Gateron Beer vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and HMX Vintage Citrus present distinct options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Gateron Beer tactile switches invite users into a world of tactile feedback with their stepped actuation, offering a subtle yet noticeable bump that enhances typing precision while providing a satisfyingly clacky sound. This makes it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a tactile response without excessive force—ideal for typists and casual users alike. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring a mere 1mm actuation force for lightning-fast response times. Its linear nature serves up a smooth and uninterrupted key press, paired with a bright clacky sound profile that resonates with each keystroke. This switch is a perfect fit for competitive gamers looking to maximize performance and speed. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, whether you prioritize tactile feedback or rapid key activation; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, one immediately notes the contrasting compositions of their top housings—polycarbonate for the Beer and nylon for the Vintage Citrus. Polycarbonate is characterized by its stiffer properties, resulting in a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, which enhances the clarity of keypresses and resonates well, particularly with RGB lighting. This type of plastic is often seen in clear housing designs, making it a visually appealing choice for those who want their keyboard’s aesthetics to shine through. In contrast, the nylon used in the Vintage Citrus provides a deeper and fuller sound, due to its softer texture, which tends to absorb sound waves more effectively and produce a more rounded auditory experience.
The bottom housings of these two switches showcase the same material distinction. The Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which reinforces the sharpness and resonance found in its overall sound profile, while the Vintage Citrus embraces a nylon bottom housing that contributes further to its mellow and thudding acoustic signature. Thus, when users press down on either switch, they will experience the impact of these materials. The Gateron Beer’s sound will be crisper and more pronounced upon the bottoming out, while the HMX Vintage Citrus will yield a muted and fuller experience that emphasizes a subdued sound.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings plays a critical role in defining the typing experience of these switches. While the Gateron Beer delivers a sharper sound when a key is released, thanks to its polycarbonate top, the Vintage Citrus provides a softer and rounder acoustic profile due to its nylon top housing. Depending on user preference, both switches can cater to different auditory and tactile experiences. If one were to essentially blend the attributes of these materials in various configurations, they would find themselves with a versatile performance range that could accommodate distinct preferences in sound and feel, showcasing the unique qualities of each housing material in a complementary way.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to activate and offering a less strenuous typing experience, which is ideal for prolonged use whether in office settings or for lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. While both switches have their unique characteristics, the Beer is specifically designed for users who favor a lighter touch, while the Vintage Citrus caters to those who enjoy a more robust feedback with its medium-light resistance. Therefore, users seeking comfort and ease may lean towards the Gateron Beer, whereas those who desire a firmer typing experience would enjoy the HMX Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Gateron Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures at 3 mm. This means that the Gateron Beer offers a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced keypress that some users may find more satisfying, especially those who prefer a hearty depth to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, could appeal to gamers or those who favor faster response times and a more immediate feedback from their switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may boil down to personal preference regarding the playability and tactile feedback experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Beer and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches share a clacky profile that many users find appealing. The Beer switch is characterized by a sharp and percussive clack, contributing to a vibrant auditory experience often likened to the lively sound of a Tsingtao beer bottle. The Vintage Citrus, although specifically designed for gamers, also features a bright, clacky sound profile that mirrors the sound characteristics of the Beer switch. This similarity ensures that users of either switch will enjoy a lively and crisp auditory feedback when typing or gaming.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switch offers a unique typing experience with its lightweight design and stepped tactility. This means users will encounter a gentle resistance that eases the actuation, resulting in a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The stepped tactile feedback is subtler compared to round tactility, making it a fantastic option for those who appreciate a more nuanced feel. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch boasts a low actuation force of just 1mm, tailored for quick inputs, which likely translates to an effortless and smooth keypress experience. While the tactile sensation of the Vintage Citrus isn’t explicitly described, its design suggests it focuses on delivering a seamless, fast response, which may appeal to gamers seeking speed and performance.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present enjoyable sound characteristics, each with their clacky profiles that enhance the engaging experience of using mechanical keyboards. The Beer excels in offering a unique tactile feedback with its stepped design, while the Vintage Citrus prioritizes swift keypresses suitable for gaming. For users who enjoy a lively clack and are looking for comfortable typing or gaming experiences, both switches provide commendable options with their distinct traits, ensuring that anyone using either can achieve an enjoyable keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, your choice should hinge on the specific experience you're seeking and the activities you intend to use your keyboard for. If you prefer a lightweight switch that provides a gentle tactile feedback, making it perfect for long typing sessions or casual gaming, the Beer switch would be an ideal fit. Its light bottom-out force, combined with a subtle stepped tactility, means that you can enjoy extended periods of use without succumbing to fatigue, all while reveling in its clacky sound signature that adds a lively character to your keystrokes. Conversely, if you're a gamer looking for rapid response and enhanced agility, the Vintage Citrus switch may be your best bet. With its lower actuation force and fast 1mm actuation point, you can execute quick commands with minimal effort, making it exceptionally well-suited for competitive play. Ultimately, if you're inclined towards a blend of tactile feedback and comfort during longer use, the Gateron Beer is your go-to, while the HMX Vintage Citrus is better for those seeking speed and responsiveness in fast-paced gaming scenarios.
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