HMX Caramel Pudding vs. PH Studio Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature, delivering a tactile sensation that many typists find satisfying, while its exquisitely smooth feel further enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea, crafted by BSUN, presents a high-pitched yet muted auditory profile, striking a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, thanks to its Ly stem material that ensures effortless keystrokes. Both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, but the Caramel Pudding leans more towards an expressive, lively sound, whereas the Milk Tea offers a polished and silky experience. Choosing between the two often comes down to whether you prefer a more vibrant auditory feedback with your keystrokes or a softer, more refined sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Caramel Pudding Linear

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches, we find distinctive differences that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, known for its softer, more absorbent properties, results in a deeper and fuller sound that is characterized as duller and rounder. This softness allows the material to dampen sound waves effectively, creating a more muted typing experience that is satisfying for those who prefer a sound that feels contained yet rich. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is a denser material known for its crispness and durability. The use of POM also results in a unique and pleasing sound profile, but it tends to be more muted compared to nylon, lending the switch a vibe that is slightly brighter while still remaining on the deeper side.

Despite the differences in materials used in the Caramel Pudding and Milk Tea switches, both housing types function to enhance the typing experience. The nylon in the Caramel Pudding ensures a sound that resonates with a deeper full-bodied quality, which is particularly appreciated in tactile feedback on bottoming out. On the other hand, the POM material in the Milk Tea switches provides a sound that is more unique while also achieving similar depth. This comparison highlights how the choice of materials impacts the sound emissions when keystrokes are released, with each switch still able to offer a satisfying auditory experience. Although the two switches employ different materials, users can expect to enjoy a relatively similar sound profile due to the deep and muted nature of both nylon and POM.

In terms of functionality, the differences do matter, particularly when considering the experience at both the bottom-out and release stages of keystroke action. While the nylon material's softer characteristics dominate the feel and sound when keys bottom out in the Caramel Pudding, the POM material's denser composition offers a more direct sound that is pleasing yet subtle in the Milk Tea. Even though the top and bottom housings of each switch use different materials, the overall auditory experience is shaped effectively by the distinct qualities of each housing. Consequently, if a user prefers one switch over the other due to their auditory experience, both offer a sound that is deeper and more muted, enabling the user to derive similar satisfaction despite the variations in materials.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their 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 Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a particularly light option. This means that the Milk Tea switch requires less force to actuate and also bottoms out at a lighter pressure than the Caramel Pudding. For typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch, the Milk Tea switch would be the more suitable choice, facilitating longer typing sessions with reduced finger fatigue. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Caramel Pudding, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a firmer tactile feedback. Ultimately, while both switches offer different experiences, they cater to distinct preferences, with the Caramel Pudding being the heavier option and the Milk Tea providing a lighter feel.

Travel distance

The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that their keypress experiences are identical in terms of downward movement from top to bottom. Because they share this same travel distance, users can expect a similar tactile response and depth of actuation when pressing either switch. This equivalence suggests that both switches will yield comparable results for typing feel and gaming performance, allowing users to choose between them based on other factors, such as sound, feel, or personal preference, rather than travel distance alone.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches produce a resonant, clacky sound signature that delivers a crisp and percussive experience with each keystroke. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switches offer a distinct auditory blend characterized by a fairly high-pitched tone that balances clarity and subtlety. While the Milk Tea's sound is described as muted and clean, it still retains a certain brightness, making it less intrusive than the Caramel Pudding's more abrasive clack. Both sound profiles will vary based on your keyboard construction, including factors like the choice of case and keycaps, which can alter the overall acoustic experience.

When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switches offer an exquisitely smooth typing experience, providing a satisfying tactile response that contributes to a seamless workflow. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea switches excel in delivering a polished and silky feel, resulting from both the materials used and potentially from factory lubing. This contributes to reduced friction and a sleek typing experience where each keypress feels light and effortless. While both switches aim to provide smooth interactions, the Milk Tea's refined texture ensures a minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, setting it apart in terms of tactile smoothness compared to the already smooth Caramel Pudding.

Overall, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches cater to users seeking a pleasurable typing experience, albeit with distinct characteristics. The Caramel Pudding leans towards a livelier sound profile with a smooth feel, appealing to those who appreciate auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Milk Tea's high-pitched and muted sound, combined with its polished and silky texture, provides a balanced and refined typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, but both options promise to deliver satisfying results within their unique profiles.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience coupled with a moderately firm feel, the Caramel Pudding switch, with its clacky sound signature and smooth typing experience, would be a great fit. Its 52-gram bottom out force lends itself well to those who prefer a medium-light touch, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter and more delicate touch, the Milk Tea switch is arguably the better choice. With a bottom out force of just 43.5 grams, it provides effortless keystrokes, complemented by a unique auditory blend that is both high-pitched and subtly muted. The polished and silky feel of the Milk Tea is ideal for those who prioritize a refined typing experience and seek a gentler sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer a more resonant and tactile feedback from the Caramel Pudding or a smoother, softer touch from the Milk Tea.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Caramel Pudding Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more