HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Smoothie each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences. The Caramel Pudding is renowned for its resonant, clacky sound signature paired with an exquisitely smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a satisfying tactile experience during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out with its thocky sound signature and lightweight touch, thanks to its all-POM construction, which allows for remarkable smoothness without breaking the bank. For typists seeking a more pronounced acoustic response, the Caramel Pudding may be the favored option, while those looking for a buttery, subdued experience with a focus on affordability may lean towards the Smoothie. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Gateron Smoothie, notable differences arise in their composition, which influences the overall auditory experience during typing. The Caramel Pudding features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic material known for its acoustic properties. Nylon’s softer nature leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, helping absorb vibrations and resulting in a rounder and less harsh sound. This quality is especially pertinent during the bottom-out phase and when releasing keys, contributing to a tactile experience that is rich and satisfying.
In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings. The POM material produces a unique and pleasing sound that is also on the deeper side but tends to be relatively more muted than nylon. This characteristic allows the Smoothie to deliver a distinct auditory experience despite the similarities in sound profile depth. The key takeaway here is that while both switches may offer a pleasing sound to the user, the nuances of POM versus nylon create different sonic results, particularly during key release and bottoming out.
Despite the contrasting materials of nylon and POM, both switches can achieve similar results in terms of overall sound and user experience due to their shared characteristics of delivering a deeper sound profile. The nylon in the Caramel Pudding provides a warm, rounded sound, while the Smoothie’s POM creates a muted resonance that is similarly deep. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference; the individual may favor the sound qualities and feel of nylon or the unique tonal characteristics offered by POM, but both will provide a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the actuation forces present a notable contrast: the Caramel Pudding requires 45 grams to actuate, while the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Smoothie is preferable for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unknown, whereas the Caramel Pudding's bottom out force is rated at 52 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance when fully pressed. This difference suggests that while both switches can provide a comfortable typing experience, the Caramel Pudding will feel heavier and more substantial upon bottoming out compared to the Smoothie. As a result, users looking for a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Smoothie, whereas those seeking a more robust feel should consider the Caramel Pudding. Overall, if comfort during prolonged use is a priority, the lighter Smoothie may be the better choice, but the Caramel Pudding offers a satisfying pushback for a more engaged typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch are both 3.6 mm, making them equal in this regard. This similarity in travel distance means that users will experience a comparable level of key travel when pressing down on either switch. Therefore, individuals seeking a consistent typing feel across different switches can expect similar performance from both the Caramel Pudding and the Smoothie, as their 3.6 mm travel distance offers a unified 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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 produce a resonant and clacky sound signature, offering a distinct auditory experience with each keystroke. This sound quality may appeal to typists who enjoy a pronounced feedback when typing, giving them a sense of satisfaction with every press. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie linear switches provide a thocky sound that is lower-pitched and more subdued, characterized by a deep, rich tone akin to a soft knock or thud when the key is activated. This creates a satisfying, muted auditory feedback that many users find appealing, particularly in environments where quieter operation is preferable.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are renowned for their exquisitely smooth typing experience, promoting a seamless keystroke that encourages efficient and comfortable typing. This smoothness can lead to less finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, Gateron Smoothie switches offer a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, leading to an effortlessly smooth keystroke experience. The combination of these qualities creates a typing sensation that feels fluid and easy, which is particularly beneficial for users who value comfort during extended use.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Gateron Smoothie linear switches present unique sensory experiences tailored to different preferences. While the Caramel Pudding leans towards a more resonant and pronounced sound with an extremely smooth feel, the Gateron Smoothie offers a thocky sound coupled with a buttery typing experience. Ultimately, both switches excel in their own right, and users looking for quality options are likely to find satisfaction with either choice, depending on their specific auditory and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation force and a resonant, clacky sound signature that adds a bit of character to your typing, then the Caramel Pudding is likely the better option for you. It's perfect for those who appreciate a lively auditory feedback combined with a smooth typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more understated typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie might be your go-to choice. With its thocky sound signature and exceptionally smooth keystrokes, it's designed for users who favor a deeper, more subdued auditory experience while still delivering a buttery, creamy feel. The Smoothie’s lightweight touch makes it appealing for fast-paced typing or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your priorities—whether that’s the playful sound and medium actuation of the Caramel Pudding or the smooth, thocky essence of the Gateron Smoothie.
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