HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the choice often comes down to personal preference and intended usage. The HMX Caramel Pudding switches, classified as a linear switch, are celebrated for their exquisitely smooth typing feel and resonant, clacky sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy a responsive and audible keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer a contrasting experience as a tactile switch, providing a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel that caters to users in noise-sensitive environments, thanks to its subdued audio feedback. While the Caramel Pudding excels in delivering an engaging auditory experience, the Silent T1 prioritizes discretion without sacrificing tactile satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding switches and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches, notable distinctions arise, particularly in their top housings. The Caramel Pudding employs a nylon top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon provides a sound absorption quality, yielding a sound that is more muted and rounded. In contrast, the Silent T1 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is firmer and creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This difference results in distinct auditory experiences while typing, where the Caramel Pudding offers a warm, subdued sound and the Silent T1 produces a clearer, more resonant output, especially beneficial if RGB lighting is in use due to the translucency of the polycarbonate.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock Silent T1 switches utilize nylon material, which is consistent in delivering a fuller and deeper sound profile. Given that both switches deploy nylon in their bottom housing, the sound and feel when bottoming out will exhibit similar characteristics in both models. The notable aspect here is that while the top housing establishes the overall clarity and pitch of the sound when releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the impact and tonal quality during the keystroke's conclusion are akin for both switches. This creates an interesting balance in sound dynamics, where the bottom housing harmonizes both switches despite the different acoustics yielded by the top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top housings leads to varying sound profiles during key press release, while the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing maintains a deeper sound quality when the switch hits the bottom. Therefore, users seeking a distinct auditory experience can choose the HMX Caramel Pudding for its muted warmth or the Durock Silent T1 for its crisp resonance, yet both switches can provide similar depth of sound during the act of typing due to their nylon bottom housings. These differences do not negate the potential for comparable tactile and acoustic experiences but rather enhance the overall versatility of the switch designs, allowing users to select a feel that best aligns with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch with the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Caramel Pudding boasts an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an unknown actuation force but features a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This greater bottom out force indicates that the Silent T1 may provide a more substantial tactile experience for typists who appreciate heavier feedback. Consequently, the Caramel Pudding is the lighter option, making it more suited for those who prefer a gentler touch, while the Silent T1 caters to users looking for a firmer keystroke. Hence, based on these specifications, users can better select the switch that aligns with their typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there is a notable difference: the Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a slightly greater travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Pudding the shorter option, ideal for gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Silent T1 offers a longer feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile experience with more depth in their key presses. Therefore, if you value rapid responsiveness, the Caramel Pudding would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more substantial feel, the Silent T1 would suit your needs.
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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 switches are characterized by a resonant and clacky sound profile, which can provide an engaging auditory experience while typing. This distinct sound signature is particularly appealing to users who enjoy the classic auditory feedback of mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer a muted sound, producing softer audio feedback that minimizes the noise typically associated with keyboard usage. This makes the Silent T1 an excellent choice for those who are in noise-sensitive environments or simply prefer a quieter typing experience.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Pudding switches provide an exquisitely smooth typing sensation, likely offering a seamless transition during keystrokes without any bumps or interruptions. This smoothness can create a satisfying typing experience, particularly for those who favor linear switches. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches have a more complex tactile feel with medium bumps, offering a stepped response that includes some pre-travel and post-travel sensations. This blend of both tactile feedback and a smooth finish makes the Silent T1 suitable for users seeking a balanced typing experience that is neither too overwhelming nor too subtle.
In summary, while the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches deliver a clacky sound and smooth feel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are designed for quieter environments with a muted sound and a medium, tactile feedback. Each switch serves distinct preferences; if you are looking for an engaging auditory and smooth tactile experience, the Caramel Pudding is the way to go. Conversely, if silent operation with a pleasing tactile response is your priority, the Silent T1 would be the optimal choice. Ultimately, your selection depends on whether you value sound or feel more in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a smooth, fluid typing experience combined with a resonant, clacky sound signature, the Caramel Pudding switch could be the perfect fit for your setup, particularly if you're in a personal or creative space where sound is not an issue. It’s ideal for casual typing and gaming, providing an engaging auditory feedback that many users relish. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive environment—such as a shared workspace or during late-night sessions—the Durock Silent T1 is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy tactile bump and muted audio feedback allow you to enjoy typing without disturbing others, making it the go-to option for serious work or gaming where concentration is key. By considering your typing style—be it needing a smooth linear feel or desiring tactile feedback—and your surroundings, you can make an informed choice between these two distinct switch types.
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