HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the characteristics of popular options such as the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Silver, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature, offering a uniquely smooth typing experience that many users cherish for its pleasurable acoustics. In contrast, while the Outemu Silver lacks standout auditory features, it is recognized for its consistent actuation performance, which can appeal to gamers or typists seeking efficiency in fast-paced environments. Each switch caters to different user preferences: the Caramel Pudding excels in delivering an enjoyable auditory experience along with smooth keystrokes, while the Outemu Silver prioritizes performance and reliability. 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
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 evaluating the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Silver, a clear distinction emerges between their top housings. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, which is known for its sound-dampening properties. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This quality contributes to a rounder sound profile, making it a preferred choice for users looking for a subdued acoustic response. In contrast, the Outemu Silver employs a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharp and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, thus offering a more pronounced audio feedback that many typists may find appealing for its brightness and definition.
In juxtaposition, both the Caramel Pudding and Outemu Silver utilize nylon for their bottom housings, making the lower section of these switches a shared element. This consistency means that regardless of the differing top housing materials, both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound character when bottoming out. The absorbing nature of nylon effectively mutes higher frequencies, which is beneficial in creating a more cohesive sound experience when a key is pressed. Consequently, while the top housing of each switch provides a distinct auditory character, the bottom housing helps maintain a level of consistency in responsiveness and dampening, resulting in a rounded acoustic profile.
The impact of these varying top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience is noteworthy. When typing on the HMX Caramel Pudding, the softer nylon top housing enhances the comforting vibe of softer thocks and clacks, ideal for a more relaxed typing ambiance. Conversely, the Outemu Silver’s polycarbonate top housing tends to accentuate the clarity during quick strokes, making each key press feel more distinct and lively. However, with both switches sharing the nylon bottom housing, the deep, rounded sound produced during key presses is a unifying factor, emphasizing how the combination of different materials contributes uniquely to the overall sound profile while maintaining some similarities through the nylon base.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke. This offers a consistent typing experience for users who prefer lighter switches, making them suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly; the Caramel Pudding has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Outemu Silver features a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. Thus, while both switches feel similarly light at the point of actuation, the Outemu Silver provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, which may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push-back when typing. Overall, the Caramel Pudding is the lighter option, making it better for prolonged use, while the Outemu Silver is the heavier choice, catering to users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback during typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch to the Outemu Silver linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silver switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers appreciate for quicker action during gameplay. In contrast, the Outemu Silver, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more satisfying depth and tactile feedback, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or depth in your typing experience.
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 Silver 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 switch is characterized by a resonant, clacky sound signature. This auditory profile is often preferred by enthusiasts who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback during typing or gaming sessions. The Outemu Silver linear switch, however, does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, which leaves its acoustic qualities somewhat ambiguous. It is essential to keep in mind that the sound produced by any mechanical switch can also be influenced by the keyboard construction, the material of the keycaps, and even the desk surface, meaning that even if the Silver has an undefined sound, certain setups may enhance or diminish its acoustic feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are noted for their exquisitively smooth typing experience. This smoothness is a significant draw for typists who value fluid keystrokes without any tactile bumps or interruptions. The Outemu Silver switch does not provide any detailed information regarding its feel, which makes it challenging to compare it directly in this regard. However, it can be expected that, being a linear switch as well, the Silver may also offer a smooth typing experience, albeit potentially lacking the distinctive qualities of the Caramel Pudding.
In summary, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch stands out with its clacky sound and notably smooth feel, making it a suitable choice for users who prioritize both auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound profile remains uncertain, while its feel may also lean towards a smooth typing experience, albeit without explicit descriptions. When considering a switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Caramel Pudding offers a well-defined and enjoyable experience, while the choice of the Silver may still lead to satisfactory performance, depending on personal preference and specific keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches and Outemu Silver linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing experience. If you favor a medium-light switch that provides a delightful and resonant clacky sound along with an exceptionally smooth typing feel, the Caramel Pudding is an excellent choice. These traits make it particularly suitable for casual typing and gaming sessions, where you appreciate the auditory feedback and a lighter actuation force. On the other hand, if you prefer a more resistant feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Silver may be more to your liking. Although it lacks the standout sound signature of the Caramel Pudding, its firmer actuation could provide a sense of stability, making it preferable for fast-paced gaming where precise actuation is critical. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you in your typing experience—whether it’s the engaging sound and smoothness of the Caramel Pudding or the firmness and reliable feedback of the Outemu Silver—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
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