HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Jerrzi Violet 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 Jerrzi Violet offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth actuation and resonant, clacky sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a fluid typing feel without the tactile bumps. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet, a tactile switch, provides a gentle bump to signal actuation, complemented by a neutral sound profile that appeals to users who enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Caramel Pudding excels in smoothness and sound, appealing to gamers and typists who thrive on speed, whereas the Violet caters to those who appreciate a tactile sensation alongside a more balanced auditory experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personal typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding and Jerrzi Violet switches, the distinction in their top housings reveals significant differences in sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer nature, providing a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is largely due to nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, yielding a rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is characteristically stiffer and leads to a sharper, crisper sound profile. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, making it an attractive choice for those who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance.
While the top housings of these two switches differ significantly in material and sound characteristics, their bottom housings tell a different story. Both the Caramel Pudding and Violet switches feature nylon bottom housings, which share the same fundamental qualities. This commonality ensures that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile in terms of bottom-out feel, as the nylon material dampens sound more than other plastics. Thus, when a user presses down on either switch, the experience will be consistent due to the shared bottom housing, regardless of the contrasting top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Caramel Pudding and Jerrzi Violet switches serves to create an interesting interplay of sound profiles. The Violets’ polycarbonate top may yield a sharper acoustics, while the nylon bottoms of both switches ensure a uniformity in sound feedback during key presses. When users let go of a key, they will appreciate the unique characteristics of each top housing, but the underlying nylon in the bottom will contribute a familiar sound foundation. Therefore, while the two switches offer distinct auditory experiences due to their differing top materials, the use of nylon in their bottoms ensures a cohesive and satisfying tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, one can note that both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive for triggering keystrokes. This similarity means that users who prioritize a lighter typing experience may find both switches suitable for extended periods of typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force differs significantly: the Caramel Pudding has a bottom out force of 52 grams, which indicates a firmer feel when bottoming out, while the Jerrzi Violet's bottom out force is unknown. This lack of information on the Violet's bottom out force leaves uncertainty about how it feels when pressed completely down. Consequently, the Caramel Pudding is the heavier switch overall, given its defined bottom out force, appealing more to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Violet may cater to a different preference without a clear indicator of its resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we find that the Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Caramel Pudding the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its minimal distance. In contrast, the Violet's longer 3.7 mm travel may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a deeper keypress, making it more suitable for those who enjoy a tactile feedback experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 recognized for its distinctively resonant and clacky audio profile. This lively auditory feedback can enhance the overall typing experience for users who enjoy a more pronounced sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a neutral sound signature. This means that it produces sound that is neither overly quiet nor particularly loud, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. While both switches can produce enjoyable sounds, the Caramel Pudding's more vibrant clackiness contrasts with the Violet's balanced and moderate auditory output.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is known for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, which allows for fluid and uninterrupted keystrokes. This smoothness can be particularly appealing for users who value speed and efficiency in their typing. Conversely, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a gentle tactile sensation with a design that introduces a stepped feel. This means that typists will experience a noticeable but mild tactile bump during actuation, which provides feedback without being overly aggressive. The stepped nature of the Violet switch allows for a more nuanced typing experience, making it easier to discern actuation points while maintaining comfort.
Overall, the comparison between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch reveals two distinct approaches to the typing experience. The Caramel Pudding is all about that engaging clacky sound and smoothness, ideal for users who prioritize auditory feedback and seamless keystrokes. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet balances a neutral sound signature with a gentle tactile experience, making it a conducive option for versatile use. Therefore, the preferences of the user will ultimately dictate the choice between these two switches, depending on whether they seek a lively auditory experience or a more subdued yet tactile one.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a smooth typing experience with a slightly lighter actuation force—coupled with a distinctive, clacky sound signature—the Caramel Pudding is an excellent choice. It's particularly suited for those who thrive in environments where sound can add an enjoyable dimension to your work or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile response that provides gentle feedback without being overly pronounced, the Jerrzi Violet switch would be more to your liking. The Violet offers a balanced experience, making it suitable for both casual typing at home and more focused tasks in an office setting. Its neutral sound profile and mild tactility can help maintain productivity without overwhelming distractions. Ultimately, consider your specific needs; whether you lean towards the lively feedback of the Caramel Pudding or the subtle tactility of the Violet will guide you in selecting the right switch for your setup.
Mentioned in this article
