HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Spring Breeze present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts. The Caramel Pudding, with its linear design, is celebrated for its exquisitely smooth typing experience and a resonant, clacky sound signature that many find delightful and satisfying. This switch is ideally suited for those who prefer a more subdued tactile experience while still enjoying a bit of auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze offers a more traditional clicky feel, distinguished by its unique construction of nylon housing and a POM stem, which generates a deeper and more pronounced sound than typical clicky switches. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who relish the tactile and auditory feedback that clicky switches provide. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and experiences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 examining the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches, we find that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, prized for its unique acoustic properties. The inherent characteristics of nylon, being a relatively softer plastic compared to harder alternatives, allow it to absorb sound effectively. Consequently, both the Caramel Pudding and the Spring Breeze switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a rounder and more subdued typing experience. This similarity in materials indicates that users of either switch can expect comparable auditory results, fostering a satisfying typing rhythm that many keyboard enthusiasts appreciate.
Despite the material similarities, there may be nuanced differences in the overall experience when using each switch due to other design elements beyond housing. The impact of the nylon housings on sound dynamics is consistent across both switches, with the bottom housing primarily affecting the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. This commonality means that either switch can provide a cohesive sound profile, but the feel and sensitivity of actuation may still differ depending on other factors, such as the switch mechanism’s spring or stem design. Therefore, while the nylon housings ensure a certain standard of sound quality, the overall typing experience may vary slightly.
Ultimately, the comparison between the Caramel Pudding and the Spring Breeze serves to highlight how similar material properties can shape user experience while also recognizing that elements beyond the housings play a crucial role. Both nylon housings create a conducive environment for a pleasant typing experience characterized by rich sound and tactile satisfaction. However, to truly understand the switches' performance in various contexts, one would need to consider additional specifications such as travel distance, actuation force, and potentially the design intention behind each switch. In this light, while the nylon construction unites the two products in their acoustic endeavor, the end-user experience can diverge based on the unique design aspects of the switches themselves.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we can observe some key differences and similarities in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Spring Breeze has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means the Caramel Pudding requires a greater force to initiate a keystroke, making it feel slightly more substantial during typing. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze is lighter in terms of actuation but bottoms out at a greater force, which can contribute to a firmer feel upon complete key press. For users who prefer a lighter switch that facilitates longer typing sessions, the Spring Breeze may be more appealing, whereas those who enjoy a stronger push feel might incline towards the Caramel Pudding. Ultimately, while both switches fall within the medium-light category, their subtle variations in actuation and bottom out forces will cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Spring Breeze extends to 4 mm. This places the Caramel Pudding in the category of shorter travel distances, which is often preferred by gamers seeking faster response times for quick actions. In contrast, the Spring Breeze, with its longer 4 mm travel, may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feedback and depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you value speed and responsiveness, the Caramel Pudding is the better choice, while the Spring Breeze caters to those who favor a more traditional and deeper 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 Spring Breeze 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 considering sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding switch has a distinct resonant and clacky sound signature characterized by its sharp and snappy audio profile. This results in a crisp and bright sound that many typists find satisfying, particularly those who appreciate a more percussive auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch produces a deeper sound, attributed to its unique material combination of nylon housing and POM stem. This design offers a different aural quality than typical clicky switches, which can lead to a more subdued yet rich clicking experience. Both sound profiles cater to different preferences; the Caramel Pudding provides a lively, high-pitched response, while the Spring Breeze offers a deeper tone, making them appealing to different types of users.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding switch delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhanced by its bouncy and silky qualities that provide pleasant feedback when typing. The bounciness gives a lively sensation upon keypress, while the silky nature minimizes resistance, resulting in a satisfying glide as fingers move across the keys. On the other hand, specific feel attributes for the Spring Breeze aren’t detailed, making direct comparisons difficult. However, users familiar with Outemu switches will likely notice a solid mechanical response with the Spring Breeze, typical of clicky switches, that may appeal to those who enjoy tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Outemu Spring Breeze switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Caramel Pudding excels in providing a bright, clacky sound paired with a smooth, bouncy feel, ideal for those who prefer dynamic typing feedback. Meanwhile, the Spring Breeze presents a deeper sound profile that could attract users seeking a different auditory experience, though its specific tactile qualities remain more ambiguous. Choosing between these options will largely depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches and Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a smooth and bouncy typing experience, complemented by a high-pitched, clacky sound that energizes your typing sessions, the Caramel Pudding switches are an excellent choice. They are particularly suited for gaming and typing enthusiasts who appreciate a lively feedback and want their keyboard to add a bit of character with its sound profile. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a clicky feedback that is deeper and offers a satisfying auditory response with each keystroke, while also enjoying the durability of nylon housing and POM stem, the Spring Breeze switches could be the perfect fit. These switches are ideal for those who like the nostalgic feel of clicky switches and want a more robust sound experience without being overly harsh. In the end, your selection should reflect your individual typing style, sound preferences, and how you plan to use your keyboard, ensuring your choice enhances your overall experience.
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