HMX Caramel Pudding vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a pivotal role, and two noteworthy options are the HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both linear switches that cater to different typing experiences. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making them ideal for typists who enjoy audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g switches offer a whisper-quiet experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. With their perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura switches provide a light yet satisfying keystroke, making them an excellent choice for those seeking comfort during extended typing sessions. 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
53g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g both incorporate nylon in their top housing, which is a widely recognized material in the keyboard switch industry. Both types of switches are designed to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile, largely due to the inherent properties of nylon. This relatively softer plastic effectively absorbs more sound compared to harder alternatives, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. As a result, users of both switches will likely find that the tactile experience of typing feels smooth and consistent, with a sound profile that emphasizes a soft thud rather than a sharp click.
However, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two switches, which impacts the overall sound and feel when the keys are engaged. The Caramel Pudding switch also employs nylon for its bottom housing, thus maintaining the softer sound profile across both ends of the switch. This contributes to a cohesive auditory experience that remains mellow throughout typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g opts for polycarbonate on the bottom housing, which is a stiffer plastic. This choice influences the sound profile to be sharper and crisper, providing a more defined auditory feedback when keys bottom out. Therefore, while both switches share a similar sound profile at the top, the bottom housing of the Silent Sakura brings a heightened clarity that contrasts with the softer tones of the Caramel Pudding.
When these switches are engaged, the nylon bottom housing of the Caramel Pudding ensures that the sound and tactile feedback remain consistent and soft, while the polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Sakura adds a touch of brightness to the auditory experience. This means that users valuing a more subdued and cohesive sound may prefer the Caramel Pudding, while those who desire sharper feedback might lean toward the Silent Sakura - 53g. Ultimately, both options provide unique typing experiences resulting from their respective housing materials, but share a common sound principle at their core due to the use of nylon on the top housing.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them comparable in terms of the force required to register a keystroke, which is beneficial for prolonged typing or gaming sessions as both feel light and responsive. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Caramel Pudding having a bottom out force of 52 grams and the Silent Sakura at 53 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura marginally heavier in that regard, providing a slightly more substantial feel upon bottoming out. Overall, for those seeking a lighter feel, both switches are excellent options due to their identical actuation force, while the Silent Sakura will offer a slightly firmer ending experience at the bottom.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that some gamers may prefer for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura provides a deeper, more traditional experience, which can be more satisfying for users who appreciate a heartier key travel. Ultimately, if you opt for the Caramel Pudding, you'll benefit from faster response times, while the Silent Sakura caters to those who favor a more deliberate typing experience with its longer travel distance.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 is renowned for its resonant, clacky sound signature, making it an engaging choice for users who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. This lively sound can enhance the typing experience, adding an element of satisfaction with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is designed for a completely different auditory experience, offering a whisper-quiet typing atmosphere that mimics the soft pitter-patter of raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura particularly appealing for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, offering a serene typing experience without sacrificing feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switches provide an exquisitely smooth typing sensation, ensuring that each press glides effortlessly. This smoothness can contribute to a more comfortable typing experience over extended sessions, allowing for rapid typing without any bumps or interruptions. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, which caters to those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. This balance strikes a satisfying compromise between tactile feedback and ease of actuation, ensuring that each key press is both gentle and responsive.
Overall, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a lively sound and a silky smooth feel, the Caramel Pudding is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter environment with a sense of lightness in your keystrokes, the Silent Sakura switches will serve you well. Ultimately, the choice between them hinges on the balance you seek between auditory feedback and typing ambiance, as well as the tactile sensation that suits your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a resonant, clacky sound signature that offers a more tactile and engaging typing experience, the Caramel Pudding is the ideal choice. Its medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams provides a smooth feel that many typists find delightful, especially in a game or creative setting where audible feedback can enhance the experience. However, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience—perhaps you work in a shared office or at home where noise could be a distraction—the Silent Sakura - 53g would be more suitable. With its whisper-quiet operation and a slightly firmer 53g bottom out force, it delivers a satisfying yet discreet keystroke, making it a great option for professionals and writers. By understanding these characteristics, you can confidently select the switch that aligns with your typing style and environment.
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