HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Dareu Snow each offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant and clacky sound signature, delivering an exquisitely smooth typing experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. This makes them an excellent choice for those who enjoy an audible feedback while typing, enhancing the overall tactile engagement. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switches set themselves apart with their innovative POK material, which contributes to a deeper sound signature and a bouncy, neutral stroke, providing a distinct feel that caters to users who prefer a low-pitched auditory experience. Both switches are linear, making them ideal for effortless keystrokes and swift typing, yet their auditory and tactile characteristics can significantly influence your typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Dareu Snow, a notable point of contrast arises with their top housing materials. The Caramel Pudding employs nylon for its top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller audio profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's relatively softer composition, which results in a muted and rounded sound when typing. In contrast, the Dareu Snow features a top housing made from POK material, which is renowned for its durability and smooth operation. POK exhibits a higher coefficient of friction compared to nylon, making it effective in delivering a smooth, clacky feel. While both materials contribute to different auditory experiences, the POK material's attributes lend themselves to a more distinct and perhaps sharper sound profile, showcasing how the choice of materials shapes the overall typing experience.
Both the Caramel Pudding and the Snow utilize nylon for their bottom housings and share a commonality that impacts sound dampening in both switches. The nylon used in the bottom housing for both switches enhances sound absorption, leading to a similar deeper and rounder sound profile during typing. This similarity in material ensures that both switches possess a consistent auditory signature at the bottom stage of the typing process, emphasizing the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing effectively aligns their performance concerning sound characteristics.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials results in their distinct performance profiles. The Caramel Pudding’s nylon top housing dampens sound and creates a fuller acoustic experience, while the Snow’s POK top housing contributes a contrasting sharpness and smoothness to the overall experience. Nonetheless, with both switches featuring nylon in the bottom housing, they achieve similar foundational results in sound dampening and acoustic behavior. This leads to a nuanced typing experience where the distinct properties of the top housings are mirrored by the consistent characteristics of their bottoms, allowing users to experience both variety and familiarity in tactile feedback and auditory output.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding requires an actuation force of 45 grams and bottoms out at 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light in terms of key pressure. In contrast, the Dareu Snow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. Consequently, the Caramel Pudding is the lighter of the two switches, making it well-suited for users who prefer a softer typing experience ideal for long hours of use, such as during extensive gaming sessions or work. Conversely, those who enjoy a more robust feedback during typing may find the heavier Snow switch more appealing. Overall, while both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces cater to varying preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, we find a distinct difference: the Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Snow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference suggests that the Caramel Pudding may provide a more substantial tactile experience, appealing to users who prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Snow, with its shorter travel distance, might be more suitable for gamers who prioritize quick response times and rapid key presses. Thus, for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth, the Caramel Pudding is the recommended choice, whereas the Snow is ideal for those seeking a snappier action.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches are characterized by their resonant, clacky sound signature, which offers an engaging auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. This type of sound can create a lively typing environment, making each keystroke feel more satisfying. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switches produce a deeper sound signature described as thocky, providing a rich and satisfying auditory experience that leans towards a bass-heavy, mellow tone. The neutrality and low pitch of the Snow switches make them versatile for various settings, whether you're gaming or working. Overall, while both switches deliver enjoyable sound experiences, the Caramel Pudding leans toward a brighter, more resonant tone, whereas the Snow provides a deeper, more subdued sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are renowned for their exquisitely smooth typing experience. This makes them ideal for both long typing sessions and fast-paced gaming, as they provide an effortless glide as your fingers dance across the keys. The Snow switches, on the other hand, are described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback that adds a lively texture to your typing experience. This elasticity can make typing feel more dynamic and engaging, though it may not match the buttery smoothness of the Caramel Pudding. Each switch provides a unique tactile experience, ensuring that users can select one that aligns with their personal typing preferences: smoothness versus a bouncy, responsive feedback.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Dareu Snow switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Caramel Pudding stands out with its clacky resonance and ultra-smooth action, appealing to those who enjoy a lively acoustic footprint and seamless typing. Conversely, the Snow switches shine with their deeper, thocky sound and bouncy feel, perfect for users who appreciate a richer typing experience. While their characteristics differ significantly, either switch can provide an enjoyable mechanical typing experience, allowing newcomers to explore various auditory and tactile sensations as they find the switch that best fits their style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 52 grams, the Caramel Pudding is an excellent choice for a seamless and smooth typing experience, accompanied by a charming clacky sound signature that adds character to your keystrokes. This switch is particularly suited for users who enjoy a more playful feel while typing or gaming and those who appreciate auditory feedback without the heaviness. On the other hand, if you need a medium force switch at 60 grams that offers a bit more resistance and a deeper, thocky sound profile, then the Snow switch is the way to go. Its unique POK material contributes to a bouncy feel, delivering a satisfying rebound with each key press. This makes it ideal for those who favor a more substantial typing experience and prefer a deeper, more mellow auditory experience. Ultimately, assess your typing habits and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard; whether you crave a light, lively feel or a more grounded, solid response will guide you to the right pick.
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