HMX Caramel Pudding vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the KTT Glimp both offer unique experiences for users, despite both being linear switches. The Caramel Pudding switch is renowned for its remarkably smooth typing feel and a resonant, clacky sound signature that adds an engaging auditory layer to your keystrokes. Its design prioritizes a seamless typing experience, making it an appealing option for individuals who enjoy fluidity in their typing without the distraction of tactile bumps or heavy resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch provides a medium-light feel that strikes a harmonious balance between tactile feedback and a moderate actuation force. This switch is ideal for those who desire a substantial typing experience without feeling overburdened by resistance. Its fairly clacky sound profile, coupled with a satisfying responsiveness, enhances the overall enjoyment of typing. Both switches serve to elevate your typing experience, yet they cater to slightly different preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and KTT Glimp keyboards differ notably in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer texture allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Glimp utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffness, which provides a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the acoustic clarity of the keyboard but also makes it aesthetically optimal for RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant light diffusion. This fundamental difference in sound quality emphasizes how the choice of top housing material can greatly affect a user's typing experience.
When looking at the bottom housing, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and KTT Glimp utilize nylon, resulting in shared characteristics that contribute to a deeper sound profile. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, thus impacting the bottom-out feel and further enhancing the muted auditory experiences consistent across both keyboards. This alignment in bottom housing materials ensures that even though the top housings are different, users will still encounter a similar tactile sensation coupled with the rich sound quality when bottoming out a key. Therefore, while the top casing directly influences the sound on key release, the nylon bottom maintains a level of acoustic continuity across both models, manifesting a cohesive feel in terms of sound and touch.
In terms of overall acoustic properties, the contrasting top and matching bottom housing materials in the HMX Caramel Pudding and KTT Glimp paint a complex picture of what users can expect from their typing experience. The stark difference in their top housing materials means that each model will cater to distinct user preferences—those who favor a deeper and warmer sound would likely lean toward the Caramel Pudding, while those who prefer a clearer and more resonant experience should look to the Glimp. However, both keyboards maintain a level of sonic similarity due to their nylon bottom housings, ensuring a richer, fuller sound at the bottom out phase. Thus, enthusiasts can choose between the two based on their sound preferences while still enjoying some common auditory traits inherent in the nylon botom construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, both offer a similar experience, although with slight variances in their specifications. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Glimp is slightly lighter at 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Caramel Pudding reaches 52 grams, while the Glimp is marginally heavier at 53 grams. This means that while the Glimp is the lighter of the two in terms of initial actuation, the Caramel Pudding gives a relatively stronger feel upon bottoming out. Both switches fall within the medium-light range, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Users who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Glimp, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel might lean towards the Caramel Pudding for the subtler experience it offers. Overall, while both switches are close in performance, the minor differences in actuation and bottom out forces could influence individual preferences based on typing or gaming style.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Glimp linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance means that the Caramel Pudding switch will provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who benefit from faster response times. In contrast, the Glimp's longer distance may offer a more pronounced tactile experience for users who appreciate a deeper keystroke and a hearty depth when typing. Ultimately, if you're looking for shorter travel and quicker feedback, the Caramel Pudding is the better choice, whereas the KTT Glimp may suit those who favor a more traditional and structured keystroke experience.
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 KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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, which creates an engaging auditory experience during typing sessions. This sharp, bright, and percussive quality gives feedback that many users find enjoyable and satisfying. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch also features a fairly clacky sound profile, complimented by a neutral tone that makes it appropriate for various environments, whether at home or in the office. Both switches will produce a distinct auditory response, but the Caramel Pudding may lean more towards a resonant quality, while the Glimp offers a slightly more balanced sound, creating a pleasant yet versatile experience.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Caramel Pudding is exceptionally smooth, providing an exquisitely refined typing experience that allows for effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Glimp switch is medium-light with a creamy texture, which delivers a buttery smooth sensation. The tactile feedback of the Glimp offers a slight resistance that some typists might find satisfying, as it strikes a balance that doesn’t overwhelm. While both switches deliver a comfortable typing experience, the Caramel Pudding emphasizes smoothness, whereas the Glimp provides more substantial feedback, appealing to those looking for a blend of comfort and responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and KTT Glimp linear switches offer enjoyable sound and feel, though they cater to slightly different preferences. The Caramel Pudding stands out for its resonant clackiness and super smooth typing experience, while the Glimp presents a well-rounded typing feel with its medium-light resistance and creamy texture. Depending on your personal preferences—for auditory feedback or tactile sensation—either switch can provide a delightfully engaging typing experience, ensuring that newcomers can find satisfaction in both options regardless of slight differences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, you'll want to consider your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you’re looking for a switch that delivers a resonant, clacky sound signature with an exquisitely smooth typing experience, the Caramel Pudding would be your go-to choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 52 grams ensures a relaxed yet responsive feel, making it suitable for long typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced typing experience that still offers a satisfying auditory element, the KTT Glimp switch is an excellent option. With its slightly higher actuation force of 53 grams, the Glimp provides a tactile feedback that enhances the typing feel while still remaining approachable. Its creamy texture and mild sound profile make it ideal for both work and casual use, appealing to a broader range of users. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a distinctive sound and smoothness or a well-rounded typing experience with tactile feedback.
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