for a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. Testing reveals that the use of nylon tends to generate a deeper and fuller sound, primarily owing to its softer nature that absorbs sound waves efficiently. This characteristic leads to a typing experience that produces a duller and rounder sound, which many users may find more pleasant and less jarring than sharper sounds generated by harder plastics. As both switches utilize nylon for their top housings, one can expect a comparable auditory experience when typing.
Contrastingly, the bottom housings of the two switches introduce a distinct divergence in feel and sound. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, inherently maintaining the softer, deeper sound profile across both the top and bottom of the switch. This cohesion amplifies the overall muted quality of the switch, delivering a more uniform typing experience. Alternatively, the Oil King (V2) incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which produces a higher-pitched and pointed sound profile. This material adds a clacky and satisfying auditory feedback to the bottoming out, contrasting sharply with the Caramel Pudding's more subdued presentation.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in these switches demonstrates how housing materials impact the typing experience. Users of the Caramel Pudding can enjoy a consistent sound experience, whereas those using the Oil King (V2) may find the clackiness at the bottom-out more striking compared to the deeper sounds felt during release due to the nylon top. Therefore, although the top housing in both switches provides similar auditory qualities, the bottom housing materials result in a varied sound experience that can be particularly noteworthy depending on user preference. This results in a rich exploration between the softer nylon and the more vibrant INK blend, showcasing how material choices can both contrast and enhance the overall performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences. The Caramel Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Oil King's 55 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where less resistance is desired. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Caramel Pudding is 52 grams, while the Oil King reaches a heavier 65 grams. This difference suggests that users of the Oil King may experience a more substantial push feel when bottoming out, which some typists prefer for tactile feedback. Overall, the Caramel Pudding is a lighter option, providing a softer typing experience, while the Oil King (V2) offers a heavier feel that can be more satisfying for those who enjoy a stronger keystroke resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference means that users who opt for the Caramel Pudding may experience quicker keypress responsiveness, which can be beneficial for gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the Oil King (V2) offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which some typists may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, those seeking a balance between speed and depth should weigh their preferences carefully when choosing between these two switches.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding switch presents a resonant and clacky sound signature that can create an engaging auditory experience while typing. This distinctive sound is characterized by a higher-pitched, sharper tone that stands out, making keystrokes lively and perhaps more expressive. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King (V2) delivers a low-pitched sound profile that is notably bassy, providing a deeper and richer auditory feedback. This low-frequency sound is more mellow and might be perceived as more refined or subtle than the clacky nature of the Caramel Pudding, which could lend itself to a more subdued typing environment. When combined with the right keycaps and keyboard, both switches can offer a pleasant sound experience, though they cater to different auditory preferences.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is renowned for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, creating a fundamental element of comfort during use. This smoothness is crucial for those who type for extended periods or require precise keystrokes. Conversely, the Oil King (V2) switches capitalize on a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished feel, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke. This variety in feel can make a significant difference in typing performance; while both switches aim to provide a sleek typing experience, the Oil King (V2) focuses on an even higher level of smoothness and gliding ease, whereas the Caramel Pudding is renowned for its overall smoothness without specific terminal descriptors for the same buttery sensation.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switches prioritize smoothness, they diverge significantly in sound profile and overall feel. The Caramel Pudding's resonant and clacky sound contrasts with the Oil King's low-pitched, bassy tones. On the other hand, both provide a level of smoothness that caters to varying user preferences, with the Oil King offering a more luxurious typing surface. Thus, the choice between these switches will largely depend on whether you prefer a livelier sound and smooth transition with the Caramel Pudding or a rich, subdued sound accompanied by a buttery typing experience with the Oil King (V2).
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a resonant and clacky sound signature, along with an exquisitely smooth typing feel, the Caramel Pudding is an excellent option for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams can be particularly appealing if you enjoy prolonged typing sessions or gaming where quick key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Oil King (V2) may be more suited to your needs. Renowned for its creamy, buttery smoothness and low-pitched, bassy sound profile, this switch could enhance your overall typing experience, particularly if you appreciate a more pronounced key press. In essence, consider the Caramel Pudding for a light and airy feel combined with an exciting acoustics, while the Oil King (V2) is ideal if you favor a richer sound and a denser typing experience. Your ultimate choice should reflect your individual preferences for both sound and feel in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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