HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different styles and experiences. On one hand, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature and smoothly linear typing feel, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a quieter, tactile typing experience with a satisfying “thocky” sound—perfect for users who prefer the tactile feedback of a bump without the distracting noise. The Caramel Pudding switches cater to users who thrive on auditory stimulation and a seamless keystroke, while the Silent Yellow Jade excels in providing a balanced tactile feel for a more serene environment. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 HMX Caramel Pudding and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both utilize nylon for their switch housing materials, resulting in similar sound profiles and tactile characteristics when typing. Both switches feature nylon for their top and bottom housings, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound due to the material's relatively softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a defined dullness and rounded quality in the auditory feedback. As a result, users can anticipate an immersive typing experience that is harmonious in both switches, characterized by a lack of sharpness or harshness in the sound emitted during key presses.
While both switches share the same nylon housing composition, the distinction may lie in varying design elements or internal mechanisms that could impact the overall feel and responsiveness. In particular, since both the Caramel Pudding and Silent Yellow Jade maintain the same material for both their top and bottom housings, the resultant typing experience is markedly cohesive. This design choice promotes a seamless interaction where the characteristics of each housing contribute uniformly to the switch's performance. Consequently, users can expect a consistent bottoming-out feel across both switches, fostering a pleasant tactile response alongside an enjoyable acoustic experience.
If any differences were to arise from future models or variations, they could stem from additional features or enhancements not directly related to the housing material itself. However, the overall effects on sound and feel would likely remain comparable because of the consistent use of nylon, which governs the fundamental acoustic properties of both switches. Thus, even in the context of mixed materials, the weighting of sound characteristics would rest largely on the unified use of nylon in both housings, thereby enabling users to find similar results in terms of noise dampening and overall typing satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Caramel Pudding switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a great choice for those who type for extended periods or enjoy a lighter feel for gaming. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Caramel Pudding switch is the lighter option, while the Silent Yellow Jade is the heavier one. Consequently, individuals choosing between these switches should consider their typing style and whether they favor a lighter touch or a stronger push to enhance their comfort during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The HMX Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade measures at 3.3 mm. This makes the Silent Yellow Jade the shorter option, catering more to gamers looking for a quicker response time. On the other hand, the Caramel Pudding's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced feel for those who prefer a deeper and more tactile experience. Thus, if one leans towards a responsive performance, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may be the preferable choice, whereas those who value a more substantial keypress might gravitate towards the HMX Caramel Pudding.
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 Yellow Jade 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 switches are known for their resonant and clacky sound signature, providing a pronounced auditory feedback that many typists enjoy for its lively character. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches produce a quieter "thocky" sound, which is designed to be more subdued, making them suitable for environments where noise is a consideration. This contrast means that while Caramel Pudding switches offer a more pronounced and vibrant sound experience, the Silent Yellow Jade switches are crafted for those who prefer a muted yet still satisfying auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switches excel with their exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for swift and fluid keystrokes that can be particularly appealing for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and comfort. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade switches provide a tactile typing experience characterized by a punchy tactile bump that helps typists feel when a key has been actuated. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and comfort, though it may not offer the same level of smoothness as the Caramel Pudding switches.
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switches ultimately boils down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you prefer a lively, resonant typing experience with smooth actuation, the Caramel Pudding will likely suit you well. Alternatively, if you value a tactile bump with a quieter, satisfying sound, the Silent Yellow Jade may be your ideal choice. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, and your choice will reflect what qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch primarily depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a smoother and lighter keypress with a resonant, clacky sound that makes each keystroke feel lively and engaging, the Caramel Pudding switch would be your go-to option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams makes it an excellent choice for rapid typing, gaming, or any scenario where you appreciate a tactile response without too much resistance. On the other hand, if you favor a more subdued and quieter typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, the Silent Yellow Jade switch is the way to go. With a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, it provides a more substantial feel while producing a muffled "thocky" sound, making it ideal for office environments or late-night typing sessions where noise levels are a concern. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize sound and smoothness or a tactile, quieter experience.
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