HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences. The HMX Caramel Pudding switches, categorized as linear switches, are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making them an excellent choice for users who crave an auditory experience paired with fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches, known for their tactile characteristics, provide a quiet yet satisfying typing experience. With a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, these switches are perfect for those who desire a more subdued environment without sacrificing the tactile feedback that many typists love. Both options cater to distinct preferences: the lively auditory feedback of the Caramel Pudding versus the silent, tactile response of the Silent Grey. Ultimately, each switch has its merits, and selecting the right one hinges on individual typing habits and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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 Silent Grey, it's evident that they exhibit a notable contrast in their top housing choices. The Caramel Pudding utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic inherently dampens sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience that many users find appealing for a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows sound waves to resonate more clearly, making for a crisper auditory experience, especially in setups where RGB lighting is a consideration. Thus, while the Caramel Pudding delivers a softer and more muffled sound, the Silent Grey offers a brighter and more pronounced acoustic feedback.
In contrast, both the Caramel Pudding and the Silent Grey utilize nylon for their bottom housings, aligning their profiles in this aspect. This shared material choice means that when it comes to the bottom housing experience—including bottom-out sound and feel—users will encounter a similar nuanced deepness characteristic of nylon. The nylon's capacity to absorb sound ensures a consistent auditory profile, regardless of the differences in their upper housings. Therefore, no matter which switch users opt for, the experience when bottoming out on the keys will share that signature deeper sound that nylon is known for, creating a cohesive typing feel between the two models.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings significantly influences the overall sound and tactile experience of each switch. With the Caramel Pudding, the softer nylon top and bottom create a uniform, muted sound profile throughout, making it ideal for users who prefer a quieter environment. In contrast, the Silent Grey’s polycarbonate top housing introduces a contrasting brightness to the otherwise deep sound of its nylon bottom, effectively splitting the sound characteristics. This division means that users will feel and hear differences in the two switches; the Caramel Pudding’s rounded tones complement its deeper impact, while the Silent Grey’s sharper sound effectually elevates its acoustic clarity on key release. Ultimately, despite their differences, users can see how nylon’s influence on the bottom housing creates a foundation of sound that remains consistent across both designs, allowing for a reliable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light option that's ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions due to the reduced strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Silent Grey operates with a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. The higher force in the Silent Grey may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel while typing. Therefore, those looking for a lighter switch for ease and comfort during extended use should opt for the Caramel Pudding, while those who appreciate a stronger push and a firmer response might find the Silent Grey better suited to their typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Silent Grey offers a more traditional depth, which some users may find more satisfying for typographical purposes, as it can provide a fuller keystroke experience. Conversely, the Caramel Pudding's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and users who prioritize responsiveness and faster actuation. If you prefer a more immediate feedback with quicker key presses, the Caramel Pudding would be the better choice. Overall, those seeking a more responsive experience might lean towards the HMX switch, whereas those desiring a deeper, more tactile feel will likely favor the Outemu Silent Grey.
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 Grey 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
When it comes to the sound profile, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is known for its resonant and clacky sound signature, providing an engaging auditory feedback with each keystroke. This makes it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a much quieter operation, with a sound profile designed to minimize noise while still delivering a satisfying tactile experience. The Silent Grey's muted acoustics make it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more subdued environment, such as shared workspaces or quiet home offices.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Pudding switch stands out for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes without any hindrance or roughness. This smoothness makes it appealing for long typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey provides a distinctly tactile feel with a pronounced bump upon actuation, offering a satisfying feedback that users can feel under their fingers. While the Silent Grey ensures a responsive experience, it retains a smooth keystroke, making it an excellent option for users who appreciate tactile feedback without the added noise.
Combining the insights on sound and feel, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Caramel Pudding excels in delivering a vibrant auditory experience paired with smooth typing, ideal for those who revel in a lively keyboard feel. Meanwhile, the Silent Grey focuses on providing a quiet but tactile experience, perfect for users who prioritize a discreet ambiance without sacrificing feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile sensation, ensuring that both options can deliver satisfying results in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a more lively and resonant typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Caramel Pudding might be the right fit for you. Its clacky sound signature and smooth keystroke make it ideal for gaming or casual typing where an expressive auditory feedback enhances the experience. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing environment—perhaps for an office setting or late-night sessions—while still enjoying a tactile response, the Silent Grey would serve you better. With its medium-heavy actuation force and pronounced bump, you'll get a satisfying feel without the accompanying noise. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize sound and smoothness with the Caramel Pudding or a tactile and discreet experience with the Silent Grey.
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