HMX Caramel Pudding vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference in feel and sound. The HMX Caramel Pudding, a linear switch, is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature, offering an exquisitely smooth typing experience that many enthusiasts find appealing. This switch is perfect for those who value auditory feedback along with a seamless keypress. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, also a linear switch, stands out with its attractive pink and clear housing, and is renowned for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel. Its characteristics—described as low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished—make it a favorite for users looking for reliability without compromising on a pleasant typing experience. While both switches provide linear actuation emphasizing a smooth keystroke, they cater to different preferences in sound and aesthetic appeal. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the KTT Strawberry, a stark contrast emerges. The Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its soft characteristics that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounded audio experience that many typists find appealing. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry features polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that tends to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly significant for those who prefer a more resonant audio feedback when typing, as the structure of the polycarbonate leads to a clearer and more direct sound.
While the differences in material lead to distinct acoustic experiences, they also impact the aesthetic qualities of the switches. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the KTT Strawberry allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of keyboard setups. Conversely, while the nylon of the Caramel Pudding does not provide the same light-transmitting properties, it offers a pleasing, muted aesthetic that some users might prefer for a subtler look. Thus, while both switches serve the functional purpose of facilitating typing, they cater to different preferences in sound and visual appeal.
Despite their differences, if one desired similar results in terms of acoustic output, combining certain elements could lead to a customized solution. For example, one could experiment with switches that blend materials, such as using a nylon bottom housing with a polycarbonate top, thereby achieving a balance of warmth and clarity in sound. In this way, typists could aim to harness the deeper, fuller sound of nylon while still benefiting from the crispness provided by polycarbonate—a hybrid approach that leverages the strengths of both materials for a personalized tactile and auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we find noticeable differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry features a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams, but its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 62 grams, placing it in the medium category. This discrepancy means that while both switches feature relatively light actuation forces, the Caramel Pudding delivers a softer landing when fully pressed down, making it more suitable for users seeking a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out of the Strawberry may resonate better with users looking for a more substantial tactile response. Overall, those who desire a lighter feel should lean towards the Caramel Pudding, while the Strawberry might be preferable for those who appreciate a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding and KTT Strawberry linear switches, the difference is notable. The Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Strawberry's travel distance measures 4 mm. As a result, the Caramel Pudding is the shorter option, catering to those who favor quicker actuation and responsiveness, which is often preferred by gamers. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry, with its longer travel distance, is better suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced depth when pressing keys, potentially offering a more tactile and satisfying experience. Overall, the choice between these two switches largely depends on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in keypresses.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
The sound profile of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is characterized by a resonant, clacky sound signature, which can create an engaging auditory experience when typing. This sound can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while working or gaming. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a low-pitched sound that presents a mellower, bass-heavy tone, making it ideal for users who prefer a subtler auditory presence. While both switches provide distinct sound experiences, the final output can vary significantly depending on the keyboard build, keycap materials, and other components, so users should consider their complete setup to optimize their auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Caramel Pudding switch offers an exquisitely smooth typing experience, which is ideal for users looking for fluid keystrokes. In comparison, the KTT Strawberry switch stands out with its frictionless actuation, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. The Strawberry's silky texture and buttery feel contribute to a luxurious typing sensation, minimizing resistance during key presses. All these characteristics enhance the overall fluidity and comfort while typing, making both switches suitable for long typing sessions. While the Caramel Pudding is smooth as well, the unique descriptors of the Strawberry suggest it may offer a slight edge in terms of overall tactile refinement.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Caramel Pudding and KTT Strawberry linear switches have their distinct qualities, they can cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Caramel Pudding impresses with its resonant clack while providing smooth actuation, appealing to those who appreciate acoustic feedback. Alternatively, the KTT Strawberry excels with its low-pitched sound and frictionless actuation, providing an incredibly silky typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying performance based on individual preferences, and they are likely to yield similar overall results in terms of smoothness, though their auditory experiences will be notably different.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a medium-light actuation force and enjoy a clacky sound profile that adds a bit of character to your typing experience, the Caramel Pudding switches are an excellent choice. They provide a delightful, smooth feel that enhances your overall enjoyment, making them particularly suitable for casual typing and gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial 62-gram bottom-out force coupled with a low-pitched sound signature, then the KTT Strawberry switches may be more to your liking. These switches excel in delivering a frictionless, silky, and buttery typing experience, ensuring reliable performance that can enhance your productivity, especially during long hours of use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desired balance between sound, feel, and the type of tasks you engage in most frequently.
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