HMX Caramel Pudding vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and KTT Lightning offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize auditory feedback and a luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switches appeal to competitive gamers seeking an edge, thanks to their design as "speed" switches that excel in fast-paced situations. With a slick typing feel and a similarly clacky sound profile, these switches can make the difference in high-stakes scenarios where milliseconds count. While both switches provide a satisfying tactile engagement, their distinct characteristics cater to different needs and styles. 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
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the KTT Lightning, notable distinctions arise, particularly in their top housings. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties. This allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Lightning utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate facilitates a clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly advantageous when used alongside RGB lighting due to its translucency. Hence, while both switches aim to deliver an engaging typing experience, they do so through fundamentally different acoustic characteristics shaped by their housing materials.
Turning to the bottom housings, the HMX Caramel Pudding and KTT Lightning share a commonality: both utilize nylon. This choice reinforces the deep and full sound profile established by the top housing of the Caramel Pudding. The nylon bottom housing in both cases will also ensure a similar tactile feedback upon bottoming out. Since nylon absorbs sound effectively, the less pronounced pop when a key is pressed is consistent across both switches, contributing to a duller auditory experience. Thus, while the KTT Lightning's top housing brings a crisper sound to the table, the shared nylon bottom construction enhances a similar tactile feel and sound damping effect.
Ultimately, the disparate materials used for the top housings delineate the primary differences in sound profiles for the HMX Caramel Pudding and KTT Lightning. The Caramel Pudding, with its nylon top housing, offers a mellow auditory experience that complements its nylon bottom, while the KTT Lightning's polycarbonate top brings about a sharper tone that may better suit users seeking clarity in sound. However, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches ensures that the underlying tactile feedback remains akin, showcasing that even with varied materials, similar results can be achieved through careful design considerations in housing construction. This blend of materials ultimately shapes the overall typing experience, appealing to different preferences based on sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch with the KTT Lightning linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light, while the KTT Lightning switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lightweight overall. For users looking for a softer typing experience, the KTT Lightning may be the preferred choice, especially for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Caramel Pudding, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, could appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces indicate that the KTT Lightning is the lighter option, while the Caramel Pudding is heavier, impacting the typing experience for users based on their individual preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference means that the Caramel Pudding offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Lightning switch. For users who favor faster response times typically associated with shorter travel distances, the Lightning might be the preferable choice. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may gravitate towards the Caramel Pudding due to its greater travel distance. While both switches are designed to accommodate different user preferences, the Caramel Pudding's 3.6 mm travel provides a more pronounced feedback compared to the Lightning's more abrupt 3 mm press.
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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 switches are characterized by a resonant, clacky sound signature, which offers an enjoyable auditory feedback during use. Users can expect a crisp and bright tone that enhances the typing experience. In comparison, the KTT Lightning switches also produce a clacky sound profile, but with additional descriptors such as high-pitched and chirpy. This means that they provide a sharp, snappy auditory response that is both bright and somewhat squeaky, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more playful yet vibrant sonic experience. The sound of both switches will ultimately be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but they are both in the clacky category and will deliver a satisfying auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are known for their exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switches offer a slick typing feel that combines a subtle resistance with a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Lightning switches are particularly designed for speed, making them ideal for competitive gaming or anything where split-second decisions matter. While both switches provide a pleasurable typing experience, the Caramel Pudding focuses on an exceptionally smooth type feel, while the Lightning combines both a smooth and subtle tactile experience with a speed-oriented design.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and KTT Lightning linear switches are excellent choices for those seeking clacky sounds and smooth typing experiences. Despite their different focuses—Caramel Pudding on silky smoothness and the Lightning on speed—users can expect to enjoy a similar clacky auditory response. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference, whether one leans towards the smoothness of the Caramel Pudding or the quick responsiveness of the KTT Lightning. Both switches deliver in quality, making them appealing options for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you appreciate a switch that offers a balanced actuation force with a clacky, resonant sound profile, the HMX Caramel Pudding may be the better option for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams can provide an enjoyable typing experience while still allowing for a satisfying sound that makes your keystrokes feel more dynamic. This switch is particularly well-suited for casual typing or gaming where you enjoy a more engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, if your priority lies in speed and precision, the KTT Lightning switch, with its slightly lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, is designed for rapid keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for competitive gaming scenarios where quick reflexes are essential. Additionally, the polished feel and subtle response of the Lightning switches ensure a smooth typing experience that won't disrupt a shared environment. In summary, choose the Caramel Pudding for a rich sound and balanced typing feel, and opt for the KTT Lightning when milliseconds count and you need swift, responsive performance.
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