HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your typing experience. The HMX Caramel Pudding switch stands out for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it a top choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium-weight feel combined with a "thocky" sound profile, appealing to users who crave a balanced auditory sensation while still benefiting from exceptional smoothness. Both switches are linear, providing a seamless keystroke without tactile bumps, yet they cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. 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
48g
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
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches highlight distinct approaches to sound and feel in mechanical keyboards. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer and more pliable nature. This results in a fuller, deeper sound profile that is significantly muted due to the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. In comparison, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM (Polyoxymethylene) housing, while similarly designed with both a top and bottom component, offers a unique sound profile that is also deep but retains a distinct 'pleasing' quality that differs from the warmer notes of nylon. While both materials provide a rounded sound, their inherent properties create slightly different auditory experiences when typing.
When considering the effects of the housing on the typing experience, the nylon of the Caramel Pudding tends to absorb more shock upon bottoming out, emanating a quieter and more subdued sound that feels softer under the fingers. This is contrasted by the POM material of the Sea Salt Smoothie, which can foster a more crisp response alongside its muted sound profile. Because nylon tends to generate a duller sound overall, the Caramel Pudding may offer a more muted feedback while the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM construction might result in a slightly sharper tactile sensation, despite also being muted overall. This difference means that while both switches create a pleasant sound environment, the tactile feedback is nuanced and separate based on the material used.
Despite their differences, users can expect to achieve somewhat comparable results in terms of sound quality due to the shared focus on deeper profiles from both switch types. If you prioritize sound dampening and a fuller response, the Caramel Pudding’s nylon housing delivers that in abundance. Conversely, for those keen on experiencing a modern typing sound with nuanced crisps and deeper lows, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie should satisfy that desire. Ultimately, both switch options cater to slightly different preferences, yet they each promise a rewarding typing experience shaped by their unique housing materials.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch exhibit some differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-light option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie requires slightly more force to actuate at 48 grams, which may appeal to those who appreciate a firmer feel when typing. In terms of bottom out force, the Caramel Pudding has a definitive measurement of 52 grams, which provides a stronger resistance upon fully pressing down; the Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, lacks a specified bottom out force, leaving a gap in comparison. Overall, the Caramel Pudding is the lighter switch, ideal for those who type for extended periods or enjoy rapid keystrokes, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its higher actuation force, offers a more robust typing experience, albeit with less clarity on the bottom-out feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This makes the Caramel Pudding the shorter option, and it may appeal to those who prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers who benefit from shorter travel distances. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its greater travel distance, may offer a more pronounced tactile experience, catering to users who prefer a deeper feel while typing. Thus, if responsiveness and quick key presses are paramount to you, the Caramel Pudding would be the optimal choice; however, if you enjoy a more substantial key press, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be more suitable.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 linear switch delivers a resonant, clacky sound signature, which can add a playful, lively character to your typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a thocky sound profile, offering a deeper, more muted auditory feedback that resonates with users who prefer a quieter environment without compromising the tactile experience. Keep in mind that sound quality is also influenced by your choice of keyboard housing and keycaps, which can further shape the auditory experience of each switch.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are renowned for their exquisitely smooth typing experience, ensuring that each keystroke feels fluid and seamless. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie also promises exceptional smoothness, with the added benefit of being medium-weight, which can appeal to those who enjoy a slight resistance while typing. Both switches provide a satisfying feel, making either a great choice for enthusiasts seeking a refined typing experience.
In conclusion, while the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches differ in their sound profiles—with the former being more resonant and clacky, and the latter offering a deeper thocky quality—they both provide an impressively smooth typing experience. Depending on your sound preference and typing style, you can choose either switch while enjoying the superior performance they both offer.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you gravitate towards a medium-light bottom-out force and enjoy a clacky sound signature with an exquisitely smooth typing experience, the Caramel Pudding switch would be an excellent fit for you. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a lively acoustic feedback while typing, making it ideal for casual use and gaming alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel paired with a thocky sound profile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie would likely be your go-to. Recognized for its top-tier quality at an accessible price point, this switch offers a medium-weight feel that can elevate your typing experience, especially if you plan to engage in longer typing sessions or want a satisfying tactile sensation. Ultimately, both switches provide exceptional smoothness, but your choice should reflect whether you favor a lighter, more resonant typing experience or a firmer, thocky one.
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