HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding, a linear switch, is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature and extremely smooth typing feel, making it a favorite among users who prioritize swift key presses and less tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown, classified as a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, giving typists a satisfying tactile response that enhances typing accuracy and provides a more deliberate feel. Those who enjoy a clicky sound might lean towards the Caramel Pudding, while those who appreciate the feedback of a tactile switch may opt for the Crystal Brown. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
The HMX Caramel Pudding and Outemu Crystal Brown switches demonstrate a fascinating contrast in their top housing materials, which ultimately influences their acoustic profiles. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, known for its capacity to deliver a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This softer plastic absorbs more sound waves, resulting in a muted auditory experience that many typists appreciate for its rich tone. In contrast, the Crystal Brown's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, which is significantly stiffer. This rigidity produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates clearly, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a crisp auditory feedback while typing. Therefore, users will notice a distinctive difference in sound quality, with the Caramel Pudding leaning towards warmth and depth, while the Crystal Brown offers brightness and clarity.
Interestingly, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material—nylon—which reinforces the similarities in their sound profiles when pressed. The nylon bottom housings in both the Caramel Pudding and Crystal Brown contribute to a cohesive typing experience, characterized by a deep and full-bodied sound. This shared component ensures that regardless of the differing experiences elicited by the top housings, the tactile feedback and sound of bottoming out keys will resonate in a similar manner. As both utilize nylon, the bottom-out sound and feel during use will have that distinctive dulcet tone typical of nylon switches, making them appealing for users seeking consistency.
In summary, while the Caramel Pudding and Crystal Brown provide different top housing materials leading to varied sound profiles, they unite in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This collaboration influences the overall typing experience, showcasing how the unique properties of each material play a role in the final auditory feedback. For users, this means that while switching between the two may result in different top-out sounds, the bottoming out will evoke a familiar, full-bodied resonance that highlights the advantages of nylon’s acoustical qualities. Thus, even with their differences, these switches can provide a seamless transition for typists who appreciate both the deeper tones of nylon and the brightness of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for users seeking a medium-light typing experience. This similarity means that for both switches, users can expect a relatively easy keystroke, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force differs between the two: the Caramel Pudding has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Crystal Brown requires a slightly heavier 55 grams to bottom out. This slight difference suggests that while both switches may feel similar during regular typing, the Crystal Brown offers a firmer resistance at the end of its travel, which some typists may prefer for a more substantial feel. Thus, the Caramel Pudding is the lighter option overall, making it potentially a better choice for those prioritizing comfort over longer periods, while the Crystal Brown caters to those who enjoy a heavier keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, there is a clear distinction. The Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Crystal Brown features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the HMX Caramel Pudding is designed for quicker actuation, making it more suitable for gamers who favor responsive keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown, with its greater travel distance, provides a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more immediate response, the shorter travel distance of the Caramel Pudding would be the better choice. Meanwhile, those who enjoy a deeper feel during typing may gravitate towards the longer travel distance of the Crystal Brown.
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 Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is well-regarded for its resonant, clacky tone, which can provide a satisfying auditory experience for typists and gamers alike. This sound signature is often favored by those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, which might suggest a more muted auditory experience. However, it’s important to keep in mind that sound can also vary significantly based on factors such as the choice of keyboard, plate material, and keycap design, meaning both switches could potentially produce similar sounds in different setups.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding switch delivers an exquisitely smooth typing experience, making it an appealing option for individuals who prioritize a fluid keystroke as they type or game. The smooth operation is often synonymous with linear switches, allowing for easy actuation without any bump or resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch's tactile feedback is not explicitly defined, leaving ambiguity about its feel. Generally, tactile switches provide a noticeable bump at actuation, enhancing typing accuracy but without additional details, it's hard to compare it directly to the Caramel Pudding's smoothness.
Overall, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch stands out for its unique sound and smooth typing experience, making it suitable for those who appreciate auditory feedback and effortless keystrokes. In contrast, while less is known about the Outemu Crystal Brown, if it follows typical performance characteristics of tactile switches, it could provide a different experience with more textured feedback. Ultimately, your choice may depend on personal preference for sound and feel; if you prefer auditory engagement and smooth transitions, the Caramel Pudding would be the way to go, while those looking for a tactile response might want to explore the Outemu Crystal Brown further.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch should be guided by your typing preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that offers a smooth keystroke and a resonant, clacky sound signature, the Caramel Pudding's medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams makes it a delightful option for both typing and gaming, as it allows for rapid key presses without much fatigue. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy a more audible experience while achieving a fluid typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier tactile experience with a solid feel without the clicky sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch, with its medium-light 55 grams force, can provide a satisfying tactile feedback that can enhance your typing precision. This switch is a good choice if you appreciate the satisfaction of tactile bumps while maintaining a quieter environment. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as both switches excel in their respective niches.
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