HMX Caramel Pudding vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves deliberating between options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The HMX Caramel Pudding, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth typing experience and resonant, clacky sound signature, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy uninterrupted keystrokes and a lively auditory feedback. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a tactile feel characterized by a satisfying rounded bump and a muted sound profile, ideal for users who prioritize a comfortable typing experience with slight resistance and subtle feedback. While both switches have their distinct strengths, the choice ultimately depends on whether you lean towards a seamless, vibrant typing journey or a more subdued, tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 TTC Silent Brown switches, we observe a key difference in their top housings. The HMX Caramel Pudding utilizes a nylon top housing, which is well-regarded for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon’s softer composition, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics. As a result, typing on these switches resonates with a duller and rounder tone, creating a warm auditory experience for the user. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency. This material yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a clearer auditory feedback while typing. Thus, the fundamental difference in top housing material significantly influences the sound characteristics of each switch.
On the other hand, both switch models feature nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces an interesting factor into the comparison. Nylon's properties remain consistent across both switches in this context, leading to similar results when it comes to the sound and feel upon bottoming out. The softer nature of nylon means that both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Silent Brown will offer a deeper, fuller sound experience derived from their bottom housings. Since the bottom housing greatly influences the feel and acoustic feedback at the end of a keystroke, users will find that both switches provide a cushioned sensation when pressed to the bottom, despite the differences present in the top materials.
Ultimately, the duality of the housing materials means that users can expect distinct sound profiles while typing on these switches, influenced predominantly by the top housing configuration. With the nylon bottom housing providing a consistent foundation, the Caramel Pudding offers a warm and rounded sound profile thanks to its nylon top, while the Silent Brown’s polycarbonate top contributes to a sharp and clear auditory experience. When considering both the top and bottom housings, it becomes apparent that users may prefer one over the other based on their desired typing experience and sound preferences, illustrating an interesting blend of similarities and differences in the housing materials used for these two specific switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience a similar feel when triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces reveal a significant difference: the Caramel Pudding has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Silent Brown’s is heavier at 63.5 grams. This distinction indicates that the Silent Brown requires more force to fully depress, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. As a result, the HMX Caramel Pudding is the lighter option overall, making it better suited for extended typing sessions or casual gaming, while the TTC Silent Brown caters to those who favor a firmer key response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we find that the Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Silent Brown, with its longer travel, may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper sensation during key presses, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding, being the shorter switch, is likely to offer quicker response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes. Ultimately, while both switches serve their purposes depending on user preference, the Caramel Pudding's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a snappier feel, whereas the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm caters to those who appreciate a more profound engagement with their keyboard.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is characterized by a resonant, clacky tone, which many users find to be satisfying and expressive. This sound signature provides an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, making it feel lively and dynamic. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch presents a muted sound profile, significantly softer compared to the clacky nature of the Caramel Pudding. This muted characteristic is ideal for quieter environments or for those who prefer not to disturb others while typing, as it minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switch offers an exquisitely smooth typing experience, promoting uninterrupted keystrokes that can make extended typing sessions enjoyable. Its linear design means there is a consistent travel without the tactile bump, lending itself to a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch features a satisfying rounded tactile bump, providing clear feedback during keypresses. Additionally, it maintains a light-medium level of resistance, which makes it approachable for a wide range of users. Overall, while the Caramel Pudding focuses on smoothness without tactile interruptions, the Silent Brown emphasizes a polished and responsive touch with a gentle tactile response.
In conclusion, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Caramel Pudding’s clacky sound and smooth keystrokes appeal to those who enjoy an expressive typing experience, while the Silent Brown’s muted tones and tactile feedback are well-suited for users seeking a quieter and more comfortable typing environment. Depending on your typing style and auditory preference, each switch offers distinct advantages, making both viable options depending on the desired experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing style and environment. If you enjoy a smooth, buttery feel with a vibrant clacky sound and prefer a medium-light actuation force, the Caramel Pudding switch is undoubtedly your go-to option. It's ideal for those who appreciate an expressive acoustic feedback while typing or gaming and want to experience an enjoyable, swifter keystroke without much resistance. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter experience and appreciate tactile feedback, the Silent Brown switch is the better choice. Its muted sound profile and satisfying tactile bump provide a comfortable and polished typing sensation, making it perfect for more focused work or shared environments where noise might be a concern. Therefore, consider your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best decision for your needs.
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