HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear 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 Silent Linear both present compelling options, albeit with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature, providing a classic tactile feedback along with an exquisitely smooth typing experience that many typists relish. This quality makes them a great choice for those who enjoy auditory engagement while typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer a quieter, refined experience ideal for office environments or shared spaces. Their innovative design minimizes noise without sacrificing responsiveness, resulting in a satisfying bottom-out that allows typists to enjoy precision without disruption. While both switches fall under the linear category, their sound profiles and typing feelings diverge significantly, catering to varying needs. 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
63.5g
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which significantly affects their acoustic profiles and typing experiences. Nylon is notable for its ability to absorb sound due to its relatively softer properties when compared to harder plastics. In both switches, this common housing material generates a deep and full sound profile, resulting in a typing experience that is characterized by a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, users can expect a similar auditory feedback from both switches, making them appealing for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing endeavors.
While both switches feature nylon in their housings, the overall performance may differ slightly based on other design elements and switch characteristics. The impact of the bottom housing becomes more pronounced during bottom-out actions, while the top housing affects the sound profile upon release of the key. Given that both switches utilize nylon across their housings, users may find that the tactile feedback and the sound consistency remain very similar during typical use. However, the variations in the switch internals or additional design features—if present—might still create minor disparities in sound and feel, which could influence one’s personal preferences.
In essence, the shared use of nylon in both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the WS Silent Linear suggests that users will achieve similar sound profiles and typing experiences. The consistency of the material across both the top and bottom housings reinforces predictable acoustic qualities, allowing for a satisfying and immersive typing experience. Whether a user is drawn to the Caramel Pudding or the WS Silent Linear, they can expect a sound that is appreciably rich and full. The choice may ultimately come down to individual preferences regarding other aspects, such as key travel or tactile feedback, but the nylon construction ensures that the foundational sound experience will be comparable.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their weight categorization. The HMX Caramel Pudding features a relatively medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switch has an unspecified actuation force but boasts a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This suggests that while the actuation force remains unclear, the overall typing experience will feel more substantial compared to the Caramel Pudding. Consequently, users seeking a lighter option will find the Caramel Pudding more suitable, while those who favor a firmer push will likely gravitate towards the WS Silent Linear despite the unknown actuation measurement. The difference in bottom out forces also indicates that the Caramel Pudding may provide a softer landing, enhancing comfort for prolonged use, whereas the WS Silent Linear may deliver a more pronounced tactile feedback for a robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, the Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Silent Linear offers a slightly shorter distance at 3.5 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile experience, which some users might prefer for a deeper feel during key presses. Conversely, the WS Silent Linear, being the shorter option, could cater to gamers or those who favor quicker response times, making it a more suitable choice for rapid typing or gameplay scenarios. Ultimately, the difference is minimal, but the choice between them might hinge on whether one prefers a more substantial feel or a snappier action in their switches.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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 signature of the HMX Caramel Pudding switches is characterized by a resonant and clacky tone, making them a lively choice for typists who enjoy audible feedback while typing. This sound can be especially enjoyable in a casual setting or for those who appreciate a more traditional mechanical keyboard auditory experience. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches focus on a much more muted and slightly subdued auditory profile. With their cleverly designed stem railings and lack of silicone dampeners, they achieve a quieter typing experience that significantly reduces noise while still providing clarity in sound. The muted characteristics make these switches ideal for professional settings or shared environments where noise levels need to be kept low.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Pudding switches offer an exquisitely smooth typing experience, providing a satisfying sensation as fingers glide over the keys. This smoothness adds to the overall enjoyment of typing, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts who prioritize tactile delight. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that feels approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. The WS Silent Linear strikes a balance between smoothness and feedback, creating a typing feel that is non-intrusive yet finely responsive, appealing to those who want to avoid excessive jarring sensations when bottoming out.
Both switch types cater to different preferences, yet they excel in their own unique ways. The Caramel Pudding’s clacky sound and smooth feel may appeal to users who enjoy a more traditional mechanical experience, while the WS Silent Linear switches are perfect for those seeking a quiet yet responsive typing experience suitable for a professional environment. Choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch heavily depends on your specific needs and typing environment. If you prefer a more vibrant and tactile experience with a smoother feel and a clacky sound signature, the Caramel Pudding is the way to go. Its medium-light actuation force of 52 grams makes it great for faster typing and less finger fatigue during long sessions, making it suitable for gamers or anyone who enjoys a lively typing atmosphere. On the other hand, if you're looking for a quieter switch that still provides a satisfying bottom-out feel without the typical cushioned sensation found in silent switches, the WS Silent Linear is an excellent choice. Its heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams offers a more deliberate and precise typing experience that’s perfect for office settings where noise reduction is critical without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, selecting between these switches hinges on whether you value sound and responsiveness or prefer a quiet, controlled typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
