HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Dareu Sky V4 emerge as two compelling linear options, each with its own unique characteristics. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it a favorite for those who enjoy an engaging auditory experience while typing. Conversely, the Sky V4 distinguishes itself through the innovative use of POK material in its top housing, which provides a deeper, low-pitched sound that combines with its smooth linear action to create a rich and satisfying typing experience. Those who prioritize a bouncy and neutral feel might find the Sky V4 particularly appealing, while fans of a more clacky, pronounced typing sound may gravitate towards the Caramel Pudding. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Dareu Sky V4, we find a striking contrast in the top housing materials. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, celebrated for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer texture that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic results in a rounder, less harsh auditory experience when typing, making it favorable for users who prioritize a warm sound signature in their switches. In contrast, the Sky V4 employs a POK (polyketone) top housing that is noted for its exceptional durability and smoothness. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it offers a slick and satisfying typing experience, producing a clacky sound rather than the subdued tones associated with nylon. These differences in materials lead to distinct auditory experiences, catering to different user preferences in switch feedback.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing. This shared characteristic means that, regardless of the contrasting top materials, both the Caramel Pudding and Sky V4 will deliver a similar, rich sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon bottom helps absorb sound and contributes to that deeper resonance, ensuring a consistent auditory experience. Even though the top housings differ significantly in their sound and feel, the nylon bottom acts as a common foundation, creating a mellow and muted bottom-out noise that many typists find appealing. Users who enjoy a harmonious combination of both sound restoration and sturdiness would appreciate this commonality.
Ultimately, the distinct material choices for top housings lead to varied typing experiences with the Caramel Pudding and the Sky V4. While the Caramel Pudding offers a traditional, softer tactile feedback that promotes a comforting sound atmosphere through its nylon, the Sky V4 brings a robust and smooth typing experience, accentuating performance and longevity with its POK top. Yet, the continuity of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users will find a shared element in sound dampening and typing feel, bridging the gap between these two unique switch designs. Therefore, depending on personal preference—whether for muted depth or sharp clarity—users can choose a switch that matches their typing style while still enjoying some common acoustic benefits.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, both switches exhibit an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive to key presses. However, they differ in their bottom out forces, with the Caramel Pudding requiring a force of 52 grams to bottom out, while the Sky V4 has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while both switches feel light during typing, the Caramel Pudding switch offers a marginally softer feel when fully pressed down, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Sky V4 may appeal to users seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback and a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation vs. bottom out feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that they offer the same amount of travel when pressed down. This similarity in travel distance allows for a comparable tactile feel and performance when typing or gaming, ensuring that users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and responsiveness. With both switches measuring the same, users can focus on other aspects such as switch feel or sound when deciding between the two.
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 Dareu Sky V4 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V4 for $4.76.
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
The sound signature of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is characterized by a resonant, clacky tone that can create a lively auditory experience during typing. This sound can be particularly appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while they type, adding a layer of engagement to their interactions with the keyboard. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch delivers a deeper, thocky sound that resonates more like a soft "thud" or a gentle "knock." This low-pitched audio characteristic provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable, especially in quieter environments. While both switches offer a distinct auditory experience, their differing tonal qualities cater to different preferences—either the clackiness of the Caramel Pudding or the thockiness of the Sky V4.
When considering the feel of each switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding offers an exquisitely smooth experience that typists may appreciate, providing seamless key presses that enhance typing efficiency. However, detailed insights into the exact feel of the Caramel Pudding are not available. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is described as bouncy, delivering a sensation of elastic feedback with every keystroke. This lively responsiveness can contribute to a more dynamic typing experience, making it particularly enjoyable for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. While the Caramel Pudding promises smoothness, the Sky V4’s bouncy nature adds an element of playfulness to the keystrokes, giving users a different tactile experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches each possess unique qualities that will appeal to different types of users. The Caramel Pudding is known for its clacky sound and smooth feel, while the Sky V4 is recognized for its deep, thocky sound and bouncy feedback. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide enjoyable typing experiences, but the choice between them will depend on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback. Users can expect satisfaction from either option, given their distinct qualities, while the differences may guide their selection based on desired auditory and tactile characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch will ultimately depend on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you favor a more resonant, clacky sound with an exquisitely smooth typing experience, the Caramel Pudding may be your best bet. Its medium-light actuation force makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions, especially if you enjoy a lively, responsive feel. However, if you prefer a deeper, thocky sound signature with a nuanced typing experience, the Sky V4 is an excellent choice. This switch not only provides a slightly firmer actuation force but also features a bouncy, spring-like feedback that enhances the tactile enjoyment of typing. In quieter or more professional settings, the deep, low-pitched timbre of the Sky V4 could also be advantageous, making it more suitable for office use. By considering these aspects—sound profile, typing feel, and your intended use—you can make an informed decision that suits your personal style and needs in a mechanical keyboard.
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