HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Silent Green stand out as two intriguing linear options, each bringing unique characteristics to the typing experience. The Caramel Pudding is renowned for its resonant, clacky sound signature that adds a satisfying auditory element to each keystroke, along with an exquisitely smooth typing feel that is appealing to both gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, while the Silent Green does not have a noted sound profile, its quiet operation is ideal for environments that require minimal noise, making it a great choice for office use or late-night typing. Both switches offer a linear experience, ensuring immediate actuation without the tactile bumps found in other switch types. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Silent Green, it is evident that each uses a distinct plastic type that contributes differently to the overall sound profile and tactile experience of the switches. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, known for its softer consistency that results in a deeper and fuller sound. This softer plastic effectively absorbs sound, leading to a rounder, more subdued audio output. In sharp contrast, the Silent Green employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is characterized by its stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and crispness of the sound profile, creating a sharper audio experience overall. Thus, the choice of materials fundamentally influences how these switches will sound during use.
While the Caramel Pudding's nylon construction contributes to a more subdued auditory experience, the Silent Green's polycarbonate fittings bring a more resonant and high-pitched sound. This difference is not just audible but also tangible; the nylon's softer composition leads to a sound that feels more rounded and cushioned when typing, whereas the stiffer polycarbonate of the Silent Green results in a clearer and more articulate sound with each keystroke. Importantly, the distinction in material also extends to the bottom-out sound; the nylon will absorb more impact, while the polycarbonate will deliver a more pronounced bottom-out resonance. Thus, even if both switches feature a soft, cushioned feel upon actuation, the resultant sound profiles diverge significantly.
Additionally, given that both switches utilize different combinations of materials for the top and bottom housings, the experience upon releasing a key will vary between them. The nylon used in the Caramel Pudding dampens sound as the switch is released, while the polycarbonate of the Silent Green provides a sharper, crisper sound on release. If they were to employ similar sound characteristics, one could theoretically achieve a balance by using nylon in the bottom housing and polycarbonate in the top or vice versa. This methodology allows for the hybridization of the sound profiles, effectively blending the deeper sound of nylon with the clarity of polycarbonate, catering to users who desire a customized auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting that users will experience a similar level of effort required to trigger a keystroke on both switches. However, the comparison diverges when it comes to the bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding has a bottom out force of 52 grams, indicating that it provides a medium-light feel, while the Silent Green switch has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, denoting a medium feel. This distinction suggests that those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming periods might lean towards the Caramel Pudding, as it offers a more forgiving experience upon bottoming out. Conversely, users who enjoy a more substantial push feel will likely prefer the Silent Green due to its stronger resistance at the bottom. Overall, while both switches share the same actuation force, the bottom out forces highlight a noticeable disparity that could influence user preference based on their typing habits.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, we see that the Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Green measures at 4.0 mm. This makes the Caramel Pudding the shorter switch, appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Silent Green, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing or gaming, as the increased depth can provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one favors a snappier key press or a more deliberate action.
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 Silent 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 is characterized by its resonant, clacky sound signature, which can make it particularly engaging for typing and gaming. This acoustics can produce a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly loud, making it an enjoyable choice for those who appreciate auditory response in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Green switch does not have a defined sound profile available, which leaves its acoustic qualities somewhat of a mystery. However, given its designation as a “silent” switch, one might anticipate a quieter operation, which would suit environments where noise reduction is crucial, such as shared workspaces.
When considering feel, the Caramel Pudding switches stand out for their exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid keystrokes that can enhance both typing speed and accuracy. This smooth action can be very appealing, especially for those who type extensively or require a responsive gaming experience. The tactile characteristics of the Silent Green switch are unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding how it would perform compared to the Caramel Pudding. However, if it follows traditional silent switch designs, one could expect a muted yet comfortable feel, though the specifics remain uncertain.
In summary, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch offers a unique blend of a clacky sound profile and incredibly smooth typing experience, while the Outemu Silent Green's qualities remain less defined, particularly in sound and feel. If you prefer a lively auditory experience and silky key action, the Caramel Pudding would be an ideal choice. However, if your preference leans toward a quieter experience, you may find value in the Silent Green, even if its exact tactile feedback is unknown. Ultimately, both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, although they cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches and Outemu Silent Green linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and usage environment. If you prefer a switch that provides a smooth typing experience with a notable resonant, clacky sound signature, the Caramel Pudding is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams makes it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, as you won't have to exert much effort to actuate the keys, allowing for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more subdued typing experience with a heavier bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Silent Green switch may be the better option. While it lacks a distinctive sound profile, its medium weight gives you a more deliberate feel when typing, which some users may prefer in a work or quiet environment. Essentially, if you're after an engaging and lively typing experience, choose the Caramel Pudding; but if you seek a more controlled and quieter feel, the Silent Green is your go-to switch.
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