HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the HMX Caramel Pudding and Outemu Peach offer distinct yet appealing experiences for different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature and offer an exquisitely smooth typing feel, making them ideal for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while maintaining a linear response. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches provide a lightweight typing experience that is notably silenced, catering to users who prefer a more subdued and gentle touch without sacrificing performance. While the Caramel Pudding appeals to those seeking a dynamic aural engagement, the Peach excels as a neutral option for users who favor a polished and muted 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 housing materials of both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Peach switches are made from nylon, which is recognized as a classic choice in the mechanical keyboard community. From the descriptions, both switches feature nylon in their top and bottom housings, resulting in a similar acoustic profile and tactile experience. The use of nylon lends to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, attributable to its softer plastic composition. This material effectively absorbs sound, creating a duller and rounder auditory signature as compared to harder plastics that may produce sharper, more piercing sounds. Therefore, a typing experience on both the Caramel Pudding and the Peach switches would be quite comparable in terms of sound quality.
In terms of functionality, the nylon material in both the Caramel Pudding and Outemu Peach emphasizes a significant uniformity in their performance characteristics. With nylon's inherent properties, the bottom housing of the switches—whether it is from the Caramel Pudding or the Peach—maintains a major influence over the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed. Additionally, this housing material effectively contributes to dampening vibrations, further enhancing the overall typing experience. Since both switch models share the same bottom housing material, users can expect a consistent tactile feedback profile as well, leading to an overall satisfying typing experience.
However, even with the similarities, the overall perception of each switch may still differ, based on additional factors like the design and construction of the switch mechanism or any accompanying features. Since both switches utilize nylon throughout, they provide a reliably muted acoustic experience, ideal for those who prefer softer sound profiles. If there were variations in materials, such as a harder plastic in one of the switch housings, the resultant sound and feel would differ more significantly. Nonetheless, since both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Peach utilize the same nylon composition throughout their housings, the outcomes in sound and tactile feedback will inherently align closely, presenting users with an almost indistinguishable experience in practical use.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch to the Outemu Peach linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Outemu Peach is lighter overall, with a 40-gram actuation force and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that the Peach switch allows for quicker and less forceful key presses, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. Conversely, the Caramel Pudding provides a slightly heavier push feel, which might appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches have similar bottom out forces, the Caramel Pudding is indeed heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Peach.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Caramel Pudding boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Peach is slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive experience often favored by gamers, the Outemu Peach may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you appreciate a fuller, deeper keystroke that gives a more substantial feedback when typing or gaming, the Caramel Pudding would likely cater to your preference better. Thus, while both switches appeal to different user needs, the Caramel Pudding provides a longer travel distance compared to the Peach, making it the ideal choice for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 switch delivers a resonant and clacky sound signature that can be satisfying for those who appreciate auditory feedback during typing. This characteristic can be particularly enjoyable in a personal setting where the sound enhances the tactile experience. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switch is designed to be neutral and muted, producing a softer, more subdued sound profile. This makes the Peach a great choice for users who work in shared environments or prefer a quieter typing experience. Overall, the Caramel Pudding is likely to provide a more lively auditory experience, while the Peach caters to those seeking discretion in their key presses.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is associated with an exquisitely smooth typing experience, ideal for users who value fluid key travel without any interruptions. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach is characterized by a mild and subtle feel, offering a gentle resistance that allows for a light and approachable typing experience. The Peach switches are also polished, meaning they are refined and designed for smooth key presses, reducing friction during use. Together, these attributes make the Caramel Pudding switch more about spirited engagement during typing, while the Peach enhances comfort and ease of use for longer sessions.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Peach linear switches provide distinct experiences, they cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. Caramel Pudding excels in delivering a vibrant auditory presence with an elegant smoothness, perfect for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Peach offers a muted sound and a polished, mild feel, making it suitable for softer, quieter environments or users looking for a lightweight typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice would come down to whether you value energetic feedback or prefer a more subdued, comfortable approach to typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing environment and personal preferences. If you prefer a lively, resonant sound and a smooth typing experience, the Caramel Pudding is your go-to option; its medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams allows for an enjoyable tactile feel, making it ideal for enthusiasts who relish the auditory feedback while typing. This switch is ideal for home use or for those who appreciate a bit of character in their keyboard. On the other hand, if you seek a whisper-quiet typing experience with lighter actuation, the Outemu Peach is the better choice. With a bottom out force of only 50 grams and a muted sound profile, it is perfect for shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern. This switch offers a gentle and polished feel that caters to linear switch fans who prioritize near-silent operation without sacrificing typing smoothness. Ultimately, your decision should reflect both the acoustic ambiance you desire and the tactile feedback you appreciate while typing.
Mentioned in this article
