HMX Caramel Pudding vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference often plays a significant role in enhancing the typing experience. The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it a favorite among those who enjoy an unobstructed keypress and the auditory feedback it provides. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch embodies balance, featuring a subtle but satisfying bump that many typists find gratifying. Its moderate weightiness and rounded sound profile contribute to a quieter typing experience, appealing to users who desire feedback without excessive noise. While the Caramel Pudding caters to those who prioritize smoothness and sound, the Gold Brown attracts those seeking a tactile response with understated acoustics. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Gold Brown, we see distinct differences in their top housings that significantly affect the typing experience. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for its top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This absorption of sound allows for a more muted, rounded auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Gold Brown is constructed with a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile. This fundamental difference suggests that users seeking a warm and subdued typing experience would prefer the Caramel Pudding, while those favoring a brighter, more resonant sound might lean towards the Gold Brown.
Interestingly, both the Caramel Pudding and Gold Brown share nylon as their bottom housing material, leading to a commonality in the typing experience they offer at this level. In both switches, the nylon bottom housing contributes to generating a fuller sound profile, as its soft texture dampens sound more effectively than harder plastics. Therefore, despite the variance in the top housings, the shared nylon bottom ensures a certain level of uniformity in the way users perceive tactile feedback and sound characteristics when bottoming out the key. This means that irrespective of their top housing differences, both switches maintain a similar auditory quality at the moment of actuation.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housings of the HMX Caramel Pudding and TTC Gold Brown highlight the nuanced aspects of sound production in keyboard switches. The nylon and polycarbonate combination results in unique auditory signatures while retaining some consistent qualities due to the shared nylon bottom. When using these switches, users can expect different experiences upon pressing the keys, wherein the sensation is colored by the bottom housing, while the tonal output upon releasing the key is predominantly influenced by the top housing. By carefully considering both aspects, enthusiasts can select their preferred switch based not only on sound profile but also on the tactile feedback they desire.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light and more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, whether at work or during gaming. In contrast, the Gold Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, which places it in the medium category and may provide a more substantial feel preferred by users who seek a stronger typing experience. This difference means that while the Caramel Pudding requires less effort to trigger key presses, resulting in a lighter feel, the Gold Brown's greater resistance can be more satisfying for those who favor a firmer touch. Ultimately, for those who appreciate lighter switches, the Caramel Pudding would be the better option, whereas the Gold Brown caters to those who enjoy a heavier push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch to the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, a clear difference emerges: the Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Brown measures 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Pudding the shorter of the two switches, appealing to gamers or users who favor quicker response times due to its less pronounced travel. On the other hand, the Gold Brown, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional tactile experience, which some users may prefer for the depth and feedback it provides. Ultimately, if you're looking for a highly responsive feel, the Caramel Pudding might be the better choice, whereas the Gold Brown could cater to those seeking a more substantial 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 TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Caramel Pudding switch delivers a resonant, clacky sound signature that can enhance the typing experience with its signature auditory feedback. This lively sound profile tends to attract users who appreciate a more pronounced audio component when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch is characterized by its neutral sound, producing a rounded sound profile that's softer and gentler compared to the clacky nature of the Caramel Pudding. The Gold Brown’s moderate sound level makes it versatile for both home and office environments, catering to users who prefer a less obtrusive auditory experience.
When discussing feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is recognized for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, providing a fluid keystroke that many typists find enjoyable. Its smoothness can enhance productivity, especially during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Gold Brown switch offers a balanced tactile experience, featuring a slight, satisfying bump that provides feedback without overwhelming the user. These mild characteristics result in a gentle typing experience that is accessible to users of all skill levels, making it a comfortable option for those looking for straightforward tactility without the punchiness found in more pronounced tactile switches.
In summary, the Caramel Pudding linear switch is ideal for those who value a lively sound and exceptionally smooth feel, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch caters to users seeking a more balanced, softer auditory experience with a gentle tactile bump. Both switches cater to different preferences: if you enjoy auditory feedback and a smooth typing surface, the Caramel Pudding is the way to go, whereas if your focus is on a moderate tactile experience combined with a rounded sound profile, the Gold Brown would suit you better. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct experiences, allowing you to choose according to your personal typing style and environment.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch largely hinges on your personal preferences and intended use cases. If you enjoy a lighter typing experience with a clacky sound and a silky smooth feel, the Caramel Pudding switches might be the right fit for you. They’re ideal for gaming sessions where rapid keystrokes and auditory feedback can enhance your responsiveness. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced typing experience that combines a subtle tactile bump with a rounded, muted sound, the Gold Brown switches would likely serve you better. Their moderate actuation force makes them suitable for both casual and professional use, particularly if you type for extended periods and need a gentle yet satisfying feedback without being overly intrusive. Ultimately, whether you prioritize sound, feel, or typing dynamics, each of these switches caters to different preferences, ensuring you can tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your liking.
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