HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Red Panda present distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature and an exquisitely smooth typing experience, making them an ideal choice for users who relish auditory feedback and seamless key travel. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switches offer a light-medium tactility with a unique auditory profile, featuring a deeper, raindrop-like bottom-out sound complemented by a higher-pitched top-out, which can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a tactile feel alongside dynamic acoustics. Each switch brings its own unique character to the table, catering to different user preferences in both feel and sound. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 Red Panda, notable differences arise in the top housing. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs sound effectively. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda employs polycarbonate as its top housing material, which results in a sharper and crisper auditory experience. This distinction is largely due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance, allowing vibrations to travel more freely. Therefore, users seeking a more subdued auditory presence may lean towards the Caramel Pudding, while those desiring a clearer and more vibrant sound will likely prefer the Red Panda.
Interestingly, both the Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Red Panda feature nylon in their bottom housing. This similarity means that the sound profile when bottoming out will carry consistent characteristics across both switches. The nylon's softer nature ensures that the sound produced upon pressing the key down is deep and rounded, regardless of the differences in their top housings. As a result, users will experience a harmony of auditory sensations: a rich sound when the key is fully pressed and an entirely different tone upon release, dictated by the unique properties of the top housing materials. This blend of nylon's warmth in the bottom housing provides a familiar tactile feel in both switches.
Ultimately, the effect of the differing materials in the top housings becomes evident when evaluating the entire typing experience. The nylon used in the bottom housing guarantees a consistent, robust feel when the keys are pressed down, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda enhances clarity on release, creating an exciting experience for users who prefer pronounced auditory feedback. Conversely, the nylon top of the Caramel Pudding promotes a softer auditory release, making it ideal for those aiming for a more muted typing experience. Thus, while both switches share a common ground in their nylon bottom housings, each presents a unique offering influenced by the choice of top housing materials, catering to diverse preferences in sound and feel during use.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, notable differences emerge in terms of weight and feel. The Caramel Pudding is lighter, making it more suitable for users who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Red Panda’s heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing sensation for those who prefer a stronger push feel, catering to users who enjoy feedback in their keystrokes. While both switches have distinct characteristics, the HMX Caramel Pudding is designed for a smoother, less strenuous experience, whereas the Outemu Red Panda offers a sturdier option for tactile feedback. Consequently, users must choose based on their preferences for typing feel and usage duration.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Caramel Pudding boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red Panda offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Caramel Pudding the switch with the longer travel distance, ideal for those who favor a more substantial feel and depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Red Panda's shorter travel distance may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker responsiveness, as it allows for faster actuation. Therefore, users looking for a more abrupt feel might prefer the Red Panda, whereas those who appreciate a deeper keystroke are likely to gravitate towards the 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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 offers a resonant, clacky sound signature that can provide an engaging auditory experience while typing. This characteristic is particularly favored by users who enjoy distinctive sounds that enhance their typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch features a unique sound profile that combines a deeper, thocky bottom-out sound with a higher-pitched clack at top-out. This duality in sound gives the Red Panda a dynamic acoustic presence, appealing to those who enjoy a more varied auditory feedback. While both switches produce notable sounds, the distinction lies in the Caramel Pudding's clackiness versus the Red Panda's thocky and raindrop-like tones, making each switch appealing for different reasons.
Turning to the feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is celebrated for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that can be greatly satisfying during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Red Panda switch provides a light-to-medium level of tactility, which can add a subtle feedback sensation that some users appreciate. This mild tactility makes the Red Panda more approachable for those who may find overly pronounced tactile feedback distracting. While the Caramel Pudding excels in providing a seamless and fluid feel, the Red Panda balances smoothness with a gentle tactile response, catering to users seeking a compromise between feedback and ease of typing.
In conclusion, when comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, each brings its own set of auditory and tactile qualities to the table. The Caramel Pudding's resonant clackiness and smooth typing experience contrasts with the Red Panda's thocky sound combined with mild tactile feedback. Those looking for a more pronounced auditory experience may gravitate towards the Red Panda, while users who prioritize smoothness and minimal resistance might prefer the Caramel Pudding. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results, but the choice will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and the ambient sound you desire. If you favor a smoother and more fluid typing experience along with a clacky sound profile, the Caramel Pudding, with its 52-gram bottom-out force, might be the better choice for you. These switches are particularly appealing if you're looking for a lighter touch, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or if you prefer quick keystrokes without tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate a subtle tactility that provides a slight bump during each keystroke, coupled with a deeper, thocky sound, the Red Panda is the way to go. Its 60-gram bottom-out force offers a more medium feel, giving you a satisfying response while typing. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth, light typing action or a more tactile and resonant experience.
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