HMX Caramel Pudding vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Flaming Pink both offer distinctive characteristics, particularly for those who prefer linear switches. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature, providing a uniquely enjoyable auditory experience alongside its exquisitely smooth typing feel. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a little extra acoustic personality while typing. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink switches are known for their smooth, responsive action and satisfying bottom-out sound, striking a balance that makes them ideal for both gaming and everyday use. Their bright yet unobtrusive sound profile allows users to enjoy a premium typing experience without overwhelming noise levels. Each switch has its own merits, appealing to different preferences in sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and TTC Flaming Pink switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, specifically nylon and polycarbonate, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Caramel Pudding utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's softness. This property allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a mellow acoustic experience that appeals to users who prefer a rounded, muted sound signature. Conversely, the Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which is notably stiffer. This rigidity contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, offering a more pronounced and resonant auditory feedback. The clear nature of the polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing in setups that emphasize aesthetics.
While the top housing materials differ, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a unique harmony in their sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and more enveloping sound profile, as the softer material absorbs sound and mitigates sharpness. This shared nylon material ensures that regardless of the contrasting top housing, users will experience a consistent acoustic foundation when bottoming out on these switches. Consequently, this aspect of design harmonizes the auditory experience across both models, drawing out the satisfying dullness and fullness that nylon provides.
In summary, the key differences between the HMX Caramel Pudding and TTC Flaming Pink focus primarily on the top housing material, which affects their overall sound profiles. Users of the Caramel Pudding enjoy a rounder sound due to the nylon top housing, while those with the Flaming Pink benefit from the polycarbonate's crispness. However, the use of nylon for both bottom housings leads to a shared deep and filling characteristic during key presses. Consequently, despite their varied sound experiences associated with the top housing materials, both switches exhibit a cohesive auditory quality driven by the softness of nylon in their structural design.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Caramel Pudding features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and providing a moderate typing experience. In contrast, the Flaming Pink is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams. This lighter feel may appeal to users who prefer a switch requiring less pressure for actuation, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have distinct bottom-out forces, with the Caramel Pudding exhibiting a slightly heavier feel overall due to its higher actuation and bottom-out forces. Ultimately, users seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Caramel Pudding, while those who favor a lighter touch would benefit from the TTC Flaming Pink.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equivalent in terms of how far each switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity means that users can expect comparable tactile feedback and performance when using both switches, resulting in a consistent typing experience. Whether you're a gamer or a typist, the identical travel distance ensures that both switches will deliver similar results, allowing for seamless transitions between them without adjustment to finger pressure or travel expectations.
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 TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 HMX Caramel Pudding switch is characterized by its resonant and clacky sound signature, providing a lively auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink switch features a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, which offers a subtle auditory feedback that strikes a balance between being pleasant and non-intrusive. While both switches offer distinct sound signatures, it's important to remember that the overall sound experience can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Caramel Pudding switch is known for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid keystrokes that can be especially enjoyable during long typing sessions. The Flaming Pink switch also offers a smooth, responsive feel, emphasizing an ease of actuation that is beneficial for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. While both switches prioritize a smooth feel, the Caramel Pudding may provide a slightly more luxurious sensation due to its design intentions.
In conclusion, when comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding and TTC Flaming Pink linear switches, the Caramel Pudding excels in its clacky sound and luxurious smooth feel, while the Flaming Pink delivers a more subdued sound alongside a responsive typing experience. Although they possess distinct auditory and tactile qualities, both switches cater to users seeking a satisfying experience, ultimately offering similar results in terms of smooth keystrokes, depending on individual preferences and keyboard setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a medium-light actuation force of 52 grams and enjoy a resonant, clacky sound signature that adds character to your typing experience, the Caramel Pudding would be an excellent choice. Its exquisitely smooth feel makes it particularly satisfying for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bright yet subdued sound profile, the TTC Flaming Pink switches offer a responsive, premium typing experience that excels in both gaming and everyday use. Their smooth feel makes them a versatile option for various tasks. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you value more—whether it's the tactile feedback and sound of the Caramel Pudding or the responsive feel and quieter operation of the Flaming Pink.