HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up are the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Purple. The Caramel Pudding is a linear switch celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing experience, making it an enticing choice for gamers and typists who desire quick, uninterrupted keypresses without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch known for its distinct tactile bump that provides users with satisfying feedback upon actuation, ideal for those who appreciate a more engaged typing experience and the assurance of knowing when a key has been pressed. Each switch presents its own unique advantages depending on user preference; whether you seek a streamlined performance with the Caramel Pudding or the enhanced tactile sensation of the Outemu Purple, your choice will ultimately influence your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and Outemu Purple switches exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housings, which significantly influence their respective sound profiles. The Caramel Pudding utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound signature that is less resonant and more muted, ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. In comparison, the Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a starkly different auditory experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate promotes a more pronounced and clearer sound, leading to higher-pitched acoustics that can enhance typing feedback, especially when used with RGB lighting. This fundamental difference in material not only affects the sound but also influences the tactile sensation during typing, creating a unique character for each switch.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both the Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Purple share the same material for their bottom housings—nylon. This shared element means that when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches provide a similar experience. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound, resulting in a rounded auditory profile that mitigates harshness when keys are pressed down. Consequently, while the top housing dictates the initial sound and tactile response upon release, the bottom housing maintains a level of consistency across both switch types, ensuring that users still get some of the deeper resonance characteristic of nylon.
The combination of these housing materials in both switches creates a diverse range of auditory and tactile experiences. For instance, although the Caramel Pudding offers a fuller and muffled sound profile due to its nylon top, the Outemu Purple balances out the acoustic qualities with its crisper high-pitched tones from the polycarbonate top. Interestingly, for users who may prefer the deeper sound of the Caramel Pudding but seek the enhanced brightness typically associated with polycarbonate, the nylon bottom of both switches provides common ground, allowing for similar experiences in terms of bottoming out. Ultimately, the difference in top housing materials plays a significant role in defining the character of each switch while the shared nylon bottom fosters a cohesive experience between the two.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch exhibit different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light switch that is generally more comfortable for prolonged use and gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which caters to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple switch is unavailable, leaving a gap in comparison. As a result, while the Caramel Pudding is lighter overall, facilitating longer typing sessions, the Purple's heavier actuation force may appeal to users seeking a firmer feel. Therefore, users should choose based on their preferences for typing experience and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding switch is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing to gamers who prefer responsive keystrokes for faster actions. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch offers a more pronounced depth with its longer travel distance, which may be favored by those who enjoy a more tactile and substantial key press experience. If you are looking for quicker response times, the Caramel Pudding would be the better choice, while the Purple might cater to users who appreciate a more traditional feel with its depth.
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 Purple 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 delivers a resonant, clacky sound signature that many typists and gamers find satisfying and engaging. This acoustic quality can enhance the overall typing experience, creating an inviting auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a well-defined sound profile described, which suggests that it might offer a more subdued or neutral auditory experience. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by any switch can vary greatly depending on factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When examining the feel of each switch, the Caramel Pudding is lauded for its exquisitely smooth typing experience. This smoothness is particularly appealing for users who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes without any resistance, making it ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch lacks a specific description but is generally known to be tactile, which typically means users can expect a pronounced bump at the actuation point, enhancing precision and feedback during typing. The tactile feel can create a more deliberate typing experience, especially beneficial for those who enjoy feeling each key press.
Overall, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch stands out for its engaging sound and ultra-smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize auditory and tactile satisfaction in their typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Purple switch, with its tactile feedback, may appeal to users who prefer a more defined actuation feel, despite the lack of specific sound characteristics. Ultimately, whether one opts for the Caramel Pudding or the Outemu Purple will depend on their personal preference for auditory and tactile qualities, as both can provide enjoyable experiences with the right setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch really comes down to what you value in a typing experience. If you prefer a smooth and resonant typing feel combined with a clacky sound signature, the Caramel Pudding is a fantastic option. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy a more fluid keystroke and don’t mind an audible feedback, making it great for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, if you seek a tactile feedback that provides a sensation of a keystroke without the clicky sound, and you prefer a switch that stands out in tactile response, the Outemu Purple might be the better choice, although we don’t have specifics regarding its bottom-out force. Ultimately, consider whether sound and smoothness are more important to you or if you lean towards tactile response for added precision in your keystrokes. With these factors in mind, you can select the switch that best suits your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
