HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to options like the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Milk Peach, both falling into the category of linear switches. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature, providing a delightful auditory experience while typing, alongside an exquisitely smooth feel that many users favor for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Peach lacks a pronounced sound characteristic, which may appeal to users seeking a quieter and more subdued typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique benefits: the Caramel Pudding excites those who appreciate a bit of feedback and auditory pleasure, while the Milk Peach caters to those who prefer a low-key environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Milk Peach, a notable distinction arises between the top housings. The Caramel Pudding employs a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer plastic properties. This material contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile while typing, as it absorbs sound effectively and avoids higher frequencies. In contrast, the Milk Peach features a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer and transmits sound more sharply. This results in a crisper, higher-pitched auditory experience. If one aims for a rounder sound, the Caramel Pudding provides that through its nylon top, while the Milk Peach stands out for those who prefer a brighter audio feedback due to its polycarbonate composition.
Examining the bottom housings reveals an interesting similarity between the two models; both the Caramel Pudding and the Milk Peach utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material contributes to a consistent auditory experience, as nylon retains its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile regardless of the top housing material. Therefore, while the top housings yield distinctly different sound characteristics—with the caramel pudding focusing on mellowness and the Milk Peach exemplifying brightness—the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a cohesive feel and sound sensation when bottoming out on either switch. The nylon material’s sound-absorbing qualities remain pivotal in maintaining a uniformity in bottom-out sound.
In terms of overall performance, the differences highlighted by the contrasting top housing materials will play a crucial role during use. The unique interaction between the top and bottom housings means that while the Caramel Pudding delivers a warm and rich auditory feedback thanks to the nylon top, the Milk Peach’s polycarbonate top enhances clarity and sharpness in sound. Ultimately, this combination results in differentiated typing experiences that cater to user preferences. By understanding these nuances in housing materials, one can anticipate that choosing either switch—depending on the sound desired—will offer satisfying performance while benefiting from nylon’s shared properties in the bottom housing.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter keystroke, which can enhance typing comfort during extended use or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force presents a contrast; the Caramel Pudding's bottom out force is 52 grams, indicating it requires a firmer press to fully engage, while the bottom out force for the Milk Peach is unknown. Consequently, users seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the Caramel Pudding more appealing, as it offers a heavier bottom out feel. Overall, the Caramel Pudding is the heavier option when considering bottom out force, while both switches share the same actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milk Peach features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness, the Milk Peach switch may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding's longer travel distance could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel with a depthier experience during typing or gaming. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Caramel Pudding offers a longer travel distance, making it suitable for users desiring a more traditional key feel.
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 Milk Peach 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 switches are known for their resonant, clacky sound signature, which can add a unique auditory character to your typing experience. This clackiness is pleasing to many users, as it brings a certain liveliness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switches do not have a defined sound characteristic known, which means their auditory output remains more of an unknown factor. However, it’s important to note that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's construction and the keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switches excel with their exquisitely smooth typing experience. This smoothness translates to a delightful, uninterrupted keystroke, allowing typists or gamers to enjoy prolonged sessions without experiencing finger fatigue. In comparison, there is little information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Milk Peach switches, which leaves it open to speculation. That said, users may still find a linear switch like the Milk Peach to offer a generally smooth typing experience, similar to Caramel Pudding, although the specifics are uncertain.
In summary, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches stand out for their distinct clacky sound and exceptionally smooth feel, making them appealing for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. The Outemu Milk Peach switches, by contrast, lack detailed information on both their sound and feel, making it difficult to establish a clear comparison. If you prefer a more dynamic auditory experience, the Caramel Pudding may be the better choice; however, if you're open to experimenting with an unknown quality in the Milk Peach switches, you might still enjoy a smooth typing experience typical of linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and desired experience. If you appreciate a smooth typing feel coupled with a resonant, clacky sound that adds a certain flair to your keystrokes, the Caramel Pudding switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams, it allows for comfortable typing sessions without feeling overly heavy. On the other hand, if you prioritize quietness and prefer a switch that seamlessly blends into the background, you might consider exploring different options, as the specifics of the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch were not provided, making it difficult to evaluate its merits. Overall, your decision should reflect whether you want an engaging auditory experience or a more subdued setup, along with how each switch feels under your fingers during extended use.