HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the options available, particularly when comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Durock White Lotus. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making them a favorite among those who enjoy a dynamic auditory feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches cater to the discerning typist, offering a subtle tactile sensation that is both easy to press and perfect for prolonged typing sessions without being overwhelming. With their delicate tactility and removable light column that allows for striking RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus switches provide a visually engaging and immersive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches serve distinct purposes: the Caramel Pudding for those seeking a lively and resonant sound, and the White Lotus for users prioritizing comfort and aesthetics. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and Durock White Lotus switches, a distinct contrast emerges in the makeup of their top housings. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic construction. This attribute allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a rounder, more muted auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the White Lotus incorporates a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high-performance engineering plastic (UPE) for its top housing. This unique blend not only contributes to a premium feel but also alters the sound characteristics when keys are released, potentially offering a brighter auditory response compared to the softer, muffled tones of the Caramel Pudding.
Contrastingly, the bottom housings of both switch options utilize nylon, which is renowned for its consistent sound performance and tactile feedback. The nylon in both the Caramel Pudding and White Lotus switches promises a deeper and fuller sound profile, reinforcing the fundamental characteristics that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience. The shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switch types maintain a similar level of sound absorption, producing a duller and rounder bottom-out sound. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, users can expect a fundamentally consistent auditory experience when pressing the keys down.
Ultimately, while the top housing materials diverge between the Caramel Pudding and White Lotus, the nylon bottom housing present in both designs allows for a familiar sound profile during typing, thus providing an effective balance. The nylon's ability to absorb sound will dominate the bottom-out experience for both switches, even as the top housings influence the overall sound signature differently. Users can anticipate a rich and engaging auditory and tactile experience regardless of the switch choice, making it feasible for enthusiasts to enjoy the distinct benefits each switch offers while still arriving at similar overall results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we can observe some subtle differences. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the White Lotus has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. This makes the Caramel Pudding lighter overall, which may benefit users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the White Lotus, with its higher forces, offers a more substantial keypress experience, appealing to those who favor a stronger tactile feedback. Though both switches fall into the medium-light category, the Caramel Pudding is the lighter choice, allowing for easier actuation. Ultimately, while both switches provide good performance, the Caramel Pudding may be more suitable for extended use due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find that the Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the White Lotus measures 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Pudding the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times typically sought after by gamers. In contrast, the White Lotus, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may offer a more satisfying press for users who appreciate a deeper key feel, making it more suitable for typists or those who prefer a traditional tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding depth and responsiveness; the Caramel Pudding delivers a more immediate response, whereas the White Lotus provides a fuller, more pronounced keystroke.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch has a resonant, clacky sound signature that can be quite pronounced, providing clear auditory feedback with each keystroke. This can add an engaging dynamic to your typing experience, especially for those who enjoy auditory stimulation while typing. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched tone is more mellow and bass-heavy, creating a softer auditory experience that blends well in both quiet office settings and home environments. While both switches possess distinct sound signatures, the Caramel Pudding is considerably louder and more resonant compared to the more subdued and gentle character of the White Lotus.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding is lauded for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid key presses with minimal resistance. This makes it particularly appealing for typists who prioritize a fast and sleek keystroke action. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a mild tactile feedback that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. These switches are easy to press, allowing for effortless activation with minimal effort, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. The subtlety of the tactile bump means that while you feel the key responds, it doesn’t overwhelm your fingers, making it a versatile option for both work and leisure typing.
Overall, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch largely depends on your sound and feel preferences. If you appreciate a louder and more engaging auditory experience alongside a super smooth keystroke, the Caramel Pudding might be your go-to. For those who prefer a quieter, more subtle typing experience with a mild tactile sensation, the White Lotus would excel in that regard. Both switches can accommodate different needs, ensuring that typists can find a satisfying fit based on their individual typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches and Durock White Lotus tactile switches comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a smooth typing experience with a resonant, clacky sound signature that adds character to your keyboard, the Caramel Pudding is a suitable option for you, especially if your work or gaming environment allows for a bit of noise and you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams. This choice is ideal for those who want a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more subdued sound and a tactile feel, allowing for a tranquil typing environment—perhaps in shared spaces or for extended periods of use—the White Lotus is the better pick. With its easy-to-press design and delicate tactility at a slightly higher bottom out force of 56 grams, it offers comfort and responsiveness without overwhelming feedback, making it perfect for professional environments or long typing sessions. Ultimately, your selection should reflect whether you favor a lively, smooth experience or a subtle, tactile touch.
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