HMX Caramel Pudding vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the PH Studio Yoel are two compelling linear options that stand out for different reasons. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its exquisitely smooth typing experience and a resonant, clacky sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who value both auditory feedback and tactile comfort. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch offers a delectably chewy feel with every press, providing a bright, pronounced resonance that many typists find satisfying, especially when keys bottom out. While both switches deliver a smooth experience and are categorized as linear, their sound profiles and tactile experiences cater to different preferences: the Caramel Pudding’s smoothness versus the Yoel’s chewy texture. 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
53g
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
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the HMX Caramel Pudding and the PH Studio Yoel represent a notable contrast that influences not only the sound profiles of each switch but also how they feel during use. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, a traditional material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer structure. This acoustic characteristic results from nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that many typists find appealing. In contrast, the Yoel employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material’s clarity allows for a brighter and more resonant auditory experience, making it especially suitable for users who enjoy the visual aesthetics of RGB lighting due to the material’s translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housings, we see a further divergence between the two models. The Caramel Pudding utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which similarly contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency in material across top and bottom allows for a cohesive auditory experience, with the nylon absorbing vibrations and creating a rounded sound when the switch is activated. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, known for producing a unique sound character that is both pleasing and moderately muted. This bottom housing contributes to a more subdued bottom-out experience, contrasting with the Caramel Pudding’s fuller resonance.
Ultimately, while the Caramel Pudding and Yoel utilize different materials for both their top and bottom housings, the impact of these materials results in distinct sound characteristics that enhance the overall user experience. If a user were to desire a similar auditory result between the two switches, they could strategize by using software to adjust sound profiles or key sounds to their preference, allowing them to harmonize the deeper tones offered by the Caramel Pudding with the sharper responses from the Yoel. By understanding how each material influences both sound and feel, a typist can thus choose between switches based on their personal preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Yoel requires a heavier actuation force of 53 grams. This means that the Caramel Pudding is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Caramel Pudding reaches 52 grams, compared to the Yoel's 60 grams. The increased bottom out force of the Yoel provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who favor a heavier typing experience. Overall, while the Caramel Pudding offers a lighter and potentially more comfortable experience for prolonged use, the Yoel caters to those who appreciate the tactile feedback and resistance of a heavier switch.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding requires more travel before reaching the bottom, making it a better choice for users who appreciate a more substantial and hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Yoel's 3.2 mm travel distance offers a quicker response time, which could be more appealing to gamers seeking fast actuation and crisp key presses. Therefore, if you prefer a deeper and more tactile feel, the Caramel Pudding would be your ideal pick, whereas those who lean towards a snappier performance might find the Yoel switch more suitable. Ultimately, opting for the Caramel Pudding provides a longer travel experience, while the Yoel maximizes quickness with its shorter 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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches exhibit a lively and clacky audio profile. The Caramel Pudding is noted for its resonant, clacky sound signature, providing a bright and rich auditory experience that echoes with each keystroke. Similarly, the Yoel switch also possesses a clacky character, but it is highlighted by a more pronounced resonance at the bottom-out point, creating an even sharper and crisper sound as fingers strike the keys. Both switches contribute to an engaging typing experience, with the potential for a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance the overall enjoyment of using a mechanical keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, inviting a seamless motion as the fingers glide over the keys. While specifics about the Caramel Pudding’s tactile quality weren't detailed, the Yoel switch stands out with descriptors like creamy, polished, and silky. This means that the Yoel delivers a remarkably buttery and refined feel, likely aided by lubricant and quality materials, allowing for an incredibly smooth keystroke with minimal resistance. Overall, the experience of typing on the Yoel is marked by its smoothness, making each press feel effortless and pleasing.
In summary, both the HMX Caramel Pudding and PH Studio Yoel linear switches offer distinct advantages in sound and feel, making them appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While both switches share a bright and clacky sound profile, they diverge in the subtle nuances of their auditory experiences, with the Yoel's resonance being slightly more pronounced. The Caramel Pudding provides a notably smooth feel, while the Yoel excels with its creamy and polished typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose one over the other will depend on your personal preference for sound dynamics and tactile feedback, but both switches promise a rewarding typing journey.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, activation force, and sound profile. If you favor a lighter touch for quicker typing and enjoy a resonant and clacky sound that adds character to your keystrokes, then the Caramel Pudding switch, with its 52 grams of bottoming-out force and exquisitely smooth feel, would be a fantastic choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier activation force (60 grams) combined with a chewy typing experience that feels both creamy and polished under your fingers, the Yoel switch would cater to that desire. Its bright, clacky sound and pronounced resonance can elevate your typing experience, especially if you appreciate a more substantial feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and sound preference: go with the Caramel Pudding for a lighter, more resonant experience, or lean towards the Yoel if you seek a rich, enjoyable typing sensation that balances smoothness with a satisfying auditory response.
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