HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to your personal typing preferences and the auditory experiences you seek. The HMX Caramel Pudding switches are renowned for their exquisite smoothness and resonant, clacky sound signature, making them a prime choice for those who favor a linear feel and an unobtrusive, fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches cater to users who appreciate a tactile response, offering a thuddy and punchy sound profile that provides satisfying feedback without being overly aggressive. These switches strike a perfect balance with their pronounced tactility, designed for users who enjoy a sharp typing sensation coupled with character in every keystroke. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials used in the HMX Caramel Pudding and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches, one immediately notices a distinct difference in their top housings. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon’s softer properties, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly well-suited for switches intended for RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant light diffusion. This divergence in sound characteristics emphasizes the impact of housing materials on the auditory experience of each switch.
On the other hand, both the Caramel Pudding and the Viola Tricolor employ nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity ensures that both switches will offer a deep and full sound profile when bottoming out, as nylon’s inherent properties minimize sound reflection and contribute to a more muted auditory feedback. Although the top housings diverge in their material composition and resulting sound qualities, the shared nylon material in the bottom housings creates a commonality in terms of overall feel. When users press down on either switch, they can expect a similar sensation stemming from the softer bottom housing material, reinforcing the idea that while the top materials influence the sound upon key release, the bottom material predominantly affects the sound and feel during actuation.
Overall, the differences in top housing materials between the Caramel Pudding and Viola Tricolor switches create a divergent sound experience, with the former providing a cohesive and warm auditory output and the latter offering a bright and cutting sound signature. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that they share a consistent feel and sound upon bottoming out, highlighting an interesting interplay of materials that ultimately shapes the user's experience. To achieve similar results in terms of tactile feedback during the key press, users can rely on the nylon bottom housing shared by both models, while selecting between the two based on their preference for the atmospheric sound featured in the top housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it an excellent choice for users seeking comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor switch has an unknown actuation force but possesses a considerably heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a substantially firmer typing experience. This makes the Viola Tricolor better suited for those who prefer a more tactile feedback and a stronger push feel. Overall, the Caramel Pudding is lighter, which may facilitate longer usage without fatigue, while the Viola Tricolor is heavier, catering more to users looking for a robust and substantial feel with each keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, the Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding will provide a more responsive feel, making it an ideal choice for gamers who prefer quicker actuation times. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor, with its greater 3.8 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth that some users might find more satisfying, particularly for typing tasks where feedback is valued. Therefore, if you're seeking a switch that feels more abrupt and responsive, the Caramel Pudding is the better option; however, if you appreciate a deeper keypress, the Viola Tricolor would be preferable.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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, clacky quality that many typists find appealing. This creates an engaging auditory feedback that adds excitement to the typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound, providing a more subdued yet rich auditory experience. While both switches offer distinct sounds, the Caramel Pudding's clackiness contrasts with the Viola's deeper, bass-heavy tones. The overall acoustic character of each switch can significantly be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, but the Caramel Pudding is likely to resonate a bit more, whereas the Viola Tricolor exudes a robust bass sound.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding delivers an exquisitely smooth typing sensation, allowing for seamless keystrokes without much resistance. This results in a fluid experience that is often preferred by typists who favor quick, uninterrupted typing. In comparison, the Haimu Viola Tricolor provides a pronounced tactile sensation that strikes a balance between being satisfying and not overly intense. With its medium tactile feedback, users can expect a responsive feel during key presses without encountering the scratchiness often associated with less refined tactile switches. This characteristically invigorating feel adds a layer of engagement that can elevate typing to a more immersive experience.
In summary, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately hinges on personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Caramel Pudding is ideal for those who appreciate a clacky, smooth typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor is suited for users looking for a richer tactile feedback combined with a deeper, punchy sound. Each offers unique sensations and auditory experiences, and both can significantly enhance your typing enjoyment, despite their differences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch should hinge on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you gravitate towards a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Caramel Pudding is an excellent option, especially suited for those who enjoy a medium-light actuation force and a resonant, clacky sound profile. This switch is particularly ideal for tasks that require extensive typing or gaming, where a seamless keypress can enhance your productivity and enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and pronounced feedback during your keystrokes, the Viola Tricolor is the way to go. Its medium-heavy actuation force and thuddy, bass-heavy acoustics provide a rewarding typing experience, making it perfect for users who enjoy a more engaged tactile sensation without being overly harsh. Ultimately, both switches have their unique attributes, so reflecting on how you plan to use your keyboard will guide you towards the choice that best fits your style.
Mentioned in this article
