HMX Caramel Pudding vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and TTC Silent Red are two linear options that cater to distinct user preferences. The Caramel Pudding switch is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature, providing a more tactile auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of acoustic excitement. It is renowned for its exquisitely smooth feel, making it a great choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switches are designed with a focus on quiet operation, making them an ideal pick for those who prioritize a serene environment. With their muted sound profile, these switches excel in office or shared living spaces where noise can be a distraction. They offer a smooth and consistent typing experience, along with a cushioned bottom-out feel that enhances comfort during long typing sessions. While both switches offer their unique advantages, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Caramel Pudding Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials used in the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Silent Red switches, one can observe distinct differences in their top housing. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from the softer nature of nylon, which effectively absorbs sound and produces a duller tone when typing. In contrast, the Silent Red is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffer composition. As a result, the auditory experience from these two switches will vary significantly; those using the Nylon top will enjoy a rounder sound, while users of the polycarbonate top will appreciate clearer resonance, making each switch unique in its auditory feedback.

Interestingly, both the Caramel Pudding and Silent Red switches share the same material for their bottom housing: nylon. This shared characteristic means that the fundamental sound profile created when pressing the key predominantly reflects the qualities of the nylon. Regardless of the differences in the top housing, the nylon bottom ensures that the deeper, fuller sound profile remains consistent across typists' experiences with both switches. This similarity helps maintain a cohesive feel and sound when the switch is bottomed out, emphasizing the contrasting effects of the top housings in the completed auditory and tactile experience.

Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials in these switches creates a unique typing experience for users. In the case of the HMX Caramel Pudding, the nylon top and bottom combine to generate a richer sound, while the TTC Silent Red's polycarbonate top, combined with a nylon bottom, results in a distinctively sharp auditory feedback. Users who prioritize a soft, mellower sound may gravitate toward the Caramel Pudding, while those seeking a more versatile and bright typing sound might prefer the Silent Red despite both benefiting from the sonic qualities of their nylon bottom housing. Thus, while the two switches offer contrasting experiences, their shared bottom housing material facilitates a level of consistency between them.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience the same level of resistance when pressing down to register a keystroke. This similarity allows for a comparable typing experience in terms of actuation. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the disparity becomes evident; the Caramel Pudding has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Silent Red is heavier at 63.5 grams. This means that although both switches are equally light when it comes to actuating a key, the Silent Red requires more force to fully depress, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming, the Caramel Pudding would be the better option. Conversely, those who enjoy a stronger push feel might gravitate towards the Silent Red due to its heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, the Caramel Pudding offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference, while minimal, indicates that users seeking faster response times may favor the Caramel Pudding due to its shorter key travel, which can enhance quick actions during gaming. However, some users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes might prefer the Silent Red, as it provides a fuller press experience with its longer travel distance. Overall, while both switches are relatively similar in travel length, the Caramel Pudding is the shorter option, appealing to those who favor responsiveness, whereas the Silent Red caters to individuals who enjoy a more traditional typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches are known for their resonant and clacky sound signature, which adds an engaging auditory feedback during typing. This lively sound profile can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic response from their keyboard. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switches deliver a significantly muted sound profile, effectively minimizing the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Silent Reds an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where maintaining a quieter atmosphere is a priority. It’s important to note that the perceived sound of any switch will also be influenced by external factors like the keyboard's build materials and the type of keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their exquisitely smooth typing experience. This fluidity contributes to a pleasant tactile sensation that enhances typing performance. On the other hand, the Silent Red switches offer a refined feel characterized by buttery smoothness, combined with a mild and polished typing experience. The marginally padded bottom-out feel of the Silent Reds adds to the user’s comfort, making them a great option for extended typing sessions. Thus, while both switch types promise smooth operation, the Caramel Pudding might cater more to those who seek a lively tactile feedback alongside their smoothness, whereas the TTC Silent Reds appeal to those who prefer a quieter and more cushioned experience.

In summary, if you're someone who enjoys a lively and resonant typing experience, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches may be right for you, providing a joyful sound and smooth feel. Conversely, if you prioritize a quieter environment without sacrificing typing comfort, the TTC Silent Red switches are superior, offering a muted sound and excellent tactile smoothness. Ultimately, both switches cater to different needs, ensuring that you can find a suitable option based on your auditory and tactile preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a medley of smooth typing sensations coupled with an enjoyable, resonant sound, the Caramel Pudding is likely the better option for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams allows for a more effortless keystroke, making it an excellent fit for casual typing and gaming where auditory feedback enhances your experience. On the other hand, if you need a more discrete typing solution, particularly for shared environments like offices or homes, the TTC Silent Red is worth considering. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a solid, yet muted typing experience that minimizes noise while ensuring comfort and consistency. Its polished and buttery feel makes it a superior choice for prolonged typing sessions where minimizing disturbances is essential. Ultimately, your decision should weigh the importance of acoustic feedback versus a quieter, more subdued typing environment, ensuring your keyboard serves both your comfort and functional needs effectively.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Caramel Pudding Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more