HMX Caramel Pudding vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinctive experiences tailored to different preferences and needs. The Caramel Pudding switch is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature, combined with an exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it a delightful choice for typists and casual users who appreciate both acoustic feedback and comfort during long writing sessions. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which enables rapid-fire key presses and enhances gaming performance. Its bright, clacky sound profile complements its swift response, creating an engaging experience during fast-paced gameplay. While both switches are linear and offer smooth operation, their design intentions cater to different user requirements—typing elegance versus gaming efficiency. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches are identical, featuring nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This commonality sets a strong foundation for a cohesive sound profile across these two switch types. Since nylon is a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound, keyboards equipped with either switch will likely produce a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to dampen vibrations effectively, leading to a rounder and less harsh acoustic experience when typing. As a result, users of both switches can expect a similar auditory feedback, enhancing their typing experience with a touch of warmth.
Not only is the sound profile consistent due to the use of nylon, but the tactile feel when typing is also expected to align closely between the two switches. The properties of the nylon used in both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Vintage Citrus contribute to a pleasant keystroke that many users find satisfying. Furthermore, since the same housing material is employed, the switches will have comparable performance characteristics such as bottom-out feel and actuation response. Therefore, regardless of visual aesthetic differences, typists will benefit from similar tactile feedback that can influence overall typing speed and comfort.
In summary, with both the HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Vintage Citrus utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings, the resulting similarities ensure that users will enjoy a consistent typing experience with rich auditory qualities. The alignment in material choice directly affects not only the sound but also the feel of the keys, making both switches equally appealing for those who prioritize a harmonious typing experience. In this way, while the designs may diverge, the inherent properties of the nylon in both switch types foster a familiar and enjoyable interaction for all users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, both exhibit only slight differences. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires a marginally heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Caramel Pudding is the lighter option of the two, catering to users who prefer a softer touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its slightly higher forces, offers a more substantial feel, appealing to those who favor a stronger push during key presses. Despite these differences, both switches maintain a medium-light rating overall, suggesting that while the Caramel Pudding is easier to actuate, users of either might find a similarly enjoyable typing experience, albeit with a preference for one over the other based on their force preference.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch differ significantly in their travel distances, with the Caramel Pudding featuring a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Vintage Citrus measuring 3 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more substantial, hearty feel when pressed, while the Vintage Citrus, being shorter, caters to users seeking faster response times, making it more suitable for gaming scenarios. The shorter travel distance of the Vintage Citrus may feel more abrupt, which some users appreciate for its quick actuation, whereas others may prefer the more pronounced feedback from the Caramel Pudding. Thus, the choice between these switches ultimately boils down to personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 switch is characterized by a resonant, clacky sound signature that adds a delightful auditory feedback to your typing experience. This engaging sound can enhance the satisfaction of each keystroke, making it a joy to use for both casual typing and intense gaming sessions. Similarly, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch also features a bright, clacky sound profile, which aligns with its design focus on providing optimal auditory feedback for gamers. While both switches share a clacky sound, the overall acoustics may vary depending on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, but expect a lively sound with either option.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is known for an exquisitely smooth typing experience, enabling easy keystrokes that contribute to an enjoyable and satisfying feel during use. This smoothness often translates to a more fluid typing motion, reducing fatigue during longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch offers a remarkably smooth push feel, complementing its low actuation force of just 1mm, which caters specifically to gamers looking for quick responses and rapid-fire input capabilities. While both switches emphasize smoothness, the key distinction lies in the actuation force of the Vintage Citrus, making it more suited for fast-paced gaming scenarios.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Vintage Citrus switches deliver their unique appeal through their sound and feel characteristics. While you can expect a clacky sound signature from both, the Caramel Pudding leans slightly towards a resonant tone, whereas the Vintage Citrus may impact your gaming performance with its rapid actuation. The Caramel Pudding provides a smooth typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus combines smoothness with an exceptionally low actuation force ideal for gamers. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize gaming efficiency with the Vintage Citrus or an enjoyable typing experience with the Caramel Pudding, although either switch promises an engaging experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch should hinge on your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you enjoy a switch that offers a resonant, clacky sound signature and an exquisitely smooth typing feel, the Caramel Pudding switch may be the ideal choice for you. It strikes a balance with its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams, making it suitable for both casual typing and longer sessions. Conversely, if you are a gamer seeking an edge with rapid-fire key presses, you might prefer the Vintage Citrus switch. With its exceptionally low actuation force at just 1mm and a similarly bright, clacky sound profile, this switch is tailored for quick, responsive gameplay and a remarkably smooth push feel. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a satisfying typing experience or the agility required for high-speed gaming.
Mentioned in this article
