TTC Bluish White vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Vintage Citrus. The Bluish White is celebrated for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience that many typists adore. With a snappy sound profile categorized as buttery and polished, it appeals to those who appreciate both a pronounced tactile bump and a rich auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch from HMX is tailored for gamers, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, which enables rapid-fire inputs with ease. Its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel make it an excellent choice for high-speed gameplay, where every millisecond counts. While both switches offer unique advantages—the tactile delight of the Bluish White for writers and the swift response of the Vintage Citrus for gamers—let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and HMX Vintage Citrus switches showcase contrasting housing materials in their top constructions, which significantly impact their respective sound profiles. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucence. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates clearly, making it particularly suitable for setups involving RGB lighting. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus uses a nylon top housing, which is softer and offers a deeper, fuller sound. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience, showcasing a more muted sound profile. Therefore, while both switches can provide engaging typing experiences, the materials dictate the nature of the sound produced during use.
When examining the bottom housings of both the TTC Bluish White and HMX Vintage Citrus, an interesting similarity arises. Both models employ nylon for their bottom housings, creating a consistent auditory experience in that area. Nylon’s properties lead to a deeper sound signature and a more cushioned bottom-out feeling, making for a satisfying typing experience regardless of the top housing material. This means that while the top housings create distinct upper sound profiles, the commonality of nylon in the bottom helps unify some of the acoustic characteristics in the switches. Consequently, users can still expect a rich, fuller sound when bottoming out the keys with either switch.
Overall, the differences in top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Bluish White and nylon for the Vintage Citrus—are pivotal in shaping the switches’ auditory output and tactile feedback. The polycarbonate top delivers clarity and brightness, complementing an RGB setup beautifully, while the nylon top caters to users who prefer a more subdued sound. However, both switches share a common trait in their nylon bottom housing, which contributes significantly to the overall feel and sound during typing, ensuring users enjoy a consistent foundation across both models. Thus, while there are notable contrasts in the top housings, the switching experience remains cohesive thanks to their shared bottom housing material.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bluish White switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light option. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. Consequently, those who favor a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming may lean toward the Bluish White, which offers a gentler experience. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus, with its heavier push feel, may appeal to users seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Overall, while both switches provide unique characteristics suited to different preferences, the Bluish White is the lighter option, whereas the Vintage Citrus offers a heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Bluish White offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Bluish White the longer option, which tends to provide a more pronounced tactile feedback and a hearty depth that some users prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, aligns more closely with the trend of shorter switches favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you value responsiveness and speed, the Vintage Citrus may be your go-to, while those who appreciate a bit more travel and feedback might gravitate toward the Bluish White.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Bluish White and HMX Vintage Citrus switches, the Bluish White produces a low-pitched, snappy sound that lends itself to a more bass-heavy and mellow typing experience. This makes it a satisfying choice for those who enjoy a poppy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile, which is often associated with faster, more responsive switches designed for gaming. This clackiness might provide an engaging experience but is likely to be sharper than the deeper tones of the Bluish White. Overall, your choice of keyboard and keycaps can influence how these switches sound, but you can expect a clearly differentiated audio experience between the two.
Regarding feel, the TTC Bluish White offers a range of sensations that enhance the typing experience. It is referred to as buttery, mildly stepped, and polished, creating a smooth, gentle typing sensation that caters to both casual typists and avid gamers alike. The subtle texture and a mild tactile bump encourage a fluid keystroke, making it approachable for many users. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has been designed specifically for gamers and features an exceptionally low actuation force, enabling rapid inputs for fast-paced gaming. However, specific qualities regarding its feel have not been detailed, leaving its tactile nuances less defined compared to the Bluish White.
In summary, while both the TTC Bluish White and HMX Vintage Citrus switches deliver distinct auditory and tactile experiences, you’ll find them catering to different preferences. The Bluish White excels in providing a low-pitched, smooth typing experience with a rich tactile feedback, suitable for various uses, from typing to gaming. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus is engineered for speed and responsiveness with its clacky sound and light actuation, appealing predominantly to gamers. This makes your choice largely dependent on whether you prefer a satisfying tactile feel or a swift gaming-focused experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch should primarily depend on your typing or gaming style and preferences. If you enjoy a more tactile and poppy typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, the Bluish White is an excellent choice. Its lighter 50-gram actuation force makes it approachable for long typing sessions, which can be ideal for writers or anyone who values a smooth and polished feel without overwhelming noise. Alternatively, if you're a gamer looking for rapid-fire inputs with a clackier and more responsive sound, the Vintage Citrus switch would be more suitable. Its design focuses on speed, with a low actuation distance and a slightly heavier feel that remains comfortable for extended use. Ultimately, if you prioritize tactile feedback and a lower-pitched sound in a mixed usage environment, opt for the Bluish White, while the Vintage Citrus is likely your go-to for a dynamic gaming experience and quick responsiveness.
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