HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and Akko V3 Piano Pro represent two appealing options for enthusiasts in search of a linear typing experience. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their uniquely resonant, clacky sound signature that adds an engaging auditory dimension to typing while providing an exquisitely smooth feel. This makes them particularly appealing for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustics paired with fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches stand out with their long pole design, offering a snappy sound signature that delivers a lively, crisp quality feedback with each key press, while still ensuring a smooth actuation that many users find satisfying. Both switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, making them suitable for a variety of typing styles and applications. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and Akko V3 Piano Pro both feature nylon top and bottom housings, offering a consistent foundation of materials that contribute to their sound profiles. Nylon, as a classic switch housing material, is cherished among keyboard enthusiasts for its unique acoustic properties. Both switches result in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, attributed to nylon's relatively softer composition. This softness allows the plastic to absorb sound vibrations more effectively than harder materials, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a rich typing sound that enhances their overall experience when using these key switches.
Despite the shared use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings, the balance of sound characteristics and tactile feel between the two models remains nuanced. The bottom housing of each switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound – the sharp “thunk” you hear when the key is fully depressed. As such, while both the Caramel Pudding and V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon to produce a similar acoustic signature, the specific design and tuning can affect the sensation and acoustics during gameplay or typing. Since both models utilize nylon consistently across their housings, users can expect a comparable level of sound dampening and a softer feedback, leading to satisfying tactile sensations.
In summary, the choice of nylon in both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Akko V3 Piano Pro provides similarities in sound and feel that can enhance the typing experience. With nylon's natural sound-absorbing qualities, users will find that their auditory experience remains consistent across both keyboards. The composite nature of how the nylon materials interact when combined (top and bottom) delivers a unique yet familiar typing experience, ensuring that regardless of the distinct design choices made by each brand, the resulting acoustic profile and tactile feedback feel gratifyingly cohesive. This shared approach not only enriches the quality of sound but also allows keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy similar auditory pleasure regardless of their choice between these two models.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means that users will experience a similar feel when pressing the keys to register a keystroke. However, they differ in their bottom out forces, with the Caramel Pudding at 52 grams and the V3 Piano Pro at 55 grams. This slight difference indicates that while both switches are medium-light and suitable for prolonged typing sessions, the V3 Piano Pro requires a bit more effort to fully bottom out, providing a slightly more substantial feedback feel for those who prefer a heavier touch. In summary, the Caramel Pudding is the lighter option in terms of bottom out force, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a heavier experience, making it ideal for users who enjoy a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it’s clear that the Caramel Pudding has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Piano Pro measures at 3.5 mm. This minor difference indicates that users of the Caramel Pudding may experience a deeper bottom-out feel, which some may prefer for a more hearty typing experience. In contrast, the slightly shorter travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro caters to those who lean towards quicker response times, making it a potentially better option for gamers looking for rapid actuation. Therefore, if you value responsiveness, the Akko V3 Piano Pro might be the better choice, whereas if you favor a more traditional key feel with depth, the HMX Caramel Pudding would be ideal.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 switch produces a resonant and clacky sound signature, creating a lively and immersive auditory experience as you type. This sharp and percussive quality contributes to a dynamic typing atmosphere that many users find appealing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch delivers a snappy sound signature that emphasizes a crisp and bright tone on each keystroke. While both switches offer engaging auditory feedback, the Piano Pro's lively tone might provide a slightly sharper and more energetic experience compared to the Caramel Pudding's more robust clackiness. It’s essential to consider that the sound characteristics of both switches can be influenced by the specific keyboard layout and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Caramel Pudding switch is noted for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This smoothness can enhance typing efficiency and comfort during extended periods of use. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch combines several sensory qualities: it provides a bouncy, elastic feedback sensation akin to a spring, creating a lively response under your fingertips. Additionally, it retains a creamy and silky texture that further enriches the overall typing feel. This combination ensures that each keypress feels not only smooth but also engaging and responsive, adding a tactile dimension to the typing experience.
Ultimately, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding excels with its clacky and resonant sound while providing a fluid feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a livelier typing sound. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro stands out due to its snappy sound and multifaceted feel, characterized by bounciness and silkiness that makes typing feel dynamic and enjoyable. Regardless of which switch you choose, both are designed to provide smooth, responsive experiences, allowing newcomers to appreciate the nuanced qualities of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a more resonant and clacky auditory experience along with an exquisitely smooth typing sensation, the Caramel Pudding would be an excellent option, especially if you favor a lighter actuation force. This makes it particularly suitable for fast-paced typing or gaming, where the playful sound and smooth action can add an enjoyable element to your experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lively, snappy sound and a bouncy, creamy feel with a crisp response, the V3 Piano Pro would be the better choice for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force and polished finish provide an invigorating typing experience, perfect for those who desire a tactile yet smooth input. In essence, if you prioritize auditory charm and subtle tactile feedback, go for the V3 Piano Pro, but if your heart leans towards a more vibrant, smooth feel with clackier acoustics, then the Caramel Pudding is your switch of choice.
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