HMX Caramel Pudding vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches plays a pivotal role, especially for enthusiasts who appreciate nuanced sound and feel. The HMX Caramel Pudding switch is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing experience, making it an attractive option for those who value auditory feedback and a fluid keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch stands out with its unique PA12 top housing that delivers softer acoustics and a POM stem that produces a crisply higher-pitched resonance. Classified as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy', the Xinhai is designed for users seeking a harmonious blend of subtle sophistication and performance precision. Both switches cater to different preferences: if you enjoy a more pronounced sound and smooth feel, the Caramel Pudding may be your ideal match, while the Xinhai offers a refined auditory experience with enhanced responsiveness. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the HMX Xinhai share a notable similarity in their construction, as they each utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housing materials. This choice of material is significant in establishing their acoustic properties, as nylon is known to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The shared characteristic of the nylon housings in both models contributes to a consistent auditory experience, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastic alternatives. The result is a distinctly rounder and duller sound, which is particularly appealing to users seeking a mellow typing experience.
Despite the similar material choices, the way the sound and feel of each switch is articulated can differ subtly depending on the housing configurations. For instance, while both models use nylon in the top and bottom housings, any variations in design, such as thickness or shape, could affect the typing experience and the resulting sound profile. According to the provided information, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel more significantly, while the top housing has a greater impact during the release of a key. Therefore, although users can expect a generally similar sound and feel from both switches due to the nylon construction, the specifics of each switch's design could yield unique sound nuances.
In conclusion, the HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Xinhai switches are built using the same nylon material for their housings, ensuring that users will enjoy a harmonized acoustic environment when typing. Users will experience a mellow typing sensation, characterized by a deeper sound that is inherent to nylon's properties. While the core characteristics such as sound absorption and acoustic quality will align closely between the two models, any slight design differences could introduce a unique tactile feel, showcasing how nuanced factors can impact the overall typing experience even with similar materials.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer distinct characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a medium-light feel for users who enjoy a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, allowing for quicker keystrokes and less finger fatigue. These differences make the Xinhai ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where less resistance is beneficial. Overall, the Caramel Pudding is the heavier option, while the Xinhai is lighter, appealing to those who prefer a more delicate touch. If both switches had the same forces, one could expect a similar typing feel, but as it stands, their varying forces cater to different user preferences effectively.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly in their performance characteristics. The Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Xinhai more suitable for individuals who prefer faster response times, as it is designed to allow for quicker keystrokes, making it ideal for gaming and rapid typing scenarios. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding's greater travel distance can provide a more tactile experience for users who enjoy a deeper feel when pressing keys. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, you might choose the Xinhai, but if you prefer a more pronounced depth in your key presses, the Caramel Pudding would be the better option.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 assessing the sound profile of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, the distinctions are notable. The Caramel Pudding produces a resonant, clacky sound signature that offers a sharp and snappy auditory experience, amplifying the percussive nature of each keystroke. This crisp and bright sound is engaging and lively, making it ideal for those who appreciate feedback from their typing. On the contrary, the Xinhai switch, with its unique PA12 top housing, is designed to deliver a softer acoustic profile, diverging from the brighter resonance of the Caramel Pudding. Its POM stem contributes to a distinctively crisp yet higher-pitched sound, embodying a level of sophistication that draws out a subtler, yet precise auditory experience. Ultimately, while both switches create a satisfying sound environment, the Caramel Pudding leans towards a more energetic clack, while the Xinhai presents a polished, nuanced sound.
In terms of tactile feedback, the HMX Caramel Pudding switch stands out for its exquisitely smooth typing feel. This allows for an effortless keystroke, providing a fluid and engaging experience that users can easily enjoy during extended typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Xinhai switch offers a combination of bouncy and creamy sensations. The bouncy feedback gives a lively and spring-like feel, encouraging a dynamic typing experience, while the creamy aspect ensures a smooth and buttery interaction as fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. This unique blend of feedback in the Xinhai switch introduces a playful yet refined tactile quality, which contrasts with the straightforward smoothness of the Caramel Pudding.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer unique sound and feel experiences that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding excitedly delivers a bright and clacky sound alongside a smooth typing sensation, while the Xinhai switch combines a softer auditory profile with a lively and buttery feel. These distinctions mean that your choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer a more resonant feedback or a sophisticated blend of tactile qualities, allowing users to select a switch that aligns with their personal typing style and sound preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a satisfying auditory experience and prefer a switch that provides a smooth and clacky sound profile, the Caramel Pudding would be an excellent choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams, it offers a delightful combination of tactile feedback and acoustics that makes it ideal for both typing and gaming, especially for those who enjoy a bit of auditory flair in their keystrokes. Conversely, if you favor a lighter actuation with an emphasis on a crisp, higher-pitched sound, the Xinhai switch may suit you better. Its lighter bottom out force of 45 grams combined with the unique materials used— like the PA12 top housing and POM stem—creates a bouncy and creamy typing experience that is excellent for long sessions, where comfort and precision are paramount. Ultimately, the choice rests on whether you prioritize auditory excitement and feedback or a refined, softer touch with elegant acoustics—both options present unique advantages tailored to different user preferences.
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