HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Dustproof 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 Dustproof Brown offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making them ideal for users who appreciate a lively auditory feedback and a fluid keystroke when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches, known for their tactile feedback, provide a satisfying bump at the actuation point, perfect for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience and value the satisfaction of knowing precisely when a key has been engaged. While both switches cater to unique needs — the Caramel Pudding for smoothness and sound, and the Dustproof Brown for tactile feedback — they serve different preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches differ notably in their top housing materials, which significantly impacts their sound profiles. The Caramel Pudding employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that facilitate a deeper and fuller sound when typed on. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's ability to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a more resonant sound quality, making it ideal for scenarios where clarity is prioritized, particularly in RGB lighting setups due to its translucency, which allows for better illumination.
However, when examining the bottom housing of both switches, they converge on a commonality: both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Dustproof Brown utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This shared material yields a similar acoustic experience—a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, particularly influencing the feel and sound when bottoming out. Therefore, while the Caramel Pudding's top housing fosters a mellower auditory experience, both switches will exhibit a consistent depth in sound due to their nylon bottoms.
Considering that the top and bottom housings of the switches utilize different materials, the sound characteristics will be blended when the switch is pressed. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall deeper sound profile, especially during the key's actuation, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Dustproof Brown sharpens the sound during release. Despite the differences in their top materials, the nylon bottom in both provides a common baseline that contributes to a rich audio experience. Thus, while the sound profiles of the two switches differ in the nuances of their top housing materials, both can achieve a satisfying acoustic response rooted in the shared qualities of their nylon bottoms.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch exhibit differing characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require an equal amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, providing a consistent typing experience for those who prefer lighter switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Caramel Pudding has a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Dustproof Brown has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, aligning it within the medium-heavy range. This means that, while both switches feel the same during actuation, the Dustproof Brown requires more force to press all the way down, which can offer a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a heavier switch. Consequently, the Caramel Pudding switch is the lighter option overall, making it better suited for extended typing sessions, whereas the Dustproof Brown caters to users seeking a more tactile and robust experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Dustproof Brown provides a more pronounced feel when pressed, appealing to users who prefer a deeper keystroke for tactile feedback. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Caramel Pudding allows for quicker response times, making it an advantageous choice for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences—those seeking a more responsive experience may favor the Caramel Pudding, while those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes might opt for the Outemu Dustproof 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 Dustproof 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is best known for its resonant, clacky signature, which adds a delightful auditory experience to typing and gaming alike. This quality is often appreciated by users who enjoy the acoustics of their mechanical keyboards and find joy in the sounds produced with each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch lacks a well-defined sound profile, making it challenging to pinpoint its auditory characteristics. However, it's essential to recognize that the sound produced by any switch greatly relies on the keyboard construction, including the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is celebrated for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, making it an enjoyable option for long typing sessions or intense gaming. Users can expect a fluid actuation without any noticeable friction, enhancing both speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the tactile nature of the Dustproof Brown switch is not specified, so its characteristics in this regard remain unknown. Typically, tactile switches offer some feedback upon actuation, which can aid in typing but requires direct experience to fully assess.
Overall, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch offers a clackier sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback and seamless typing. While the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch remains unclear, its tactile nature is generally expected to provide a different typing experience. Each switch possesses unique qualities that cater to varying preferences, and understanding these distinctions will assist newcomers in finding the keyboard that best suits their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a smooth, clacky typing experience and prefer a lighter actuation force, the Caramel Pudding is your ideal pick. This switch excels in environments where sound is not a significant concern, and it provides comfort over long typing sessions thanks to its medium-light feel. On the other hand, if you favor a more deliberate keystroke with tactile feedback, the Dustproof Brown is the way to go. It offers a noticeable actuation point with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, making it suitable for typists who appreciate the tactile response in their typing experience. Additionally, the Dustproof Brown’s sturdiness is advantageous for those who might have concerns about dust accumulation interfering with performance. In summary, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize smoothness and sound with the Caramel Pudding or a tactile feel and durability with the Dustproof Brown.
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