TTC Brother vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between clicky and linear variants. The TTC Brother clicky switch has garnered a loyal following for its lightweight actuation at just 37g, which, combined with a pleasantly crunchy sound signature, offers an engaging tactile experience that’s perfect for those who enjoy audible feedback with every keystroke. Its distinct tactile bump strikes a harmonious balance, providing enough feedback to keep typists in tune with their performance without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch presents a different user experience altogether. Renowned for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, this switch eliminates the tactile bump and audible click, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience or rapid key presses, whether for gaming or extended typing sessions. While the Brother excels in delivering insight through sound and tactile sensation, the Caramel Pudding shines with its fluid motion and stealth. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housings. The Brother utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and translucency, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, as polycarbonate's clear nature allows for better light diffusion. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding switch features a nylon top housing, which is softer and leads to a deeper, rounder sound. The combination of these materials suggests that while both switches can produce high-quality auditory experiences, their sound characters are vastly different, with the Brother offering clarity and brightness, while the Caramel Pudding provides warmth and depth.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the TTC Brother and the HMX Caramel Pudding employ nylon, a classic choice for switch construction. This commonality means that both switches will produce a similar deep and fuller sound profile during typing, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb sound. The consistent material in the bottom housing ensures that users will have a degree of sound dampening and a pleasant acoustic experience. Therefore, despite the differences in the materials used for the top housing, both switches will elicit a similar auditory response when the keys bottom out, demonstrating that the nylon bottom housing significantly influences the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the divergence between the top housings illustrates how varying materials can influence sound profiles in mechanical switches. The TTC Brother's polycarbonate top contributes a sharper tone while the HMX Caramel Pudding's nylon top produces a more subdued sound. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housings ensures that the core typing feel and deep sound profiles remain consistent across both switches. Thus, while users may experience different auditory qualities based on the top material, the nylon bottoms unite the two in their ability to create a satisfying keypress experience overall.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less forceful keystroke, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a more deliberate typing experience. When it comes to bottom out force, the Caramel Pudding switch has a well-defined bottom out force of 52 grams, while the bottom out force of the Brother switch is unavailable. This absence of data makes a direct comparison challenging; however, the Caramel Pudding's medium-light bottom out indicates a more definitive tactile experience. Overall, the TTC Brother switch is lighter and likely more comfortable for prolonged use, while the HMX Caramel Pudding offers a heavier feel for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding switch requires a bit more travel to register a key press compared to the Brother switch. For users who prioritize quicker response times, the Brother's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, as it can offer a more immediate feedback when typing or gaming. Conversely, if one prefers a more substantial feel with a bit of extra depth when pressing a key, the Caramel Pudding switch with its longer travel distance could be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches provide a tactile experience, but the TTC Brother is the shorter option, while the HMX Caramel Pudding offers a more extended travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a distinctly crunchy auditory experience that appeals to enthusiasts of clicky switches. Each keystroke produces a clear, crisp sound that can evoke the satisfying crunch of stepping on autumn leaves, providing an engaging aural feedback that is both exhilarating and encouraging for typists and gamers alike. In comparison, the sound profile of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is currently unknown, so it’s unclear how they would compete on this front. However, it's important to note that the final sound of any switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and even environmental factors, potentially affecting the overall auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother switch excels with its easy-to-press design and stepped tactile feedback. The actuation force of just 37g makes it a comfortable choice for long typing sessions, as this lightweight switch allows for minimal resistance, reducing finger fatigue. The tactile bump of the Brother is noticeable without being overwhelming, featuring a well-defined transition that typists might appreciate for its balanced feedback. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Caramel Pudding switch is also unknown, leaving a gap in understanding how it would compare to the well-rounded tactile experience provided by the Brother switch.
In summary, while the TTC Brother clicky switch presents a clear advantage in terms of its satisfying crunchy sound and pleasant tactile feedback, the unknown qualities of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch leave potential users in suspense. Those drawn to the distinct auditory and tactile characteristics of the Brother will find it gratifying for both typing and gaming. However, without specific information on the Caramel Pudding's sound and feel, it's difficult to draw a complete comparison. Ultimately, one must consider personal preferences and typing style, as these factors will significantly impact the overall experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a lively and engaging typing environment, the Brother switch is your ideal companion. Its lightweight actuation, satisfying crunchy sound, and distinct tactile feedback make it perfect for situations where auditory cues enhance your experience, such as gaming or enthusiastic typing sessions. The clicky nature of this switch delivers a clear auditory satisfaction that many users adore, while its easy-to-press design minimizes fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, if you favor a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience, the Caramel Pudding linear switch is what you should consider. Its medium-light bottom-out force creates a comfortable typing feel, while the clacky sound signature adds a unique auditory element without the harshness of a clicky switch. This can be particularly beneficial for quiet environments or prolonged typing tasks where you might prefer less feedback noise. In short, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize an engaging clicky experience with the Brother or a smooth, streamlined action with the Caramel Pudding.
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