Gateron CM vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and intended use, and two notable linear switches that exemplify this diversity are the Gateron CM and the HMX Vintage Citrus. The Gateron CM stands out with its full nylon housing, which not only ensures durability but also produces a rich, thocky sound signature that many typists find satisfying. Its lengthened, dual-staged spring contributes to a bouncy typing experience, offering a smooth glide with every keystroke—ideal for those who appreciate a polished and immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch caters specifically to gamers, featuring a remarkably low actuation force of just 1mm that allows for incredibly swift responses, making it perfect for rapid-fire actions. Its bright and clacky sound profile offers an engaging auditory feedback that is favored by many competitive players. While both switches present their unique advantages—whether it be the buttery smoothness of the Gateron CM or the speed and responsiveness of the Vintage Citrus—each serves different purposes and preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and HMX Vintage Citrus switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which is a hallmark material in mechanical keyboard switches. This shared nylon construction facilitates a notably similar auditory experience when typing on either switch. The use of nylon, particularly for both the top and bottom housings, supports a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer properties allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound tone, making both the CM and Vintage Citrus switches appealing to those who appreciate a more muted acoustic profile while typing.
While both switches share the same housing materials, the impact of top and bottom housings diverges in their influence on the overall feel and sound. For instance, the bottom housing's material significantly contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch; thus, even with identical nylon compositions, slight differences in the mold or design could lead to varied experiences between the two. There may also be variations in the actuation force or travel distance when pressed, depending on internal components held within each housing, which could further distinguish the two switches. However, since both rely on the same nylon material, users can expect a similarly consistent tactile experience under their fingers regardless of the switch brand.
The commonality in utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings translates into shared acoustic qualities, but individual switch designs may still yield different tactile feedback or responsiveness. Gamers and typists who favor a specific sound profile or switch feel will find solace knowing both the Gateron CM and HMX Vintage Citrus switches can lead to similar auditory outcomes due to their identical material composition. In essence, while the experience of each switch may have nuanced differences in terms of feel and performance, they fundamentally share a sound-related foundation that enthusiasts can rely on for a compatible typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CM linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find notable differences in their characteristics. The Gateron CM has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This variance means that those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Vintage Citrus more appealing, while users seeking a more substantial feel may lean towards the Gateron CM. Ultimately, the Vintage Citrus will provide a lighter typing experience, whereas the Gateron CM is better suited for those who appreciate a heavier tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CM linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Gateron CM has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus is shorter at 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the quicker option, appealing to gamers or users who prioritize fast response times in their key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron CM's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Therefore, if you seek the rapid actuation typical of shorter travel distances, the HMX Vintage Citrus would be the ideal choice. Conversely, if you cherish a more pronounced typing experience, the Gateron CM would be more suitable. Ultimately, the differences in travel distance cater to distinct preferences in the tactile experience of typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 profiles of the Gateron CM linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus switch present a stark contrast. The CM is characterized by a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound, which gives it a deeper and richer auditory signature. This results in a satisfying "thud" upon key presses, creating an immersive experience that many users find appealing for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus lacks mentioned descriptors, leaving its sound qualities unspecified. However, one might expect that as a switch designed specifically for gamers, the sound could lean toward being sharper or more accentuated to facilitate quick actions during gameplay.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CM switches excel with descriptors such as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless. This means that users can anticipate a seamless and fluid typing experience, characterized by smooth key travel and minimal resistance. Each keystroke feels enjoyable and effortless, allowing for comfortable long sessions of typing or gaming. On the other hand, since the feel of the Vintage Citrus is not explicitly described, its performance in this category remains a mystery. Given that it is engineered for gaming with a low actuation force, one might infer that it offers a unique tactile response that complements its rapid actuation, but specific characteristics are unknown.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch offers an impressive sound profile with a rich, thocky bass, combined with an exceptionally smooth feel that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, while the Vintage Citrus switch is aimed at gamers with its quick actuation, its sound and feel qualities remain unspecified, leaving potential users to explore its characteristics further. For those prioritizing sound and feel, the CM clearly stands out; however, gamers might still find value in the Vintage Citrus if they prefer speed over auditory satisfaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron CM linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a medium-heavy typing experience with a deeper, more resonant sound profile, the Gateron CM is an excellent choice. Its unique nylon housing and factory lube provide a buttery, polished feel that enhances the overall typing satisfaction, making these switches suitable for a wide range of typing scenarios, from casual everyday use to more focused work applications. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking rapid response times and lightweight keystrokes, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch with its low actuation force and quick responsiveness at just 1mm is designed specifically for you. Its bright, clacky sound adds an engaging auditory component that can increase the enjoyment of fast-paced gaming sessions. Ultimately, if you prioritize depth and smoothness over speed, go for the Gateron CM, but if you lean towards quick inputs and a lighter touch, the Vintage Citrus will serve you well. Choose based on the experiences you wish to prioritize, and let that guide your decision.
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