HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro 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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro are two compelling options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth feel, making them an attractive choice for those who relish auditory feedback and fluid key presses typical of linear switches. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro switches are known for their medium tactility and fairly light touch, offering a neutral sound signature that positions them as a versatile "Goldilocks" tactile option for users seeking a balanced typing experience without overwhelming noise. While the Caramel Pudding excels in providing a satisfying, engaging typing sound, the Violet Gold Pro aims to deliver a comfortable mix of responsiveness and subtle feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide which switch is the best fit for your unique typing style and preferences.
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, one can observe distinct differences in the top housing while finding similarities in the bottom housing. The Caramel Pudding utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic characteristics. This absorbs more sound, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder, providing a unique typing experience that many users appreciate for its warm auditory feedback. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and therefore generates a sharper, crisper sound profile. This sturdiness leads to a more resonant sound that is especially beneficial for RGB enthusiasts as the translucency of polycarbonate can enhance the visual effects of the lighting.
On the other hand, both keyboard models feature nylon for the bottom housing, which unifies their performance. With nylon as a classic switch housing material, both keyboards promise a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature effectively absorbs sound and reduces vibrations. This results in a pleasing and consistent auditory experience when pressing keys on either keyboard. Therefore, while the top housings diverge in texture and sound output, they share a quality bottom housing that ties back to the warmer and richer tonal experience users seek in mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, despite the contrast between the nylon and polycarbonate materials at the top housing level, both models can yield similar outcomes when evaluated holistically. The nylon bottom housing on both the Caramel Pudding and the Violet Gold Pro creates a foundation that harmonizes with individual top housing characteristics. Thus, while users may notice differences in the auditory experience when pressing versus releasing a key, the overall sound profile remains rooted in warmth and richness, largely behaving as a cohesive unit propelled by the shared nylon base. Whether one seeks the soft warmth of the Caramel Pudding or the sharp clarity of the Violet Gold Pro, the underlying nylon contributes a familiar depth to the experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch with the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means they require an equivalent amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, providing a similar experience in that regard. However, the Caramel Pudding has a defined bottom out force of 52 grams, indicating that it provides a slight resistance when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro remains unknown, which leaves some ambiguity regarding how it feels when fully depressed. Nonetheless, since the actuation forces are equal, users looking for a lighter typing experience will find that both switches offer the same initial push, making the Caramel Pudding the lighter option because of its established bottom out force. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the higher bottom out force of the Caramel Pudding may provide a feeling of added resistance. In summary, while the actuation forces align, the known bottom out force of the Caramel Pudding suggests a heavier feel compared to the uncertain characteristics of the Violet Gold Pro.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that those who use the Caramel Pudding switch can expect a quicker, more responsive keypress due to its shorter travel distance, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for fast response times. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing or gaming, as it provides a deeper keypress that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and quickness, the Caramel Pudding would be the preferable option, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial keypress might lean towards the Violet Gold Pro.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 linear switch is characterized by a resonant, clacky signature that delivers an enjoyable auditory experience while typing. This sound can create an engaging atmosphere, particularly appealing to those who appreciate more acoustic feedback from their keyboard. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch features a neutral sound signature, which provides a balanced auditory response that is neither overly loud nor silent. This versatility makes the Violet Gold Pro a practical choice for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting, as it won't disturb those around you while still offering satisfying feedback during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switches provide an exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes without any tactile resistance. This smoothness can enhance typing speed and fluidity, making it ideal for those who prioritize a seamless experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches are designed with medium tactility, featuring a stepped feel that presents mild feedback at the actuation point. This tactile response differs from the Caramel Pudding's linear smoothness and caters to users who enjoy a bit more sensitivity in their keystrokes without being overwhelming.
In summary, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinctly different typing experiences. While the Caramel Pudding prioritizes a clacky sound and smooth keystrokes, the Violet Gold Pro presents a neutral sound profile with measured tactile feedback. Depending on your preferences—whether you enjoy the auditory excitement of a clacky linear switch or the balanced nature and tactile satisfaction of a medium tactile option—either switch could serve your needs effectively. It ultimately comes down to personal taste and the typing experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you're someone who enjoys a smooth typing experience paired with a resonant, clacky sound, the Caramel Pudding switches might be the way to go. Their medium-light actuation force makes them suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue, making them a good choice for gaming or leisurely typing at home. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced experience that doesn't compromise on tactility, the Violet Gold Pro switches are likely to meet your needs. With their medium tactility and neutral sound profile, they are an excellent option for both work and casual use, ensuring that you can type comfortably without the risk of disturbing others. In essence, consider your personal typing style, the noise environment you'll be in, and whether you lean towards a smooth linear feel or a mild tactile response to guide your decision.
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