HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Everglide Sunset Yellow present two compelling options for fans of linear switches, each with their own unique attributes. The Caramel Pudding switch is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature and an exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback and seamless keystrokes. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow offers a captivating sound profile that echoes the delightful clinking of mahjong tiles, producing a rich and bassy sound that adds an indulgent layer to typing. With its medium-weight feel, the Sunset Yellow accommodates a broader user base, appealing to both casual typists and gamers alike. Its unique Ly stem and proprietary factory lube result in a frictionless and polished experience, while a short travel distance combined with a long-pole stem delivers remarkable responsiveness. Both switches have their merits depending on your preferences, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches, while employing different top housing materials, both aim to deliver a rich and enjoyable typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The Caramel Pudding utilizes a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic properties. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow features a top housing made of POM (polyoxymethylene), known for its distinctive sound quality that is also on the deeper side but more muted. This variation in materials leads to a nuanced difference in audio character when users engage with the switches, with the nylon softness of the Caramel Pudding generating a rounder audio tone, while the POM allows for a slightly more subdued but still pleasing sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches maintain the theme of utilizing different materials. The Caramel Pudding's nylon bottom housing similarly contributes to a deeper sound experience, enhancing the overall acoustic performance of the switch. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow employs a POM bottom housing, which likewise aims for a unique sound profile, albeit with a relatively muted consequence. This divergence implies that each switch offers a characteristic feel and sound during key presses, determined primarily by the materials used not just at the top but throughout the entire housing structure. Thus, while both switches may produce fullness in sound, the Caramel Pudding leans towards a more pronounced and rounded noise, while the Sunset Yellow delivers a sound that is deep yet somewhat restrained.
When engaging with these switches, the impact of the chosen housing materials becomes evident during the typing experience. The quality of the bottom housing, whether nylon or POM, plays a crucial role in defining the bottom-out feel and sound. Meanwhile, the top housing largely influences the sound upon releasing the key. Therefore, users seeking to explore similar auditory experiences might find satisfaction in both options, as each switch's design holistically incorporates their materials and produces a satisfying result grounded in sound quality. In essence, while the materials diverge, both switches harness their unique qualities to curate an enjoyable typing experience that reflects the properties of their specific materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, both switches exhibit similar characteristics in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces, though there are slight differences. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Sunset Yellow has slightly lighter actuation and bottom out forces at 43 grams and 51 grams, respectively. This makes the Sunset Yellow the lighter option overall, which could be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding provides a marginally heavier push, appealing to those who seek a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a comparable level of responsiveness from both switches, though they will experience a slight difference in force that could influence their preference based on typing comfort and experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there is a clear distinction, with the Caramel Pudding measuring 3.6 mm and the Sunset Yellow slightly shorter at 3.2 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding offers a deeper travel experience, which some users may appreciate for a more tactile feel during key presses. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow, with its shorter travel distance, is better suited for gamers seeking quicker response times, as the reduced distance can lead to faster actuation. Ultimately, if you prefer a more pronounced key press, the HMX Caramel Pudding would be the better choice, while those favoring immediate feedback might choose the Everglide Sunset Yellow for its swifter travel.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 per 10 switches.
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 profile of the HMX Caramel Pudding switch is characterized by a resonant and clacky signature that many typists may find exhilarating. This clackiness lends itself to a more pronounced auditory feedback with each key press, making it a satisfying experience for those who enjoy a sharper sound when typing. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch produces a captivating sound profile that is rich and bassy, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. This combination of deep, thocky tones creates a lower frequency range that feels indulgent and luxurious, offering a unique auditory experience that can enhance typing enjoyment.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is noted for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid engagement with each keystroke, though specific descriptors of its tactile feel are not detailed. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch boasts multiple qualities—creamy, frictionless, and polished—that contribute to an overall silky typing sensation. With the factory lube and unique materials, these switches enable a seamless gliding motion while typing, ensuring minimal resistance. This results in a highly responsive and enjoyable experience, making each keystroke feel effortless.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches offer their own distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that can cater to different preferences. While the Caramel Pudding is known for its clacky sound and smooth feel, the Sunset Yellow excels with its deep, indulgent sound and luxurious typing experience. Although there are noteworthy differences, both switches provide satisfying experiences that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup, and experimenting with each will ultimately yield unique results tailored to individual typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a resonant, clacky sound with an exquisitely smooth feel, the Caramel Pudding switches would be your best bet. Their medium-light force of 52 grams offers a comfortable typing experience, making them suitable for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more bassy, thocky sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles, the Sunset Yellow switches might be the right choice for you. With their slightly lighter actuation force of 51 grams and creamy, frictionless feel, they provide a responsive and indulgent typing experience that can enhance both gaming and general use. Ultimately, consider what auditory and tactile sensations resonate more with you, as both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different types of users.
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