HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Bsun Taichi exemplify two appealing options within the linear switch category, each offering distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback alongside an exquisitely smooth typing feel. This makes them a suitable choice for users who appreciate both sound and tactile response while they type. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switches deliver a unique high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to their thoughtfully designed long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled designs, ensuring unparalleled smoothness and stability for those seeking precision and consistency in their keystrokes. While both switches offer a linear feel appealing to gamers and typists alike, their differing sound profiles and construction methods cater to diverse preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Bsun Taichi, there are distinct differences that impact both the tactile experience and acoustic profile of the switches. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a muted and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Taichi employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that yields a crisper and sharper sound. This difference in material undoubtedly contributes to divergent sound profiles, with the Caramel Pudding leaning towards a warmer, more subdued noise while the Taichi offers a bright and resonant tone.
However, both switches share a common ground in their bottom housing material, which is nylon for both the Caramel Pudding and the Taichi. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in top housing, the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switches are consistent and share the same qualities associated with nylon. The nylon bottom housing will absorb sound, giving both switches a fuller sound experience that encapsulates the character of nylon. Therefore, while the top housing materials contribute individual sounds, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a harmonious foundation for their auditory profiles.
Overall, the combination of different materials in the top housing results in a unique sound experience for each switch, which can appeal to different user preferences. For those who appreciate a warmer, deeper sound, the Caramel Pudding may be more appealing, while users who favor a brighter, sharper sound may prefer the Taichi. Nonetheless, the shared nylon bottom housing allows both switches to achieve a consistent feel when bottoming out, creating a tactile sensation that underscores the advantages of nylon. This interconnection between the materials allows for an engaging typing experience, regardless of the chosen model.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation forces. The Caramel Pudding switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, indicating a medium-light feel that balances comfort and typing feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which can be advantageous for long typing sessions or gaming due to reduced strain on the fingers, but its bottom out force is currently unknown. This means we cannot compare their bottoming out experiences directly. However, given that the Taichi has a lower actuation force, it may be perceived as more suitable for users seeking a lighter typing experience. Overall, the Caramel Pudding is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force, while the Taichi is lighter, making it potentially more appealing for those who favor less resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they provide the same key experience when pressed down. This equal travel distance ensures that users will achieve similar results in terms of actuation feedback and overall typing feel, making either switch a suitable choice for those preferring a linear feel. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will perform similarly in applications that rely on consistent keypress depth.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 is characterized by its resonant, clacky sound signature, which offers a lively auditory experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. This distinctiveness may provide a certain charm that makes each keystroke feel engaging. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch presents an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This design not only contributes to the unique auditory profile but ensures that sound echoes with clarity and character. Ultimately, while both switches have their unique auditory expressions, they may both create a delightful acoustic environment depending on the board and keycaps used.
When considering feel, the Caramel Pudding stands out due to its exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys without interruption. This smoothness can greatly enhance comfort during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch also promotes unparalleled smoothness and stability through its thoughtfully engineered construction. This design ensures consistency and reliability, making typing or gaming feel seamless and controlled. Both switches, therefore, offer an impressively smooth feel, though each delivers it through different design philosophies.
In conclusion, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch each bring their own delightful qualities to the table. While the Caramel Pudding features a clanky sound profile and an exquisitely smooth typing experience, the Taichi offers a high-pitched bottom-out sound coupled with exceptional smoothness and stability. Ultimately, both switches promise to provide satisfying sound and feel for users, making either choice a compelling option for those seeking quality linear switches in their mechanical keyboard repertoire.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, your choice should hinge on what you value most in your typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light actuation with a delightful, clacky sound and an exquisitely smooth typing feel, the HMX Caramel Pudding would be the ideal choice. It's perfect if you're looking for a switch that strikes a balance between comfortable action and satisfying acoustic feedback. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that prioritizes extended smoothness and stability, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is tailored for you, delivering an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs. While the Taichi's specifications may leave some details like the bottom-out force ambiguous, its design focuses on achieving unparalleled fluidity during both typing and gaming sessions. In essence, select the Caramel Pudding for its playful sound and feel, or the Taichi if you're after a seamless and stable keystroke experience.