HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, individual preferences play a crucial role in determining the ideal choice for any typist or gamer. The HMX Caramel Pudding switch is a linear switch that delivers a wonderfully smooth typing experience accentuated by a resonant, clacky sound signature, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback without the tactile bump. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch stands out as a hall effect switch that combines smooth operation with a deep, satisfying sound, offering a balanced and precise typing experience. Additionally, these switches are compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, appealing to enthusiasts seeking versatility in their setups. While both switches bring unique advantages—such as the Caramel Pudding's smoothness and sound and the Rice Pudding's performance and compatibility—choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Everglide Rice Pudding, it is evident that there are significant differences in their top housings, which provide distinct acoustic characteristics. The Caramel Pudding employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, leading to a typing experience that feels more rounded and nuanced. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The rigidity of the polycarbonate allows for a more resonant tone, making it suited for those who prefer a crisper auditory feedback while typing. Thus, while both switches serve a similar purpose, their sound profiles diverge due to the differing properties of their top housing materials.
On the bottom side, both switches utilize nylon as their housing material, ensuring a consistent sound experience at the base of the switch. The nylon bottom housing in both the Caramel and Rice Puddings contributes to a deeper, fuller sound signature, affirming the notion that it is a classic choice for keyboard switches. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in the top housings, the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will share that characteristic dampening effect that nylon offers. As a result, users can expect a comforting, rounded sensation when bottoming out, which is uniform across both products and makes them appealing to typists who enjoy that tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the interaction between the different housing materials yields a unique typing experience for each switch. While the Caramel Pudding leans towards a warm and subdued auditory output due to its nylon top housing, the Rice Pudding offers a bright and crisp sound thanks to its polycarbonate top. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users will still experience some level of consistency in sound dampening and affective feedback when pressing the keys down. This combination of differing top materials with a shared bottom housing means that while the nuances of sound may vary, the overall typing experience remains richly textured and satisfying across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch with its actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 52 grams to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, which has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, we see a notable difference in their characteristics. The Rice Pudding switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding switch provides a slightly heavier feel, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have distinct actuation and bottom out forces, indicating that the Caramel Pudding is more forceful to press down, while the Rice Pudding allows for quicker actuation with less effort. Therefore, those who prioritize a lighter switch might gravitate towards the Rice Pudding, while those seeking a firmer touch would likely prefer the Caramel Pudding.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch differ slightly in their travel distances, with the Caramel Pudding measuring 3.6 mm and the Rice Pudding at 3.5 mm. Although both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, appealing to gamers who seek rapid response times, the Caramel Pudding offers a marginally greater depth. This additional 0.1 mm may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a bit of heft in their key presses, while the Rice Pudding's shorter travel can lead to faster actuation, catering to users who favor quick responses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may hinge on personal preference for either responsiveness or depth of key travel.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 Caramel Pudding switches are known for their resonant, clacky sound signature, which delivers a lively auditory feedback with each keystroke. This crisp sound can enhance the overall typing experience, giving it a playful and engaging quality. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches present a deeper tone, characterized by a smooth operation that balances the auditory experience with a satisfaction that is often sought after in mechanical keyboards. The deep sound produced by the Rice Pudding switches adds a layer of precision to their performance, but both switches' acoustics can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switches stand out for their exquisitely smooth typing experience. This smoothness can make long typing sessions more comfortable and contribute to a more fluid interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switches also offer a smooth operation but emphasize a balanced typing experience that combines satisfaction with precision. This balance ensures that every keystroke feels deliberate, catering to users who appreciate a sensory feedback along with smoothness in their typing experience.
Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Caramel Pudding's clacky resonance and silky smooth action appeal to those who enjoy a lively typing experience, while the Rice Pudding's deep sound coupled with balanced smoothness attracts users looking for something precise yet satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on individual taste, but both options promise an engaging experience bolstered by their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a more noticeable sound with that clacky signature and prefer a slightly firmer feel while typing, the Caramel Pudding—with its medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams—would be a great fit. This switch shines in environments where a resonant sound can enhance your typing experience, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy auditory feedback during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother operation and appreciate a lighter touch, the Rice Pudding, with a bottom out force of just 48 grams, will certainly cater to your needs. Its balanced typing experience, coupled with compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize performance and versatility. Ultimately, your final decision should reflect whether you prefer the auditory resonance of the Caramel Pudding or the refined smoothness and versatility of the Rice Pudding.
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