HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Caramel Pudding and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi both offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature, providing a lively auditory feedback that many typists and gamers enjoy. Its exquisitely smooth typing feel makes it an excellent choice for those who value tactile satisfaction while typing. On the other hand, the WS Morandi combines innovative design with aesthetic flair, featuring a light column for enhanced RGB illumination. With a unique UPE stem that delivers an airy smoothness, this switch also offers a more subdued sound profile thanks to its all-POM housings, making it ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. While both switches fall under the linear category, they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, and the choice between them often comes down to what you value more in your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and Wuque Studio WS Morandi offer distinct housing materials that shape their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Caramel Pudding features nylon in both its top and bottom housings, embodying a classic choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This nylon construction is particularly notable for its sound-absorbing qualities, which contribute to a more rounded and muted auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the WS Morandi opts for POM in its top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for creating a unique and pleasing sound that is also on the deeper side, albeit slightly more muted than its nylon counterpart. Both materials aim to enhance the typing experience but differ in their specific contributions to the overall sound profile.
Despite the differences in materials, both the Caramel Pudding and WS Morandi aim to deliver a satisfying sound experience. The nylon used in the Caramel Pudding is inherently softer and absorbs sound effectively, leading to a fuller bottom-out sound that complements the muted release sound. On the other hand, POM in the WS Morandi creates a similarly enjoyable effect, with its own unique characteristics that offer a varied sound shift towards muted performance. The split responsibilities of the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in how each switch feels and sounds during use. Both switches ultimately benefit from sound-dampening properties, though the specific acoustic qualities vary by material.
In practical terms, users can expect different auditory feedback and tactile sensations from each switch. With both top and bottom housings influencing the feel and sound when pressed, the HMX Caramel Pudding will provide a distinct acoustic experience influenced by the characteristics of nylon, while the WS Morandi will showcase the unique sound properties of POM. For those who prioritize sound absorption and a rounded auditory experience, the Caramel Pudding may be preferable. Conversely, the WS Morandi offers a more moderately muted sound with different nuanced feedback. Ultimately, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit shaped by the idiosyncrasies of their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we see a distinction in both actuation force and bottom out force that caters to different user preferences. The Caramel Pudding features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter compared to the WS Morandi's actuation force of 50 grams. This relatively lighter actuation force makes the Caramel Pudding more suitable for users who prefer less resistance for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Caramel Pudding again demonstrates a lower value at 52 grams, while the WS Morandi's bottom out force is 60 grams. Thus, the Caramel Pudding can be characterized as a medium-light option, providing a softer keystroke experience, whereas the WS Morandi, classified as medium, offers a firmer push feel. Ultimately, those seeking a light, smooth typing experience would gravitate toward the Caramel Pudding, while users looking for a more substantial and forceful keystroke would prefer the WS Morandi.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we find that the Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Morandi features a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Caramel Pudding the option with the longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the WS Morandi’s shorter distance may appeal to gamers and users looking for quick, responsive key presses, as the reduced travel can facilitate faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference; those who value a deeper keystroke may prefer the Caramel Pudding, while those in search of responsiveness might lean towards the WS Morandi.
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 Morandi has an MSRP of $4.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Morandi for $3.90.
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 features a resonant and clacky sound signature, which lends itself to a lively and engaging auditory experience while typing. This clackiness provides a tactile feedback that can be satisfying for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory response. On the contrary, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch presents a notably different sound profile. Characterized as low-pitched and subdued, the Morandi produces a dampened, thocky sound that is rich and satisfying, yet more mellow compared to the Caramel Pudding. The POM housing of the Morandi further contributes to its quieter, more refined acoustic presentation, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a muted sound.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding is exceptionally smooth, delivering an effortlessly gliding typing experience without any noticeable scratchiness. This smoothness in feel enhances overall typing performance, allowing for quick and fluid key presses. In contrast, the WS Morandi introduces an array of descriptive qualities: buttery, creamy, and silky. This switch offers a luxurious typing sensation that is both fluid and seamless, making each keystroke feel incredibly effortless. The combination of these traits results in a typing experience that is not just smooth but also richly satisfying as fingers glide effortlessly across the keys.
Overall, the HMX Caramel Pudding and WS Morandi switches offer distinct experiences influenced primarily by their sound and feel characteristics. While the Caramel Pudding excels in producing an engaging, clacky tone paired with a silky smoothness, the WS Morandi takes a different approach with its low-pitched, subdued sound accompanied by a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences; therefore, selecting between them ultimately hinges on whether one prioritizes an acoustic aesthetic or an enhanced tactile experience. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise a high-quality typing experience, providing both auditory and tactile satisfaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and your typing style. If you enjoy a slightly lighter feel with a more resonant, clacky sound, the Caramel Pudding might be your go-to option. Its 52-gram bottom-out force ensures a responsive typing experience, and its sound profile can add a bit of character to your setup. This switch is ideal for those who relish auditory feedback in their typing without overwhelming noise, making it a great choice for both casual and gaming use. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a typing experience that emphasizes smoothness and a more muted sound, then the WS Morandi is worth considering. With its medium 60-gram actuation force and a low-pitched, thocky sound signature, this switch is perfect for individuals who prefer a more subdued auditory experience and a buttery or creamy feel when typing. The unique design that enhances RGB effects also makes it a visually appealing choice for those who prioritize aesthetics along with functionality. In the end, your decision should be guided by what you value most in a switch—whether it’s the acoustics, actuation force, or the tactile sensation.
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