KTT Ash Gray vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular contenders are the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, each offering distinct advantages for different types of users. The KTT Ash Gray has carved out a reputation for its balanced tactile feedback, providing a gratifying yet subtle response that caters to those who appreciate a blend of comfort and precision. Its 'easy-to-press' nature and moderate response make it an ideal choice for typists and casual gamers alike, enabling effortless typing without the risk of overwhelming sensations. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch, designed explicitly for gamers, features an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, making it perfect for speed enthusiasts who thrive on rapid inputs during intense gaming sessions. With its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth actuation, it delivers a satisfying experience especially appealing to those who prioritize quick responses. 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
38g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, a notable distinction is apparent in the choice of top housing materials. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. The inherent properties of polycarbonate—the stiffness of the plastic—contribute to its ability to resonate clearly, making it an excellent option for users who appreciate a bright auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, which is a traditional material associated with a fuller, deeper sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a notably rounder and less sharp auditory experience. Consequently, while the Ash Gray may appeal to those who favor clarity and resonance, the Vintage Citrus suits users that prefer a richer, more rounded typing sound.
Both the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Vintage Citrus switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a common ground in terms of sound profile for this component. In both switches, nylon’s softer properties lead to a deeper and fuller sound experience, absorbing sound better than harder plastics. This means that while the two switches diverge in terms of their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the tactile experience and bottom-out sounds will resonate similarly, delivering a pleasant and soft auditory response. Thus, typing on either switch allows for a consistency in the sound profile created by the bottom housing, regardless of the difference in materials used in the tops.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housings of the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Vintage Citrus switches highlight how the sound characteristics can be influenced by the choice of plastic. Each switch offers a unique auditory experience owing to their differing top housings; however, thanks to the identical nylon bottom housing in both, users will benefit from a unified tactile experience. While the Ash Gray may produce a more pronounced and bright sound when released due to its polycarbonate top, the overall vibe will harmonize with the rich, fuller characteristics imparted by the nylon bottom housing, ensuring that both switches deliver enjoyable and distinctly different experiences for enthusiasts seeking their preferred auditory and tactile sensations.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch both feature a bottom out force of 53 grams, which provides a consistent bottoming experience for users. However, the actuation force differs between the two: the Ash Gray requires a lighter 38 grams to register a keystroke, while the Vintage Citrus requires a heavier 48 grams. This distinction means that the Ash Gray is better suited for those who favor a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus’s heavier actuation force appeals to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, where each keystroke feels more pronounced. Overall, while both switches share the same bottom out force, the difference in their actuation forces tailors them to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch reveals notable differences. The Ash Gray switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus is slightly shorter at 3 mm. This means that if you choose the Vintage Citrus, you'll enjoy a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which can be an advantage for gamers seeking faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a bit more depth, the Ash Gray's 3.5 mm travel distance might be more appealing. In summary, the Ash Gray offers a longer travel distance compared to the Vintage Citrus, making it the more suitable option for users who appreciate a hearty feel, while the Vintage Citrus caters to those who prefer quick and snappy keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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 KTT Ash Gray tactile switch features a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between being present without being overly intrusive. This makes it versatile for various environments, whether you are in an office setting or at home, so you can enjoy feedback from the typing experience without disturbing others. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch is known for its bright, clacky sound, characteristic of a speed switch designed for gaming. This livelier audio aspect might not be as suitable for quieter workspaces but will certainly enhance the atmosphere during gaming or casual use.
As for the typing feel, the Ash Gray switch excels with its easy-to-press design, offering gentle resistance that allows for comfortable, extended typing sessions. The tactile feedback is described as substantial yet unobtrusive, positioning it in a user-friendly zone that doesn’t overwhelm the fingers. In contrast, details regarding the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch are less defined, although it is built for rapid actuation, which implies a smoothness conducive to fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios.
In summary, while the KTT Ash Gray offers a balanced sound and a comfortable tactile experience suitable for a variety of users, the HMX Vintage Citrus excels in rapid response and delivers a livelier auditory experience ideal for gamers. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Ash Gray is perfect for those seeking a moderate typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus appeals to those desiring speed and an exciting sound profile. Therefore, your choice should reflect your specific needs in terms of sound and feel, whether you prefer a subtle touch or vibrant auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a balanced typing experience with gentle tactile feedback that doesn’t overpower your keystrokes, the Ash Gray switch would be a great choice. It is ideal for typing, casual gaming, or tasks that require a comfortable and stress-free touch. Its neutral sound profile and mild feel make it versatile, suitable for various environments whether you’re at home or in an office. On the other hand, if you're an avid gamer who values speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus switch could be the perfect fit. With its quick actuation and clacky sound profile, it excels in scenarios requiring rapid input, allowing for swift gameplay and lightning-fast responses. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your priorities—whether it’s the subtlety and comfort of the Ash Gray or the performance-oriented design of the Vintage Citrus.
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