TTC Brother vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother and the HMX Vintage Citrus present two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The TTC Brother is a clicky switch renowned for its lightweight typing experience, featuring a 37g actuation force and a unique silicone dampening pad that produces a subtler click sound than traditional clicky switches. This offers a satisfying tactile feedback while minimizing noise, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and typists seeking an engaging yet discreet typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed specifically for gamers, boasting a remarkable 1mm actuation force that enables rapid-fire keyboard inputs, and delivering a bright, clacky sound profile combined with an exceptionally smooth push feel. Its invigorating responsiveness caters to those who prioritize speed and auditory feedback during intense gaming sessions. While both switches have their merits—one favoring a balanced and tactile approach and the other emphasizing rapid responsiveness and sound—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches present a fascinating study in contrasting housing materials that ultimately shape the typing experience. The Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its rigidity and translucent properties. This provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, particularly beneficial for users who prioritize precision in auditory feedback. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing that evokes a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This material choice results in a more muted auditory experience, creating a rounder sound that many typists find pleasing and comfortable for long typing sessions.
Interestingly, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings, which is nylon in both cases. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to a deeper and more absorbing sound profile, dampening the sound of keystrokes and leading to a tactile sensation that is both satisfying and muted. Consequently, while the TTC Brother's bottom housing will offer the same sound characteristics as the Vintage Citrus, it is the interplay of the top housing materials that creates distinct auditory experiences. Thus, typing on the Brother brings a unique clarity due to its polycarbonate top, while the Vintage Citrus offers the comforting absorption of sound characteristic of nylon throughout.
When considering the overall impact on the typing experience, each switch demonstrates how different top housing materials influence the sound and feel of keystrokes. The polycarbonate top of the Brother lends itself to a more vibrant auditory experience upon key release, while the nylon top of the Vintage Citrus dampens sound and contributes to a more rounded response. Ultimately, while both switches share the nylon bottom, it is the distinctive properties of the top housings that generate contrasting sound profiles, making each switch unique in its own right. For users seeking to achieve a specific audio quality or tactile feedback, understanding the effects of these different materials can help in making an informed choice between the two.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, which influence typing experience. The Brother switch has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it an appealing choice for users seeking a softer touch that facilitates extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a tactile feedback experience. Additionally, while the bottom out force of the Brother switch is unknown, the Vintage Citrus switch features a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that, overall, the Brother switch is lighter and better suited for those who desire a gentler keystroke, whereas the Vintage Citrus offers a heavier, more robust typing feel for those who appreciate a firmer push.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Brother clicky switch provides a deeper feel with its longer travel, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience and a hearty depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter 3 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor a quicker response time, such as gamers seeking rapid and efficient key presses. Consequently, if you prefer a more responsive typing feel, the Vintage Citrus would be the better option, while the TTC Brother might be more suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial key press. Overall, the Brother is the longer switch, and the Vintage Citrus is the shorter one, reflecting the current trend toward shorter travel distances in the keyboard market.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 produced by the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This unique auditory profile is achieved through the switch's silicone dampening pad, which ensures a subtler click compared to traditional clicky switches. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch emits a bright, clacky sound that is sharp and percussive. This clacky sound is crisp and lively, enhancing the gaming experience with its engaging auditory feedback. While both switches offer distinct sound signatures, the Brother is more muted and less intrusive, making it suitable for diverse usage scenarios without being overly noisy.
Regarding feel, the Brother switch provides a stepped tactile experience. This means users can sense two stages during the keystroke, resulting in a more mild yet pleasing tactile feedback. In comparison, the Vintage Citrus switch delivers a snappy and invigorating feel, characterized by pronounced feedback and a quick actuation that feels ultra-responsive. Its engaging feedback makes it particularly appealing for fast, repetitive typing or gaming scenarios. Thus, while both switches have tactile feedback features, the Brother's stepped nature offers a more measured response, while the Vintage Citrus exhibits a heightened sensitivity and reactivity.
In summary, the TTC Brother clicky switch and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch provide distinctly different auditory and tactile experiences. The Brother’s crunchy sound and stepped feel cater well to users who value a quieter, yet still tactile typing experience, ideal for both gamers and typists. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus stands out with its bright clackiness and invigorating, snappy feel, making it perfect for gamers seeking rapid inputs and a lively response. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as they cater to differing needs in typing and gaming contexts.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you favor a quieter yet tactile experience, the Brother switch may be your go-to. Its lightweight typing feel, combined with a subtle click sound that doesn’t disrupt your surroundings, makes it ideal for both gamers and typists who enjoy feedback without excessive noise. The crunchy sound profile and stepped feel offer a unique touch that balances satisfaction and avoidance of distraction, suitable for use in shared environments or long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking rapid, snappy responses and a bright, clacky sound, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch will likely be more appealing. Designed for quick inputs, its low actuation force and invigorating feel create an immersive and lively typing experience that can enhance performance in fast-paced scenarios. In conclusion, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a muted yet tactile feedback (TTC Brother) or a dynamic, engaging response for gaming (HMX Vintage Citrus).
Mentioned in this article
