HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Caramel Pudding and Outemu Yellow Silver both shine as excellent linear options, yet they cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Caramel Pudding, celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature, offers an exquisitely smooth typing feel that many users find satisfying, particularly for those who enjoy auditory feedback while they type. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver stands out with its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. While the Caramel Pudding may appeal to those seeking a more engaging typing experience, the Yellow Silver aims at delivering optimal performance for fast-paced environments. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials utilized in the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches showcase a distinct contrast in sound profiles primarily due to the differing materials of their top housings. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's softer plastic properties, which help absorb sound and result in a dampened auditory experience that many users appreciate for its rich undertones. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and thus contributes to a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. The clarity and resonance produced by polycarbonate's rigid nature are ideal for users who prefer a sharper auditory feedback when typing or gaming.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, resulting in some similarities in their overall sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing in both the Caramel Pudding and the Yellow Silver assures a deeper and fuller sound when the key bottoms out. Since the bottom housing significantly influences how the switch feels and sounds at the bottom, both switches will deliver a consistent depth in sound due to this shared nylon component. Thus, while the top housing may affect the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing's characteristics help anchor a common auditory experience across both switches.
In summary, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches differentiate themselves through their top housing materials, with nylon producing a rounded sound versus polycarbonate's crispness. However, the incorporation of nylon in the bottom housing creates a bridging effect that provides both switches with a heavier sound quality during key presses. Therefore, regardless of the distinctions at the top, users can anticipate a familiar, satisfying depth of sound from the key bottoming out, highlighting how the interplay of these two housing materials contributes to the overall typing experience on each switch.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similar actuation force provides a comparable typing experience in terms of initiating keystrokes, making either switch suitable for users who prefer lighter switches conducive to longer typing sessions. However, the bottom out force differs between the two; the Caramel Pudding has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Yellow Silver's is slightly higher at 55 grams. This slight difference indicates that the Yellow Silver offers a heavier feel when bottoming out, making it more substantial in terms of tactile feedback. Consequently, while both switches are equally light in terms of actuation, the Caramel Pudding is the lighter option overall, providing a softer landing with less force when reaching the end of a keystroke compared to the heavier feel of the Yellow Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there's a notable difference. The Caramel Pudding features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding is the shorter option, catering to those who prefer quicker actuation and responsiveness, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who favor a more substantial keystroke and a more traditional typing experience. Thus, while both switches serve distinct preferences, choosing the Caramel Pudding will yield a more immediate response, while the Yellow Silver provides a deeper and potentially more satisfying feel.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding switch boasts a resonant, clacky profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that appeals to many typists and gamers alike. This clackiness can enhance the typing experience, giving users an audible confirmation of each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch features a neutral sound profile, characterized by moderate auditory feedback that is less pronounced than the Caramel Pudding. This neutrality makes the Yellow Silver versatile, suitable for a wide range of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting where quieter operation may be preferred.
When considering feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is renowned for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses that can contribute to faster typing speeds. Smoothness in switch feel can be a key factor for users looking for a seamless experience, particularly during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is designed with a light actuation force in mind, providing a responsive and quick feedback that is perfect for both gamers and typists who prioritize speed. The combination of light actuation and a neutral feel makes the Yellow Silver an excellent choice for those who desire a balance between sensitivity and comfort.
In summary, if you appreciate a resonant, clacky sound and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the HMX Caramel Pudding switch will be particularly satisfying. Conversely, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile paired with a light actuation force for speedier responses, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch will serve you well. Though these switches produce different sound signatures and tactile sensations, both can provide enjoyable typing experiences tailored to individual preferences. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you lean towards a more audible and smooth engagement or a quick and versatile option.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches largely depends on your specific typing and gaming needs. If you enjoy a slightly lighter feel in terms of bottom-out force and appreciate a tactile experience accompanied by a distinctive, clacky sound profile, then the Caramel Pudding switches may be the ideal choice for you. Their medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams and smooth typing experience can enhance both casual typing and more relaxed gaming sessions, making them perfect for those who value auditory feedback and a satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, if speed and responsiveness are your primary concerns, particularly for fast-paced gaming or high-intensity typing, the Outemu Yellow Silver switches would serve you better. With their slightly firmer 55-gram bottom-out force and neutral sound profile, these switches let you focus on rapid actions without overwhelming noise, providing a balanced tactile experience for both novices and seasoned users alike. Therefore, consider your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best choice between these two noteworthy switches.
Mentioned in this article
