HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Everglide Sakura Pink each offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding switch is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature and an exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback and a satisfying tactile response. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches stand out with their feather-light 35g actuation force, ideal for delicate typists seeking a nearly effortless typing experience. These switches deliver a gliding sensation and a poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, adding a playful element to your keyboard interactions. While the Caramel Pudding emphasizes a more pronounced sound and tactile feedback, the Sakura Pink focuses on a lightweight, frictionless operation. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches, it's clear that there is a distinct contrast in the types of plastic used. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top and bottom housing, which imparts a deeper, fuller sound profile characterized by its ability to absorb sound. This softer material creates a more muted acoustic experience that can be desirable for users seeking a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which results in a sharper, crisper sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This rigidity enhances resonation, leading to a more defined auditory feedback when typing, particularly beneficial for users who prefer a pronounced sound.
The differences in sound profiles are strongly influenced by the materials used in the housing, determining the overall typing experience. The nylon of the Caramel Pudding tends to produce a duller sound when the keys are released, while the polycarbonate of the Sakura Pink enhances the clarity and brightness of the sound upon both keypress and release. This distinction can affect user preference significantly; those who prioritize a softer, more muted typing experience may lean towards the nylon, whereas users looking for an auditory click with a sharp tone might prefer the polycarbonate switches. Aesthetically, the transparent nature of the Sakura Pink’s polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting effects that create exciting visual experiences, which is not a feature present with the more opaque nylon of the Caramel Pudding.
Despite these differences, it is possible to achieve somewhat similar results from both switches by leveraging their unique characteristics. Users can look for balance in their typing experience by adjusting how they utilize each switch. For instance, if a user favors the acoustic profile of the Caramel Pudding while still enjoying the visual flair provided by RGB lighting, they may consider a creative setup where external sound-dampening measures are in place. Conversely, one could replicate a fuller sound with the Sakura Pink by using additional padding or sound-absorbing materials in their typing environment. Ultimately, whether one opts for the Caramel Pudding or the Sakura Pink, the choice comes down to personal preference regarding the acoustic experience and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch differ notably in both actuation force and bottom out force, impacting the overall typing experience. The Caramel Pudding features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the lighter 35 grams required for the Sakura Pink. This means that users who prefer a softer touch will likely find the Sakura Pink more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, as it allows for easier keystrokes with less fatigue. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Caramel Pudding is 52 grams, while the Sakura Pink has a bottom out force of 45 grams, reinforcing the notion that the Sakura Pink is the lighter option overall. Those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may favor the Caramel Pudding due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, this comparison highlights the Caramel Pudding as the heavier option and the Sakura Pink as the lighter choice, making it essential for users to consider their preferences when selecting between these two switches.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This indicates that the Caramel Pudding provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking faster response times and a more immediate tactile experience. In contrast, the Sakura Pink's longer travel distance of 4.0 mm offers a more substantial keystroke, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing. Users who appreciate a hearty depth may find the Sakura Pink more to their liking, but if you desire a snappier response, the Caramel Pudding could be the better choice. Thus, understanding these differences can help you select the right switch based on your preference for travel distance and overall 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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 exhibit a resonant, clacky signature that many typists find appealing. This sound adds character to the typing experience, offering a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance one's engagement with the keyboard. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches produce a much more muted sound profile, designed to minimize noise compared to the more explosive clacky switches. Instead, they deliver a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, adding a playful touch but without overwhelming auditory feedback. This difference in sound characteristics highlights the Caramel Pudding's bold and expressive nature versus the Sakura Pink's emphasis on a quieter and more subdued experience.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are renowned for their exquisitely smooth typing experience, providing a seamless transition from key press to key press. This impeccable smoothness is often appealing to typists who prioritize a refined and enjoyable interaction with their keyboard. Conversely, the Sakura Pink switches excel with their feather-light actuation force of only 35g, allowing for an incredibly effortless typing experience. Combined with descriptors such as buttery, creamy, and frictionless, these switches invite users into a typing style that requires minimal effort while still providing a satisfying and fluid keystroke. Typists who prefer a lighter touch will find the Sakura Pink to be particularly enticing.
In summary, while the HMX Caramel Pudding and Everglide Sakura Pink switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they each transport their users into unique typing experiences. The Caramel Pudding's clacky tone and silky smooth feel contrast sharply with the Sakura Pink's muted pop and ultra-light touch, catering to those who may want to emphasize audibility and character or those in search of whisper-quiet and effortless typing. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize sound dynamics or lightness in actuation, which can tremendously influence your overall typing satisfaction and comfort.
Conclusion
To summarize, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches should largely depend on your typing preferences and the sound experience you desire. If you favor a more tactile feedback with a clacky sound signature, the Caramel Pudding switches would be ideal, offering a smooth typing feel with a medium-light actuation at 52 grams, making them suitable for users who enjoy a bit of auditory stimulation while typing. These switches can be particularly rewarding for typists who like to feel a satisfying response from their keystrokes, especially during long writing sessions. On the other hand, if you are a delicate typist or someone who prefers a feather-light touch, the Sakura Pink switches are the way to go. With a low actuation force of only 45 grams, these switches provide an almost effortless typing experience complemented by a muted, playful sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap. The creamy and frictionless feel of the Sakura Pink switches is perfect for those wanting to reduce finger fatigue during extended periods of typing without sacrificing performance. In essence, choose the Caramel Pudding for a balanced, resonant experience, and opt for the Sakura Pink when you seek lightness and ease in your keystrokes.
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