Jerrzi Coral vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Coral and HMX Vintage Citrus both present distinctive characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Coral switch is celebrated for its refined typing experience, characterized by a lower-pitched resonance and a silky feel that makes each keystroke feel elegant and satisfying. This switch is an excellent option for those who appreciate a balanced, sophisticated typing experience, making it suitable not just for gaming but also for prolonged writing sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is purpose-built for gamers, offering a remarkably low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for ultra-responsive play and quick inputs. Its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel contribute to a dynamic gaming experience that can elevate performance in fast-paced scenarios. While both switches deliver linear action, appealing to tactile minimalism, their unique traits cater to different uses—whether you seek an elegant typing experience or a high-speed gaming edge. However, 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
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Vintage Citrus, one key distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The Coral features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality stems from polycarbonate’s stiffness, allowing for a clearer resonance that is particularly enhanced in RGB applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the material’s softer nature. This softness absorbs more sound, leading to a more rounded auditory experience. Consequently, the materials fundamentally influence how each switch responds acoustically and enhance the overall typing experience.
On the bottom housing front, both switches utilize nylon, creating a consistent experience across these models. Nylon, being a classic housing material, contributes a deeper sound profile characterized by fuller tones and a softer feel. This shared bottom housing results in similar characteristics when the switches are bottomed out, providing a cohesive feeling for users transitioning between the two switches. The impact of the nuanced differences in the top housing—polycarbonate versus nylon—becomes even more pronounced during the act of releasing the key, where the Coral's sharpness can create a contrasting experience to the Vintage Citrus's smoother tones while still maintaining a familiar undercurrent due to the nylon bottoms.
In summary, the interaction between the differing top housings of the Coral and Vintage Citrus creates distinct auditory profiles, while their identical nylon bottom housings ensure a consistent typing feel and sound when keys are fully pressed. Users looking for a sharper response will gravitate toward the Coral, while those preferring a warmer, fuller sound will likely favor the Vintage Citrus. However, if one seeks the benefits of both, the overall experience may still be harmonized by the shared nylon bottom, thus affirming that the relationship between materials significantly shapes our perception of sound and tactile feedback in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct traits that cater to different typing preferences. The Coral switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for users who prioritize longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, while the Coral's bottom out force is listed as unavailable, the Vintage Citrus does have a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that it offers a more defined tactile response when bottoming out. Overall, the Jerrzi Coral is the lighter option, while the HMX Vintage Citrus is heavier, providing users with varied choices based on their typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences and styles of typing. The Jerrzi Coral has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a shallower travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter of the two, appealing to gamers or users who favor quicker response times during their interactions. In contrast, the Coral's longer travel distance might be preferable for individuals who enjoy a more substantial keystroke, providing a deeper and potentially more satisfying typing experience. For those looking for a responsive and snappy feel, the Vintage Citrus would be the ideal choice, while the Coral may be better suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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 profile of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched resonance, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that adds a touch of nuanced sophistication to each keystroke. This makes it less intrusive, creating a pleasant auditory experience for users who prioritize a subtle acoustic environment. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed with a bright, clacky sound profile that caters to gamers seeking an engaging auditory feedback during rapid key presses. This contrast between the Coral's understated tone and the Vintage Citrus's more energetic sound distinctly influences the overall typing experience, appealing to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Coral stands out with its silky smoothness that minimizes resistance and enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel fluid and effortless. This quality can be particularly advantageous for users who spend long hours typing or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue and allows for greater comfort. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus switch emphasizes speed, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force designed for rapid-fire inputs. However, details regarding its specific tactile feedback and smoothness remain unspecified, making it difficult to fully gauge how it compares tactilely to the Coral's silky feel.
In summary, while the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is celebrated for its low-pitched, sophisticated sound and silky smooth typing feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch appeals to gamers with its bright, clacky sound and rapid actuation designed for quick inputs. These distinctions make each switch suitable for different use cases; if you prefer a quieter, more refined typing experience, the Coral would be the better choice, whereas the Vintage Citrus shines in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific sound and feel preferences to ensure an enjoyable keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, consider your primary use case and personal preferences. If you value a smooth and sophisticated typing experience, with a focus on a lower-pitched sound profile, the Coral switch may be the better choice for you. Its silky feel and refined design cater well to typists who appreciate a balanced keystroke without excessive noise. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking a high-performance switch that allows for rapid-fire inputs, the Vintage Citrus switch stands out with its low actuation force and bright, clacky sound. Its design facilitates quick actions, making it ideal for gaming sessions that demand speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a refined typing experience or a fast-paced gaming environment, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard meets your specific needs and enhances your overall enjoyment.
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