HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Jerrzi Seashell both offer unique traits that cater to different preferences for typing experience. The Caramel Pudding switches are renowned for their resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making them a delightful choice for those who prioritize acoustic feedback and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switches not only deliver a similar clacky sound but also captivate users with their stunning purple hue, combining visual appeal with function. These switches are light and polished, offering a feathery touch that ensures comfort even during long typing sessions. Each switch brings its own charm and functionality, so the choice ultimately hinges on whether you lean more towards sound and smoothness or aesthetics and a delightful tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
1.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and the Jerrzi Seashell exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The top housing of the Caramel Pudding is made from nylon, a material known for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This property results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, contributing to a sound experience that is more rounded and less harsh. In contrast, the Seashell utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a stiffer plastic. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, creating a more pronounced auditory experience. While both materials serve the purpose of housing switches, their differing physical properties lead to contrasting sound qualities that can appeal to different user preferences.
When considering the bottom housing materials of the two switches, both the Caramel Pudding and the Seashell utilize nylon. Here, the similarity shines, as nylon's inherent qualities deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the switch's top housing material. Since nylon is softer than polycarbonate, it absorbs sound more efficiently, allowing for a consistent auditory experience across both switches at the bottom. The unified presence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users of either switch will experience a similar bottom-out sound profile, characterized by its roundness and depth. This consistency across both models mitigates the variation introduced by the differing top housing materials.
In summary, while the Caramel Pudding and Jerrzi Seashell differ in their top housing materials—nylon for the former and polycarbonate for the latter—the bottom housing carries an important similarity that influences users' experiences. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound across both switches, ensuring a common tactile and auditory foundation. As a result, the Caramel Pudding's nylon top housing may favor users seeking a warmer sound, whereas the Seashell’s polycarbonate top housing will cater to those who prefer a sharper, more resonant typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles informed by their housing materials, underscoring the importance of material choice in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a consistent responsive feel for typists and gamers alike. This medium-light actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter keypress. However, the Caramel Pudding has a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a more definitive feel once the key is fully pressed down, which some users may appreciate for that tactile feedback. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Seashell switch is currently unavailable, making it difficult to assess how it compares in this regard. Given that the Caramel Pudding has a clearly defined bottom out force, it can be considered the heavier of the two switches, while the Seashell remains an enigma regarding its bottoming out characteristics. Overall, typists seeking a lighter feel will appreciate both switches for their actuation force, but will find a potentially more satisfying experience with the Caramel Pudding's bottoming out feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, we find that the Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Seashell measures at 3.4 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding offers a longer travel distance, which may provide a more pronounced tactile feel that some users appreciate, especially those who prefer a hearty depth in their switches. On the other hand, the Seashell's shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm can be advantageous for gamers who prioritize quicker response times and more immediate feedback. In summary, if you enjoy a deeper keystroke, the Caramel Pudding is the better choice, while the Seashell is suited for those who favor a more responsive and snappier action.
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 Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches offer a resonant, clacky sound signature that is enjoyable for users who appreciate a more percussive auditory feedback while typing. This sharp, bright quality enhances the overall typing experience, making it satisfying with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switches also contribute a clacky sound profile, characterized as sharp and high-pitched. This makes them crisp and lively, creating a pleasant symphony of sound with every press. Given these attributes, both switches provide a lively auditory experience, though the Caramel Pudding leans slightly towards a richer resonance.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, providing effortless key presses that encourage long typing sessions without discomfort. In contrast, the Seashell switches are described as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation reduces finger fatigue significantly, making typing more enjoyable over extended periods. Both switches seem designed with comfort in mind, but the Seashell’s nuances in actuation force and a polished finish elevate its ease of use, particularly for users prone to fatigue or those who type for many hours.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Jerrzi Seashell linear switches present compelling choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, offering unique sound and feel experiences. While the Caramel Pudding provides a deeper, resonant auditory feedback and a smooth typing action, the Seashell switches compensate with their feathery lightness and high-pitched sound. Whichever switch you choose, both will provide enjoyable typing experiences characterized by clackiness and comfort, making your choice largely dependent on personal preference regarding sound aesthetics and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience and aesthetic considerations. If you enjoy a clacky sound and a medium-light feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is an excellent choice, particularly if you appreciate the resonance and clarity it offers while typing or gaming. Its 52 grams of bottom-out force strikes a balance that makes it ideal for long sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you prioritize a visually appealing switch with a lighter feel, the Seashell is your go-to option. Its stunning purple hue and feather-light activation make it particularly suitable for users who value both beauty and comfort in their typing experience, as the low actuation force significantly reduces finger strain. Therefore, consider the Caramel Pudding for a more tactile and auditory experience, while the Seashell is perfect for those seeking ease and a touch of aesthetic delight. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean more toward enjoyment in sound and feel or favor the visual appeal and reduced effort in your typing activities.
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