HMX Caramel Pudding vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two captivating options come to the forefront: the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Gold Brown Pro. The Caramel Pudding switch, a linear type, is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes and resonant, clacky sound signature, making it an enticing choice for those who enjoy a lively typing experience and fast-paced gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro, a tactile switch, caters to individuals who prioritize nuanced feedback in their typing. With a gentle tactile bump and a low-pitched, subdued sound profile, it allows for a more focused and immersive typing experience without distracting noise. While the Caramel Pudding delights in its vibrant acoustics and smooth action, the Gold Brown Pro offers a subtlety that enhances concentration. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches, a notable distinction arises from their top housings. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer plastic composition, which helps absorb sound waves, yielding a rounder audio experience. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro employs polycarbonate for its top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to the material's stiffness. This difference in materials leads to two distinct auditory experiences: while the Caramel Pudding delivers a more muted and warmer tone, the Gold Brown Pro offers a clearer and more resonant sound, making them suited for different user preferences.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Caramel Pudding and the Gold Brown Pro feature nylon for their bottom housings. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches maintain a similar deep and full sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound well, creating a consistent auditory experience during keystrokes regardless of the top housing material. Therefore, even if the sound produced while releasing the keys differs, the bottom-out effect remains cohesive across both switches, ensuring that users will identify a satisfying tactile and acoustic feedback when they engage with these switches.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Gold Brown Pro significantly influence their sound profiles while keeping certain aspects consistent through their nylon bottom housings. Users seeking a warmer, more subdued sound may prefer the Caramel Pudding, whereas those inclined toward a crisper, more vibrant auditory experience may opt for the Gold Brown Pro. However, due to the nylon presence in the bottom housing of both switches, a sense of harmony in key actuation is maintained, allowing users to achieve a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch are similar in actuation force, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This parity means that users of either switch can expect a similarly light typing experience, making both suitable options for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Caramel Pudding is 52 grams, providing a more substantial feedback upon bottoming out, which can be advantageous for users who prefer a firmer typing feel. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unspecified, leaving its overall feel upon bottoming out uncertain. Due to this difference, the Caramel Pudding can be categorized as the heavier switch when considering the force required upon bottoming out, while both switches have the same actuation force, catering well to light-touch typists.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding offers the shorter travel distance of the two, providing a quicker response time—ideal for gamers who favor swift keystrokes. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro's 3.8 mm travel distance allows for a more pronounced depth, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile and deliberate keypress. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Caramel Pudding is the better choice, while the Gold Brown Pro caters to those who prefer a more substantial feel.
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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 HMX Caramel Pudding switches produce a resonant, clacky sound signature, which makes them quite lively and prominent when typing. This sound can be invigorating for those who enjoy a more audible feedback from their keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches have a more subdued auditory profile, described as thocky and neutral. This means that while they emit a satisfying sound reminiscent of a gentle thud, it's not overwhelming, making them ideal for quiet environments or shared workspaces. The Gold Brown Pro's low-pitched tone further reinforces its understated nature, ensuring every keystroke remains subtle and less intrusive compared to the Caramel Pudding.
In terms of feel, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches offer an exquisitely smooth typing experience, making them ideal for users who appreciate a fluid keystroke. Although specific descriptors were not provided, the expected smoothness typically translates to a direct and responsive touch. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a more nuanced tactile feedback characterized by its gentle bump. This creates a mild experience that allows for comfortable typing without being overly pronounced. Furthermore, the Gold Brown Pro's polished and silky texture ensures that key presses glide smoothly, contributing to a gentle yet satisfying keystroke that is easy on the fingers, especially during prolonged use.
In conclusion, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches will ultimately come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you favor a more expressive auditory experience with a smooth typing action, the Caramel Pudding switches will delight. Conversely, if you want the subtlety of tactile feedback paired with a gentle sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro could be your ideal match. Each switch offers unique qualities, so whether you prioritize the lively clack of the Caramel Pudding or the refined touch of the Gold Brown Pro, you'll be equipped to find a switch that suits your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you appreciate a more lively and expressive typing experience with a resonant, clacky sound and an exquisitely smooth feel, the Caramel Pudding might be the better option for you. It's particularly suitable if you enjoy the satisfaction of audible feedback and the thrill of a responsive linear switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more understated and refined experience, the TTC Gold Brown Pro provides gentle tactile feedback without being overwhelming. Its subtlety makes it ideal for focused tasks, especially in quiet workspaces where you might want to minimize distractions. The polished and silky sensations, combined with a low-pitched, thocky sound profile, make it perfect for those who appreciate a smooth typing experience that allows them to stay immersed in their work. Ultimately, consider your personal typing style and the settings in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best choice.
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