HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Jerrzi Salt Ice 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 Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer distinct yet appealing choices for linear switch enthusiasts. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it an excellent option for users who prioritize auditory feedback and a pleasant tactile experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice dazzles with its exceptionally bright and lively characteristics, providing a light touch that leads to vibrant feedback and effortless actuation—ideal for those who crave an energetic and responsive typing experience. While both switches cater to linear switch lovers, their unique sound profiles and actuation characteristics set them apart. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice, it’s clear that each utilizes distinct plastic types that impart unique characteristics to their performance and acoustics. The Caramel Pudding employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a choice that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb sound more effectively, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice is built with polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, which lends a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant and clear sound profile, creating a pronounced and crisp typing experience. Thus, while both switches provide a unique tactile experience, they cater to differing auditory preferences through their material choices.
The differing compositions of the housing materials also affect the overall acoustic response of each switch. For the Caramel Pudding, the use of nylon for both the top and bottom allows for a unified sound characteristic that embodies warmth and depth, making it appealing to those who appreciate a more subdued typing experience. Conversely, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate components are likely to draw enthusiasts who prefer a sharper auditory feedback during key presses and releases, as the material's inherent properties facilitate a bright resonance. This divergence in sound profile not only highlights the impact of the housing materials but also illustrates how acoustic preferences can vary among keyboard users.
Furthermore, the implications of having different housing materials are significant for how each switch interacts with RGB lighting and aesthetics. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes the Salt Ice more suited for those looking to showcase vibrant backlighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of a keyboard setup. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding's opaque nylon housing may not provide the same level of visual illumination, perhaps appealing to users who prioritize sound and tactile feedback over aesthetics. Therefore, when selecting between these two options, consumers should consider not just the auditory qualities but also how the material characteristics align with their specific typing preferences and visual requirements in a keyboard. Ultimately, it is clear how the choices of nylon and polycarbonate distinctly shape the functionality and aura of the two switches, offering users different experiences based on their individual tastes.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch present some interesting comparisons in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users can expect a similar keystroke trigger feel with both switches—ideal for those seeking a lighter touch to facilitate longer typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. However, the difference lies in the bottom out force; while the Caramel Pudding switch has a measurable bottom out force of 52 grams, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice switch is unknown. This indicates that the Caramel Pudding switch may provide a more substantial tactile feedback when bottoming out, which is preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, the Caramel Pudding is the heavier option due to its bottom out force, while both switches can deliver a similar actuation experience for those who appreciate a lighter feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we find that the Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Salt Ice has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding offers a more pronounced depth with each keystroke, catering to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Conversely, the Salt Ice, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to those looking for quicker response times and a more immediate feedback when pressing keys, which is often favored in competitive gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference: if a user seeks a deeper and more tactile experience, the Caramel Pudding is the way to go; for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Salt Ice is an excellent option.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 switches are known for their resonant, clacky sound signature, providing an enjoyable auditory experience during typing. In comparison, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches feature exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, which contribute to an even more vivid sound profile. Both switches offer a clacky sound that can be quite satisfying, but the Salt Ice switches may deliver a slightly more pronounced auditory impact. It's important to note that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and even the plate material used, so users can achieve similar clacky results with either option, depending on their setup.
Regarding the feel, the Caramel Pudding switches boast an exquisitely smooth typing experience, which makes them ideal for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Salt Ice switches are celebrated for their vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, providing a light touch that adds to the responsive nature of typing. While both switches deliver an engaging typing feel, the Caramel Pudding may cater more toward users who prefer smoothness, while the Salt Ice stands out for its energetic feedback. Despite their differences, both options are designed to enhance the typist's experience, allowing users to find satisfaction based on their personal preferences.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing experiences. The Caramel Pudding delivers a resonant sound and smooth feel, which is great for those prioritizing a seamless typing experience. Meanwhile, the Salt Ice excels with its bright sound and vibrant feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a more energetic typing sensation. Depending on your setup and preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying experience, allowing you to enjoy the clacky sound and responsive feel that mechanical keyboards are known for.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation force coupled with a resonant, clacky sound signature, the Caramel Pudding may be your ideal option. Its exquisitely smooth feel is perfect for those who appreciate a buttery typing experience, making it great for long hours of writing or gaming without fatigue. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more vibrant and energetic typing experience, then the Salt Ice switch, with its exceptionally bright characteristics and light touch, will likely appeal to you. The effortless actuation and lively feedback it offers can enhance your performance in fast-paced gaming or intensive tasks that require quick reflexes. Ultimately, weigh your preferences for sound and feel against the activity you'll be using your keyboard for, and you’ll find that either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to your needs.
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