HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue present two compelling yet distinct options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature that not only provides auditory feedback but also delivers an exquisitely smooth typing experience, making them an ideal choice for those who enjoy a tactile and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches impress with their deep and thocky sound profile, which immerses users in a satisfying auditory environment while the lengthened single-stage spring offers a delightful bounce and a moderate key press weight. This combination strikes a balance that caters to both seasoned typists and those new to mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, choosing between the Caramel Pudding’s pronounced sound and smooth feel versus the Tourmaline Blue’s rich audio and bouncy action depends on individual typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, the most notable distinction lies in their top housing compositions. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon, which is celebrated for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic characteristics. This material absorbs more sound, producing a sound that is duller and rounder, making it ideal for those who prefer a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer plastic offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, resulting in a more resonant typing experience that can be appealing for users who prioritize clarity over warmth in the auditory feedback of their keystrokes.
The bottom housings of the two switches follow a similar pattern, further emphasizing the contrast between softer and harder materials. The Caramel Pudding's nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall rounded sound, thus enhancing the characteristics defined by its top housing. Meanwhile, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing solidifies the switch's brighter audio signature. The different interactions of these materials mean that while both switches have unique sound profiles, their varying compositions play a significant role in how users experience each keystroke. For instance, the nylon material in the Caramel Pudding aids in softening the bottom-out sound, while the polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue crisps it up, resulting in distinctly different auditory experiences.
Ultimately, the differences in top and bottom housing materials result in a split of sound qualities between the two switches. For users who opt for the HMX Caramel Pudding, the dampening attributes of nylon will create a typing experience that feels softer and more subdued, ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue will appeal to those who desire a snappy and responsive feel with a brighter auditory feedback. If one seeks to achieve a distinct sound with either switch by altering the housing combinations, understanding that the top housing predominantly influences the release sound while the bottom affects the bottom-out has practical implications for building personalized mechanical keyboards. Both switches can still offer satisfying and pleasing results depending on the desired typing experience, despite their material differences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there is a clear difference in both actuation and bottom out forces that caters to different user preferences. The Caramel Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially beneficial for long sessions. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that provides a more substantial feel for users who favor a stronger push. This significant difference means that the Caramel Pudding is lighter and more forgiving, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a more tactile and robust typing experience. Thus, while both switches serve their purpose well, they cater to two distinct typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue extends to 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Pudding the shorter option, which may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times due to the reduced distance. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, resulting in a more hearty depth to their keystrokes. Therefore, if one values speed and responsiveness, the Caramel Pudding is the better choice, while those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience might lean towards the Tourmaline Blue.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 Caramel Pudding switches are recognized for their resonant and clacky signature, providing a typist with a playful auditory experience that can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing. This is in direct contrast to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches, which deliver a deep and thocky sound profile. The thockiness of the Tourmaline Blues creates a more robust auditory experience that resonates more deeply, providing a satisfying acoustic feedback with each key press. However, it's important to consider that sound quality can vary depending on the keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps, so individual experiences may differ.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that make long typing sessions more enjoyable. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a buttery, easy-to-press feel due to their lengthened single-stage spring, which not only contributes to a bouncy sensation with every keystroke but also reduces finger fatigue over time. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blues enhance their accessibility, making them friendly for users across the spectrum of typing preferences. While both types of switches offer enjoyable tactile experiences, the Caramel Pudding emphasizes smoothness, while the Tourmaline Blue focuses on cushioning and ease of pressing.
Overall, both the Caramel Pudding and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches cater to distinct preferences when it comes to sound and feel. If you prefer a clackier experience with a smooth feel, the Caramel Pudding may be the ideal choice for you. Conversely, if you enjoy a thocky sound with a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, the Tourmaline Blue will serve you well. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, though the specific characteristics will guide newcomers in finding the switch that aligns best with their typing style and personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation force around 52 grams and are inclined toward a smoother typing experience with a clacky sound signature that can be quite enjoyable for gaming and casual typing, the Caramel Pudding is likely the better fit for you. This switch is particularly well-suited for scenarios where a lively and resonant feedback enhances your satisfaction. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust typing action and a deep, thocky sound profile that immerses you in your work, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, with its heavier actuation force of 67 grams, offers a bouncy yet buttery feel that can provide an engaging experience for prolonged typing sessions. This switch strikes a balance between performance and comfort, making it a versatile choice whether you're working from home or in an office environment. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a keyboard experience are most important to you—whether it’s the sound, feel, or the force required for actuation—to make the best choice for your needs.
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