HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Milk Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences and typing styles play a significant role, and two prominent contenders in this space are the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Milk Blue switches. The Caramel Pudding, a linear switch, is celebrated for its distinctly clacky sound signature and an exquisitely smooth typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize quiet yet fluid keystrokes for gaming and typing. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch that engages typists with its satisfying tactile feedback and audible clicks, perfect for users who relish a more pronounced response during their typing sessions. While both switches cater to different tastes—smoothness versus tactile feedback—they each offer unique attributes that can significantly impact your overall typing experience. 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

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Milk Blue exhibit distinct variations that significantly impact their auditory feedback and typing experience. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer properties which promote a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic creates a more muted auditory experience that absorbs sound effectively, leading to a rounder tonal quality during typing. In contrast, the Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing designed to produce a sharper and crisper sound thanks to its stiffer structure. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate amplifies the higher frequencies, resulting in a more pronounced and resonant sound, ideal for users who appreciate clarity and definition in their keystrokes.

Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which is a noteworthy similarity. The nylon material contributes to a deeper sound profile in both the Caramel Pudding and Milk Blue when it comes to the bottoming out of the key. This shared bottom housing means that, regardless of the different top housing materials, users will experience a consistent depth and richness in sound when pressing the keys down. The nylon's sound-absorbing properties ensure that the termination of the keystroke retains a full and rounded ending, enhancing the tactile experience. Thus, the key feel and auditory cues at the bottom-out stage will be similar across both switch types.

Overall, the contrast in the top housing materials results in different sound dynamics when typing. While the Caramel Pudding offers a more layered and subdued sound profile, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top produces a brighter and more defined auditory feedback. However, with both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent foundational typing experience that balances both switches in terms of bass response. This interplay of materials allows typists to choose based on their preference for sound clarity or fullness while enjoying a shared depth of experience when pressing the keys down.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Caramel Pudding features a relatively lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who appreciate a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milk Blue switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer push required to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue switch is not available, leaving uncertainty about how it compares in that regard. Notably, the Caramel Pudding's bottom out force is 52 grams, providing a defined feel when the switch is fully depressed. Overall, the Caramel Pudding is the lighter option, while the Milk Blue is heavier, making the former better for those seeking a lightweight typing experience, whereas the latter may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial force in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance shows that the Milk Blue switch offers a more traditional feel, which some users may prefer for its deeper feedback. Conversely, the Caramel Pudding's shorter 3.6 mm travel can provide a quicker response time, which may appeal to gamers or those who favor rapid key presses. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that feels more abrupt and responsive, the Caramel Pudding would be the better choice, while the Outemu Milk Blue caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience with its longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is distinguished by its resonant, clacky sound signature, offering a noticeable auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have a specified sound signature, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat ambiguous. However, it’s reasonable to anticipate that, as a clicky switch, the Milk Blue likely provides a sharp and distinct click sound upon actuation, catering to users who enjoy pronounced auditory feedback. It's important to note that the final sound of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials.

When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switch excels with its exquisitely smooth typing experience, making it particularly suited for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is paramount. The Milk Blue, while lacking specific descriptions of its tactile feedback, can be assumed to offer a tactile bump characteristic of clicky switches, which adds a level of engagement during typing. This tactile response may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced indication of actuation but does not offer the same smoothness that the Caramel Pudding provides.

In summary, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch offers a clacky sound and a notably smooth typing feel, making it ideal for users seeking a seamless experience. In contrast, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's sound and feel are not explicitly defined, it likely presents a distinct click sound and tactile feedback appropriate for those who enjoy a more interactive typing session. Ultimately, if you're looking for auditory feedback, either switch could potentially meet your needs, but they cater to different typing preferences, and the Caramel Pudding clearly stands out in terms of smoothness.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches and Outemu Milk Blue clicky switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you appreciate a smooth keystroke and a resonant, clacky sound that provides satisfying auditory feedback, the Caramel Pudding switches are an excellent choice. They are particularly well-suited for typing and general use, providing a comfortable experience without overwhelming tactile bump, making them ideal for both gamers and typists who prefer a quieter work environment. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile experience and thrive on the pronounced click sound typical of clicky switches, the Milk Blue would be the way to go when typing or gaming becomes a more intensive affair. While the Milk Blue may not have a bottom-out force to specify, you can still expect a solid feedback during your typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a smooth linear feel or a tactile, clicky experience as you engage with your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Caramel Pudding Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more