HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Tom offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding, known for its resonant, clacky sound profile, delivers an exquisitely smooth typing feel that appeals to users seeking a more auditory and tactile response as they type. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom, classified as a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump during actuation, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer feedback that enhances typing accuracy without the loudness of a linear switch. While the Caramel Pudding may attract gamers and typists looking for a satisfying sound and seamless keystrokes, the Outemu Tom caters to those who appreciate the tactile reassurance that can improve their writing and precision. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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 Tom, a clear differentiation emerges primarily in the top housing construction. The Caramel Pudding utilizes a nylon top housing, a material known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This contrasts starkly with the Outemu Tom, which features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is renowned for its stiffness and clarity, leading to a high-pitched, crisper sound profile. Thus, while the Caramel Pudding offers a rounder sound due to the nylon's sound-dampening qualities, the Outemu Tom provides a sharper and more resonant experience, indicative of its rigid structure.
In terms of bottom housings, both switches share a commonality with their nylon composition. The nylon bottom housing in both the Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Tom emphasizes a deeper, fuller sound profile that aligns with the material's absorptive characteristics. Since both switches utilize the same material for their bottom housing, the tactile experience feels similar across these switches when bottoming out. This similar foundation provides a consistent feel, ensuring that users will experience the plush depth characteristic of nylon when pressed down, regardless of the differentiation in sound between their respective top housings.
The distinct sound profiles created by the differing top housing materials when typing on these switches highlight the nuanced interplay between the two. While both switches benefit from the warmth and fullness provided by the nylon bottom housing, the characteristic sound when releasing a key varies significantly. If a user is seeking a richer auditory experience when pressing keys, the Caramel Pudding is preferable; however, for those who prioritize clarity and resonance, the Outemu Tom is the sound choice. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on the desired auditory feedback, as both designs leverage the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon in the bottom housing, resulting in an overall enhanced typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch differ in their actuation forces, with the Caramel Pudding requiring a lighter force of 45 grams compared to the 55 grams needed for the Outemu Tom. This makes the Caramel Pudding more suitable for extended typing sessions, as its medium-light actuation force can reduce fatigue. However, the Outemu Tom, with its heavier actuation force, may provide a more robust typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile response. Regarding the bottom-out forces, the Caramel Pudding also has a defined bottom-out force of 52 grams, whereas the bottom-out force for the Tom is unavailable. Consequently, while the Caramel Pudding is the lighter option overall, the Tom's heavier actuation force may attract users who appreciate more substantial feedback when pressing down on keys.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the Caramel Pudding offers a distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Tom has a shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly affect the typing experience. For gamers or those seeking quick response times, the Outemu Tom's shorter travel distance could be more appealing, offering a snappier feel. Conversely, for users who prefer a more traditional and pronounced depth when typing, the HMX Caramel Pudding's longer travel distance may be more satisfying. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Tom is the better choice, while if you enjoy a fuller keystroke, the Caramel Pudding would suit you better.
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 Tom 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 produces a resonant, clacky sound signature that is quite distinctive and appealing, especially for users who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. This clackiness is often enhanced by the choice of keycaps and the keyboard itself, making it a versatile option for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch lacks a specific sound profile detailing, which leaves its auditory qualities somewhat ambiguous. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound produced by any switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.
When considering the feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are renowned for their exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that appeal to many typists and gamers alike. This smoothness can enhance overall typing speed and reduce fatigue during long sessions. The tactile feel of the Outemu Tom switch is not explicitly defined, leaving potential users to wonder about its responsiveness and feedback. In general, tactile switches are designed to provide a bump at the actuation point, which can influence typing technique, but specific qualities of the Tom switch remain unknown.
In conclusion, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch stands out for its resonant sound and exceptionally smooth feel, contributing to a delightful typing experience. The Outemu Tom tactile switch’s qualities are less well-defined in terms of both sound and feel, leaving a gap in comparison. However, if you are drawn to the idea of a tactile feel, you may still find satisfactory results with the Tom switch, although you would need to test it firsthand to gauge its performance. Overall, if you prioritize a distinctive auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes, the Caramel Pudding switch is likely to be a more fulfilling choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and the type of experience you desire. If you appreciate a smooth and fluid keypress with a resonant, clacky sound, the Caramel Pudding is your ideal choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams makes it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming, where you want to minimize finger fatigue and maximize speed. On the other hand, if you were leaning towards a tactile experience, aware that tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying sensation with each keypress, you might opt for the Outemu Tom switch once its specifications are properly determined, particularly if they cater to your specific tactile needs. Even though details about the Tom's characteristics are currently unavailable, its tactile nature suggests it would be a strong contender for those who prefer to feel a bump at the actuation point. Therefore, your choice ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize a smooth, linear feel with a lively sound or a tactile feedback that enhances your overall typing experience.
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