HMX Caramel Pudding vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Gold Red are both impressive contenders, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding is renowned for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more tactile auditory experience with every keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience, paired with a light to medium level of resistance for a seamless feel. Their subtle, snappy sound profile adds a hint of personality without overwhelming the user, making it a versatile option for both gaming and typing. Each switch serves unique preferences, with Caramel Pudding appealing to those who relish sound and feedback, while Gold Red caters to users seeking a polished and understated experience. 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
50g
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
The housing materials utilized in the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Gold Red switches create distinct auditory experiences, reflecting the inherent properties of the materials used. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs more sound waves, resulting in a rounder and less intrusive auditory experience. In contrast, the Gold Red employs a polycarbonate top housing that significantly alters the sound dynamics. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a sharper, crisper sound profile, contributing to a more resonant auditory experience that can enhance the clarity of keystrokes, particularly when RGB lighting is taken into account for visual aesthetics.
Both switches have nylon bottom housings, which impacts their overall sound characteristics and typing feel. The Caramel Pudding's nylon bottom housing similarly promotes a deep and soft sound profile, ensuring a consistent auditory experience throughout the keystroke. This acoustic consistency is sustained in the Gold Red as well, given that it, too, features a nylon bottom housing; the softer material helps to maintain that rounded sound profile upon bottoming out. This similarity means that both switches share a fundamental acoustic quality in their action when key presses reach their full depth, delivering a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback regardless of the differences in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the distinct contrast between the top housing materials of the Caramel Pudding and the Gold Red influences the overall performance of each switch. The Caramel Pudding provides a softer, more muted sound while typing, courtesy of its nylon top, whereas the sharper acoustics from the polycarbonate housing of the Gold Red create a more striking auditory experience. Despite these differences, the shared nylon bottom housing of both switches means that they will offer a comparable experience at the point of a key press, underscoring a unique division between how each switch sounds when pressed versus when released. This interplay of materials highlights how the tailored properties of each contribute to the individual identities of the switches, providing enthusiasts with options to suit different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Gold Red switch has a slightly lower actuation force at 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the TTC Gold Red more suitable. In terms of typing experience, the Caramel Pudding’s heavier forces could provide a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a stronger push when typing. Overall, while both switches have their individual characteristics, the Gold Red is the lighter option, while the Caramel Pudding offers a more pronounced actuation feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference in travel distance makes the Caramel Pudding the shorter option, ideal for gamers seeking faster response times and a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Gold Red, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced depth and a gradual feedback sensation while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences; if you lean towards tactile feedback and a cushioned experience, the longer travel distance of the Gold Red might be more suitable for you.
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 Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding switch is notable for its resonant, clacky sound signature, which gives it a lively auditory character, making each keystroke feel engaging and dynamic. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red switch features a sound profile that is described as thocky and low-pitched, producing deep, satisfying sounds with a gentle “thud” as the keys are engaged and released. While both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the Caramel Pudding leans towards a brighter and more pronounced clack, whereas the Gold Red delivers a deeper and more mellow tone. The overall sound experience can be influenced by external factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is renowned for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, making it a pleasure to type on without any detectable friction. The TTC Gold Red, on the other hand, provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a gentle light-medium resistance, resulting in a mild and approachable feel that many users appreciate. While both switches offer smoothness, the Caramel Pudding emphasizes a more engaging typing experience that can evoke enthusiasm during long typing sessions, whereas the Gold Red’s mild tactile feedback is well-suited for those looking for a balanced and polished feel without overwhelming resistance.
In conclusion, the HMX Caramel Pudding and TTC Gold Red linear switches each feature unique subjective qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding is ideal for those who appreciate a resonant sound and silky smoothness, while the Gold Red offers a thocky sound and a gentle typing experience that is approachable and polished. Ultimately, both switches provide satisfying typographical experiences, and personal preference will likely guide your choice between the lively clack and dynamic engagement of the Caramel Pudding and the deeper, smoother feel of the Gold Red.
Conclusion
To sum up, selecting between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch primarily depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with a clacky sound signature and an exquisitely smooth typing experience, the Caramel Pudding may be the better choice for you. This switch is ideal for those who want a more engaging keystroke feel, particularly if you type frequently or play games that benefit from a more tactile response. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a subtler auditory experience, the TTC Gold Red switch is a fantastic option. Its buttery smoothness and thocky sound profile make it suitable for extended typing sessions or professional environments where noise reduction is key, offering enough resistance without being overwhelming. Ultimately, your decision should boil down to whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback (Caramel Pudding) or a gentle, polished typing feel with a touch of personality (Gold Red).
Mentioned in this article
