HMX Game1989 vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 and HMX Vintage Citrus both offer unique characteristics that cater to distinct preferences. The HMX 1989 is renowned for its deep and thocky sound profile, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more robust tactile experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm which promotes rapid-fire inputs, accompanied by a bright and clacky sound that adds excitement to every keystroke. While both switches fall under the linear category, they serve different needs: the 1989 excels in producing a satisfying acoustic feedback perfect for those who relish a more pronounced typing experience, whereas the Vintage Citrus is geared toward speed and snappiness for competitive gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the HMX Vintage Citrus, one of the most notable differences lies in the top housing. The 1989 utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is particularly advantageous when utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucent quality of polycarbonate enhances the illumination of the switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, recognized as a classic material in switch construction. Nylon’s softer plastic properties lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder tone. Thus, while the HMX 1989 is designed for clear and resonant sound with an emphasis on brightness, the Vintage Citrus leans towards a warmer sound that is less piercing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the HMX 1989 and Vintage Citrus utilize nylon, which provides a consistent characteristic across both models. Since nylon is a classic housing material, it elicits similar deep and full sound profiles regardless of whether it’s paired with polycarbonate or nylon in the top housing. Consequently, both switches share a vital aspect of sound quality in their bottom housing. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel will exhibit a round, full-bodied quality in both switches, emphasizing a consistently pleasant typing experience, irrespective of their top housing differences.
Ultimately, the contrasting housing materials yield distinct auditory experiences due to their differing properties. The HMX 1989's polycarbonate top imparts a bright and resonant tone, while the nylon top of the Vintage Citrus delivers a smoother and warmer sound. However, since both switches utilize nylon for their bottoms, they maintain a shared deep and full sound profile in this regard. Thus, although their top housings are designed to produce different sound characteristics, the nylon bottom ensures that users can still enjoy a consistent and rich auditory experience when typing on either switch.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences in actuation force emerge. The HMX 1989 has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly lighter than the HMX Vintage Citrus, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating they behave similarly when pressed all the way down. For typists and gamers seeking longer typing sessions or lighter feel, the 1989 may be the preferable choice due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, those who appreciate a substantial push feel will find the Vintage Citrus’s slightly heavier actuation force might provide a more satisfying resistance during use. Ultimately, while both switches have the same bottom out force, the differences in actuation force cater to varying preferences in typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the most traditional measurement for keyboard switches, providing a deeper, more tactile experience that some users appreciate for its hearty feedback. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, making it more suitable for users who favor faster response times, such as gamers. This shallower depth allows for quicker key presses but may feel more abrupt to those accustomed to longer travel distances. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch that offers a classic feel, the HMX 1989 would be the better choice, while the HMX Vintage Citrus would be ideal for those seeking heightened responsiveness with its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 profile of the HMX 1989 linear switch remains undefined in the provided information, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison in this aspect. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch features a bright and clacky sound, delivering a sharp and snappy auditory feedback with each keystroke. This characteristic can provide an engaging typing experience, particularly for gamers who benefit from auditory cues that accompany their rapid-fire inputs. Ultimately, sound perception could vary dramatically depending on keyboard construction and materials, but the Vintage Citrus stands out with its distinctive acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 switch is not described, leaving an unknown gap in its tactile experience. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus switch is characterized by a snappy and invigorating feel, which enhances its responsiveness and makes for a lively typing experience. The longer springs contribute to a pronounced feedback, ensuring that each actuation feels engaging and reactive, elements that are especially appreciated in a gaming context. While we don't know the depth of the 1989 switch's feel, the Vintage Citrus clearly provides an active and responsive typing sensation.
In summary, while the HMX 1989 linear switch lacks specific details about its sound and feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch shines with its bright, clacky sound and invigorating typing experience. For those who prefer a more engaging auditory feedback, the Vintage Citrus meets that need with its responsive nature and lower actuation force tailored for gaming. Without more information on the 1989 switch, it remains a mystery, but if it shares qualities with the Vintage Citrus, then users might expect a similar experience in terms of sound and tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you appreciate a deeper, thockier sound profile and are looking for a switch that provides a fulfilling experience during both typing and gaming, the HMX 1989 is likely the better choice for you. Its medium-light force of 53 grams strikes a balance that suits a variety of situations, making it versatile for everyday use and more relaxed gaming sessions. On the other hand, if your primary focus is rapid-key inputs for gaming, the HMX Vintage Citrus could be the ideal fit, as its exceptionally low 1mm actuation force allows for lightning-fast response times. The clacky sound and invigorating feel make it particularly enjoyable for fast-paced gameplay, providing a snappy feedback that keeps you immersed in the action. Therefore, consider whether you prioritize a deeper audio experience and overall versatility or require a quick and responsive switch tailored for gaming, and select accordingly to enhance your keyboard experience.
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