HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and Outemu Green offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and a resonant, clacky sound signature that makes typing feel effortless and enjoyable. This switch is ideal for users who prioritize a fluid typing experience, whether for gaming or long periods of writing. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch is a clicky switch that provides tactile feedback accompanied by an audible click, allowing for a more pronounced typing experience that many typists find satisfying. This makes the Green switch especially appealing for those who enjoy the auditory and tactile feedback during each keystroke. While both switches have their unique advantages—smoothness versus tactile feedback—the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Green switches reveal distinct contrasts, particularly in their top housings. The Caramel Pudding's top housing is made of nylon, a softer plastic known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience that many users find appealing. Conversely, the Outemu Green features a polycarbonate top housing, which is much stiffer. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it suitable for those seeking a more clear and resonant auditory output. Notably, the translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances the visual effect of RGB lighting, as it allows the colors to shine through with clarity.
When considering the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which leads to more similarities than differences in their performance. The nylon bottom housing in both the Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Green produces the same deeper and fuller sound profile due to the same sound-absorbing properties inherent in nylon. This consistency means that, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, the bottom housing will significantly influence the overall feel and sound when bottoming out the switch. Users can expect a similar tactile experience in this regard, as the softer feel of nylon reduces the harshness of bottom-out sounds.
In summary, while the HMX Caramel Pudding and Outemu Green switches utilize different materials for their top housings, creating contrasting sound profiles, they converge when it comes to their bottom housings. The nylon bottom in both switches guarantees that deeper tones will resonate regardless of the top structure, establishing a common ground in terms of user experience. Therefore, for those who appreciate the richness of nylon but also want the sharper sound of a polycarbonate top, either switch presents an opportunity to achieve complementing auditory results, ensuring that users can select based on their preferences without sacrificing a cohesive performance.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch present a clear contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Caramel Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons where reduced finger fatigue is desired. In stark contrast, the Outemu Green switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, which appeals to those who prefer a more substantial feel and feedback when typing. This heavier resistance can enhance tactile satisfaction for users who enjoy a pronounced keystroke. Overall, while the Caramel Pudding is designed for ease and comfort, the Outemu Green caters to individuals seeking a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, a notable difference emerges. The Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Green features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding provides a more responsive experience, which is often favored by gamers looking for quicker actuation and faster response times. Conversely, the Outemu Green, with its 4 mm distance, offers a deeper press that may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile, hearty feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches boils down to personal preference: those seeking responsiveness may lean towards the shorter Caramel Pudding switch, while users desiring a more substantial depth might favor the longer travel of the Outemu Green.
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 Green 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 boasts a resonant, clacky sound signature that many typists find satisfying and engaging, enhancing the overall typing experience. This acoustic profile is characterized by a pleasant, audible noise that resonates well during use. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch does not have specific attributes listed, making it difficult to compare its sound directly. However, traditionally, clicky switches are known for their distinctive, sharp click sounds that signal each actuation, creating a different auditory experience than the Pudding switches.
When discussing feel, the Caramel Pudding is recognized for its exquisitely smooth typing sensation. This smoothness is ideal for users who prefer an uninterrupted, fluid experience when pressing keys, allowing for quick and effortless typing. The feel of the Outemu Green switch remains unspecified in the available information, so we can't draw direct comparisons here. However, clicky switches typically offer a tactile bump at the actuation point, enhancing feedback during typing, which could contrast with the smoothness of the Caramel Pudding.
In conclusion, while the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is favored for its resonant sound and smooth feel, the Outemu Green clicky switch lacks specific information for comparison. If you are leaning towards a lively acoustic experience, the Caramel Pudding will serve you well. Conversely, should you prefer a clicky sensation, you may find the Green switch appealing, even though its qualities are less defined. Ultimately, your choice will reflect whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a smoother typing experience with a medium-light actuation force of 52 grams, the Caramel Pudding switch would be the ideal choice. Its resonant and clacky sound signature enhances your typing experience, especially if you enjoy a satisfying acoustic feedback without the heaviness of a clicky switch. This makes it great for long typing sessions or gaming, where fluidity and speed are valued. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and forceful typing experience, the Outemu Green switch, with its heavier bottom-out force of 80 grams, may suit you better. While it lacks a distinct sound profile that stands out, its weight provides a more deliberate feel, which can be satisfying for those who appreciate resistance in their keystrokes, especially in a working or mechanical environment. Thus, consider the balance of actuation force and your personal sound and feel preferences when deciding which switch will enhance your keyboard experience.
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