HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Wuque Studio WS Brown offer distinctly unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding, a linear switch, is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize fluid key presses and a lack of tactile resistance. In contrast, the WS Brown, a tactile switch, features a medium-light actuation force that strikes a fine balance between responsiveness and comfort, ideal for users who appreciate a physical feedback during typing while benefiting from its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. Both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience, yet they cater to different typing styles and auditory preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and the Wuque Studio WS Brown keyboards both utilize nylon as their primary housing material, both for the top and bottom housings. This choice reflects a commitment to classic design principles in mechanical keyboard construction. The use of nylon in both cases contributes to a particularly deep and full sound profile when typing. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, users can expect similar sound characteristics from both keyboards, allowing for an enjoyable typing experience devoid of harsh reverberations or excessively sharp sounds.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, these two keyboard models may slightly differ in tactile feedback and bottom-out feel due to potential variances in other micro-components, such as switch sensitivity or actuation point. However, the fundamental sound profile will remain consistent across both keyboards due to their identical nylon top and bottom housings. When typing, the impact of the softer nylon plastic will be notably felt, as the bottom housing contributes more significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel. This shared construction methodology reinforces the overall typing experience, resulting in satisfying acoustics and tactile feedback that resonates with users.
In conclusion, the nylon housings of both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Wuque Studio WS Brown keyboards harmonize in terms of performance and auditory output. Since both models use the same housing materials, users will achieve similar results in sound absorption and profile when typing. The shared characteristics—deeper tones and denser acoustic feedback—ensure that whether you choose Caramel Pudding or WS Brown, you are guaranteed a pleasantly muted soundscaping experience that exemplifies the benefits of nylon in keyboard construction.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch present distinct characteristics when comparing their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it slightly lighter and providing a smooth typing experience ideal for extended use, whether at work or during gaming sessions. Conversely, the WS Brown's actuation force remains unspecified, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that while it may not be distinctly classified based on actuation force, the bottom out is heavier than that of the Caramel Pudding. Consequently, users can expect a firmer experience with the WS Brown. Overall, the Caramel Pudding is the lighter option, whereas the WS Brown provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger actuation. For users looking for a similar typing experience, the switches may provide comparable feedback and typing feel due to their medium-light classifications overall.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Caramel Pudding the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times due to its more responsive feel. Conversely, the WS Brown, with its greater travel distance, offers a deeper engagement that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Caramel Pudding would be a suitable choice, while those who enjoy a heartier depth might lean towards the WS Brown for its longer travel distance.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is renowned for its resonant, clacky sound signature, which creates an engaging auditory experience while typing. This sound profile often resonates well with users who enjoy a lively typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a more subdued yet familiar auditory experience, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination, which tends to produce a recognizable and enjoyable sound that many enthusiasts appreciate. The sonic distinction between the two switches highlights the preference for either a more prominent clack or a softer, more traditional typing noise. However, it's essential to keep in mind that the overall sound can also be influenced by other elements like the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is celebrated for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, making it appealing to those who favor a fluid keystroke without any tactile bumps to disrupt the flow. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch strikes a balance with its medium-light actuation force, combining responsiveness and comfort for fatigue-free typing—ideal for extended sessions. This tactile feedback provides a familiar sensation that many users find satisfying, as it offers gentle resistance that can enhance typing accuracy without sacrificing comfort. While both switches cater to different preferences, they both excel in delivering unique typing experiences.
In conclusion, the HMX Caramel Pudding and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Pudding's clacky auditory signature and silky smooth action might attract those seeking a lively typing environment, while the WS Brown appeals to users desiring a comfortable and responsive tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the excitement of a linear switch’s sound and smoothness or the tactile sensation and familiar resonance found in the WS Brown. Whichever you choose, both switches are designed to elevate your typing experience in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches and Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and the specific tasks you'll be engaging in during your typing or gaming sessions. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a clacky sound signature that adds a playful auditory dimension to your work or play, the Caramel Pudding switches might be your best bet, especially if you enjoy a lighter force at the bottom out and crave a satisfying feel while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback experience that combines responsiveness with a bit more resistance for accuracy, the WS Brown switches will be more suitable. Their medium-light actuation force and thoughtful design offer a comfortable yet engaging typing experience, making them ideal for prolonged use without causing fatigue. Ultimately, choose the Caramel Pudding if you're looking for smoothness and charm, and go for the WS Brown if you value tactile feedback and a pleasing auditory experience that enhances familiarity in your typing journey.
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