HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often lies between personal preference, intended use, and sound profile. The HMX Caramel Pudding switch stands out with its pronounced, clacky sound signature and an exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it a delightful option for typists who appreciate auditory feedback and a premium tactile experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is specifically engineered for gamers, offering a light actuation force and shortened travel distance that allows for rapid key presses, complemented by a pleasing bassy sound. While the Caramel Pudding excels in providing an enjoyable typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro focuses on enhancing gaming performance, making it ideal for fast-paced action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, a notable distinction arises in their top housings. The Caramel Pudding employs nylon, a material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs sound effectively, creating a duller tone that many typists find pleasurable. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, presenting a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. Therefore, users can expect a significantly different acoustic experience between the two, with the Caramel Pudding taking a warmer route and the V3 Silver Pro offering a brighter tone.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches share the same nylon material. The nylon bottom housing of the Caramel Pudding, like that of the V3 Silver Pro, fosters a deeper and fuller sound, helping to maintain a uniform acoustic quality. The softer characteristics of nylon ensure that both switches deliver a similar sound experience from the base, focusing on the bottom-out sound and typing feel. This shared material means that regardless of the differences in top housing, users can expect coherency in sound profile due to the nylon found in the bottom of each switch, offering a smoother, more muted auditory sensation.
In summary, the contrasting materials of the top housings between the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Akko V3 Silver Pro shape a varied typist experience, with nylon promoting warmth and polycarbonate leading to clarity. However, the harmonious use of nylon for both bottom housings ensures that the essential characteristics are preserved in terms of sound quality and typing feel when the switch bottoms out. Thus, while each switch may produce distinct auditory feedback during a single press, the shared nylon in the base allows for a consistent experience overall. Consequently, users can choose between the two based on their desired tonal preference while still enjoying a cohesive feel at the bottom of their keystrokes.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces, affecting their overall feel and performance. The Caramel Pudding requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch during extended typing or gaming sessions. While the V3 Silver Pro offers a more effortless keystroke activation, the heavier Caramel Pudding switch provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer push sensation. Overall, those looking for a switch that minimizes finger fatigue may gravitate toward the lighter V3 Silver Pro, while those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback may prefer the Caramel Pudding's slightly heavier profile.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch exhibit differing travel distances, contributing to unique typing experiences for users. The Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the V3 Silver Pro features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. For gamers or those seeking quicker response times, the V3 Silver Pro’s shorter travel distance may be more appealing, providing a snappier feel. Conversely, the Caramel Pudding's longer travel distance offers a more substantial depth, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in their typing experience.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 are known for their resonant, clacky sound signature, providing an auditory feedback that many users find satisfying during typing sessions. This sound profile tends to evoke a distinctly enjoyable experience, appealing to those who appreciate the classic acoustic response of mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches deliver a more bass-heavy sound. Their design aims to create a tailored auditory experience for gamers, offering a pleasing sound that balances well amid frantic gaming sequences. Overall, while both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, users may find that factors like board and keycap choice will significantly influence their actual auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are praised for their extraordinarily smooth typing experience, which enhances the overall comfort and enjoyment of each keystroke. They deliver a buttery and polished sensation that minimizes friction and contributes to a smooth glide, making them ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are designed with an easy-to-press mechanism and a light actuation force, making them incredibly responsive and user-friendly. The blend of feathery lightness and silky smoothness creates an effortless typing experience that is particularly advantageous in high-stakes gaming scenarios where agility and speed are paramount. Both switches excel in smoothness and ease of use, yet they cater to slightly different typing needs and circumstances.
In conclusion, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches each present distinct auditory and tactile qualities that appeal to different user preferences. The Caramel Pudding is characterized by its clacky sound and a creamy, polished feel, providing a satisfyingly traditional tactile feedback. Conversely, the V3 Silver Pro focuses on responsive gameplay with its bassy sound and user-friendly actuation force, ideal for fast-paced scenarios. While the two switches have their unique attributes, they share the commonality of promoting comfortable typing experiences, making either choice a valid option depending on individual priorities in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, your specific needs and preferences will greatly influence your decision. If you appreciate a medium-light pressure with a slightly heavier feel of 52 grams, and enjoy a resonant and clacky sound profile, the Caramel Pudding is an excellent choice. It's perfect for those who favor a smooth and silky typing experience that gives a satisfying acoustic feedback. On the other hand, if you require a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, particularly if you’re a gamer needing quick and responsive keystrokes, the V3 Silver Pro becomes the preferred option. Its easy-to-press design means you can operate swiftly and with minimal finger fatigue, while the bassy sound and reduced travel distance are advantageous during high-stakes gaming sessions where milliseconds truly matter. Ultimately, your decision should focus on whether you prioritize a tactile experience and sound versus speed and agility in your key presses.
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