TTC Bluish White vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly impact your typing experience. On one hand, the TTC Bluish White switches offer a satisfyingly poppy tactile response that many typists find enjoyable and engaging. They feature a snappy sound profile characterized as buttery, mild, and subtle, making them an excellent option for those who appreciate feedback without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches deliver an exquisitely smooth typing feel, complemented by a resonant, clacky sound signature that typists may find delightful, especially for rapid keystrokes. While the Bluish Whites are perfect for users who enjoy the tactile feedback and moderate sound during typing, the Caramel Pudding switches cater to those who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes and a more streamlined feedback experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches display a distinct contrast, particularly in their top housings. The Bluish White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is in stark contrast to the HMX Caramel Pudding's nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer characteristics. The difference in those materials not only results in divergent auditory experiences but also affects the aesthetic appeal; the translucency of the polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting, providing a vibrant illumination effect that enhances visual performance.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find a striking similarity. Both the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Caramel Pudding feature nylon bottom housings, which share similar properties and sound qualities; specifically, they both absorb sound, leading to a deeper and more rounded auditory feedback when typing. This uniformity in the bottom housing material essentially harmonizes the deeper sound profile produced during key presses, creating a cohesive feel, regardless of the differing top materials. The softness of the nylon contributes to a comforting bottom-out experience that users may seek, thus enriching the tactile feedback while typing.
Together, the contrasting qualities of the top housings and the similarities in the bottom housings highlight the multifaceted nature of switch performance. While the distinct materials lead to a varied auditory experience—sharper sounds from polycarbonate versus fuller sounds from nylon—the cohesive element provided by the nylon bottom ensures that the end-user's tactile experience remains pleasant and well-rounded. Therefore, although auditory characteristics may diverge based on the top housing, the harmonious integration of nylon in the lower segment allows users to enjoy a satisfying and balanced typing experience across both switches.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences. The Bluish White switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option suited for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. While both switches require some level of force to register a keystroke and to bottom out, the Bluish White is more favorable for those who prefer a lighter touch, whereas the Caramel Pudding offers a bit more resistance for users who enjoy a more substantial feel. Overall, the differences in these forces highlight the diverse needs of keyboard enthusiasts, with the Bluish White being the lighter choice and the Caramel Pudding offering a heavier alternative.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, we find that the Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Caramel Pudding boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Caramel Pudding may offer a more pronounced keypress experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper feel. On the other hand, the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Bluish White could be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times, which can enhance performance in fast-paced situations. Ultimately, if you prioritize a quicker actuation, the Bluish White emerges as the more efficient choice, while the Caramel Pudding might cater to those who enjoy a more substantial depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a distinctive low-pitched sound profile that offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, contributing to a pleasant auditory experience while typing. This contrasts with the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, which is known for its resonant, clacky sound signature. While both switches deliver unique auditory profiles, the overall sound experience can be influenced by other factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so fluctuations in sound can be expected.
When it comes to feel, the Bluish White excels with a combination of buttery smoothness and mild characteristics that provide a gentle yet satisfying typing experience. Its stepped nature offers a two-stage tactile sensation, allowing users to experience both pre-travel and post-travel feedback. Additionally, the subtle resistance and polished finish enhance the overall fluidity of keystrokes, making it approachable for various users. On the other hand, the characteristics of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch remain unknown in this context, leaving a gap in the comparison with respect to typing feel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White and HMX Caramel Pudding switches offer distinct advantages in terms of sound and feel. The Bluish White delivers a snappy sound and a complex tactile feel suitable for a wide range of typing preferences, whereas the Caramel Pudding provides a clacky sound but lacks detailed descriptors regarding its feel. This means that while the Bluish White can create an engaging typing experience, potential users may need to explore the Caramel Pudding further to understand its tactile qualities. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying typing results, but the Bluish White offers a more defined experience as described.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile, the Bluish White is the way to go. With its light bottom-out force of 50 grams, it will cater to those who appreciate a more subtle and buttery typing feel, ideal for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, if you prefer a clacky sound signature and a smooth, fluid keystroke experience, the Caramel Pudding will serve you well. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams offers a good balance between tactile feedback and ease of use, making it perfect for both gaming and typing. Ultimately, assess the type of feedback and sound you desire in your keyboard experience, and choose the switch that aligns best with your overall typing style and environment.
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