HMX Caramel Pudding vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Venus, both linear switches, present unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making them an appealing option for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Venus offers a frictionless glide paired with a springy "Q-texture," providing a delightful typing experience akin to the sensation of chewy mochi. Its light actuation is perfect for rapid typing, and the muted sound signature allows for a quieter experience in shared environments. While the Caramel Pudding excels in delivering an engaging auditory experience, the Venus prioritizes a subdued and efficient typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Venus, the differences in their housing materials significantly influence the acoustic profiles of each switch. The Caramel Pudding features nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which creates a deeper, fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb more sound and deliver a rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the TTC Venus boasts a POM top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing. The POM material offers a unique and muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate in the bottom housing contributes a crisper, more resonant sound. This indicates that while both switches aim for an enriching sound experience, their materials differentiate the texture and tone produced during typing.
In analyzing the bottom housings specifically, it’s notable that the Caramel Pudding utilizes nylon, which enhances the overall depth and warmth of sound. This design element delivers an intimate typing experience, emphasizing softer, lower tones. On the other hand, the Venus employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which sharpens the sound profile and introduces a higher pitch. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for greater clarity, making the typing sounds more distinct and pronounced. Therefore, even though the Caramel Pudding focuses on warmth, the Venus capitalizes on brightness, highlighting how the choice of bottom housing material affects the overall sound landscape.
Ultimately, the differences in materials indicate distinct auditory experiences, yet both switches can be fine-tuned to achieve similar results under certain conditions. For example, while the Caramel Pudding's nylon housing brings depth through absorption, the Venus's combination of POM and polycarbonate allows for a layered sound. If tuned correctly regarding keycap choice and typing technique, users could potentially replicate a fuller sound using the Venus, particularly through the addition of softer keycaps that might dampen the crispness produced by the polycarbonate. This interplay of materials showcases how sound profiles can be manipulated, allowing users the versatility to customize their own typing experience even when the inherent materials differ.
Weight
Both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the TTC Venus linear switches share identical specifications when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. Each switch requires a force of 45 grams to actuate and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing them both as medium-light options. This similarity means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the effort needed to press the keys, making either switch an excellent choice for those who prefer lighter switches that facilitate longer typing sessions without fatigue. Given their equivalent forces, users will enjoy a comparable tactile feel with both switches, allowing for ergonomic use whether for work or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is clear that there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Venus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Caramel Pudding the shorter switch of the two, appealing to those who prefer a quick response time often favored by gamers, as it requires less distance to register a key press. Conversely, the Venus, with its longer travel distance, may be more suitable for users who enjoy a deeper, more deliberate keystroke. Overall, if you are looking for a more responsive and immediate feel, the Caramel Pudding would be the better choice, while the Venus caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation 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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, they present contrasting auditory experiences. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature, which tends to produce a more pronounced and lively noise during typing. This clackiness can evoke a satisfying acoustic feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. In stark contrast, the TTC Venus switch features a muted sound signature, delivering a low-pitched, subdued auditory experience. This allows for a more discreet typing environment, making it a suitable choice for office settings or shared spaces where noise may be a concern.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding offers an exquisitely smooth typing experience that appeals to those who favor an effortlessly fluid keystroke. Its design allows for consistent and satisfying key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus is characterized by its unique "Q-texture," which imparts a springy feel reminiscent of chewy mochi or tapioca pearls. This switch is designed to provide a frictionless glide, making every keystroke feel buttery smooth while also introducing a distinct gummy sensation upon bottoming out, creating a unique tactile experience.
Ultimately, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and TTC Venus linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Caramel Pudding is ideal for those who enjoy a more lively and resonant typing sound with a smooth keystroke, the TTC Venus excels in providing a quieter, more subdued acoustic profile along with a unique tactile experience. Depending on what qualities resonate more with individual users, either switch could deliver an enjoyable typing experience, highlighting the subjective nature of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a lively sound profile and crave an exquisitely smooth typing experience, the Caramel Pudding is the way to go; its resonant, clacky sound signature can add a delightful auditory dimension to your typing, perfect for use in more casual settings or dedicated gaming setups. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and muted typing experience without sacrificing smoothness, the TTC Venus offers a unique glide reminiscent of mochi, creating a comfortable typing feel that is both buttery and frictionless. This makes it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels should be kept to a minimum. In essence, consider the type of atmosphere you will be typing in and the sensory feedback you desire from your switches to make the most informed choice between these two compelling options.
Mentioned in this article
