KTT Cream Yellow vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus have distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The Cream Yellow switch stands out with its unique clacky sound profile, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that create resonant audio feedback, combined with a bouncy typing sensation produced by its lengthened spring. This makes it an appealing choice for users who enjoy a playful and expressive typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is engineered specifically for gamers, boasting an ultra-low actuation force of just 1mm, which facilitates rapid inputs essential for fast-paced gaming. Its smooth push feel and bright, clacky sound add to its appeal, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. While both switches offer a clacky auditory experience, they cater to different audiences—creators seeking a bouncy and resonant feel versus gamers desiring lightning-fast action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow and HMX Vintage Citrus switches, the predominant difference lies in the materials used for the top housing. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This characteristic makes polycarbonate an ideal choice for those who prioritize clarity in their typing experience, especially beneficial when RGB lighting is a factor since its translucency allows light to shine through beautifully. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus incorporates a nylon top housing, a classic material that generates a deeper, rounder sound profile due to its softer composition. While the Polycarbonate top of the Cream Yellow enhances the high frequencies of the sound produced, the Nylon top of the Vintage Citrus favors a more subdued resonance, reflecting the distinct tonal qualities each material contributes.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, echoing a fundamental consistency that influences the auditory and tactile experience. With both switch designs featuring nylon at the bottom, they share a similar profile when it comes to absorbing sound, leading to a fuller and deeper sound signature irrespective of the top housing material. Regardless of the rigid clarity from the Cream Yellow’s polycarbonate top or the rich depth from the Vintage Citrus’s nylon top, the nylon bottom of both switches serves to round out the sound produced during typing. The common use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that typists can expect a dampened, plush feel with less noise upon bottoming out, which might make the experience of using either switch feel more familiar despite the upper housing contrast.
Ultimately, the distinct characteristics between the Cream Yellow and Vintage Citrus switches highlight the nuanced effects of housing materials in mechanical switches, particularly focusing on the top housing's influence on sound clarity and pitch. Users who opt for the KTT Cream Yellow will appreciate the heightened resonance and clarity, especially in the presence of RGB lighting, while those choosing the HMX Vintage Citrus will enjoy the rich, full sound and a more mellow typing experience. Yet, because both share nylon in their bottom housing, the overall typing experience will retain a level of softness and spatial fullness whether one prefers the crispness of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon in the top housing.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Yellow switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, offering a medium feel that appeals to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which may be more suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. Consequently, the Cream Yellow is the heavier option, making it ideal for those who prefer a firmer push feel. This comparison illustrates how both switches cater to different preferences—while the Cream Yellow provides more resistance for a stronger tactile feedback, the Vintage Citrus offers a lighter touch that can enhance comfort over long periods of use.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference means that the Cream Yellow switch provides a more substantial feel with its greater depth, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced key press. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch, with its shorter distance, may offer quicker response times favored by gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency over tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch that delivers a hearty depth, the KTT Cream Yellow would be the better choice, while the HMX Vintage Citrus is more suited for those who enjoy a snappier feel in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 KTT Cream Yellow switch is characterized by a distinctively clacky quality, offering a sharp and snappy audio feedback that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound is largely due to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which create a resonant audio experience during typing. In contrast, while the specific sound characteristics of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch are not exhaustively detailed, it is noted that it boasts a bright and clacky sound profile as well. Ultimately, this suggests that both switches aim to provide a lively auditory experience, though the Cream Yellow may offer more defined resonance due to its design.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is recognized for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that gives keys a lively responsiveness and a noticeable rebound with each press. This quality contributes to an engaging and dynamic typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a more tactile interaction. The HMX Vintage Citrus, however, does not have a detailed description regarding its tactile feel. Nevertheless, given its low actuation force of just 1mm, one can infer that it may also offer a smooth and responsive typing experience, particularly suited for rapid inputs, which suggests a different yet potentially enjoyable feel for gaming contexts.
In conclusion, both the KTT Cream Yellow and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches provide engaging sound profiles, with the Cream Yellow delivering a more resonant clacky quality and the Vintage Citrus catering to rapid gaming with a similarly bright sound. In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow is explicitly noted for its bouncy response, while the Vintage Citrus appears to favor a smooth push feel, though specific details are absent. If you're leaning towards a more responsive and lively experience with an emphasis on sound, the Cream Yellow may be your best bet, while the Vintage Citrus could excel in rapid-fire scenarios. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, ensuring that whether you choose one or the other, you will enjoy an engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches should be informed by your specific needs and preferences. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force with a bouncy typing experience and appreciate auditory feedback in the form of a distinctively clacky sound, then the Cream Yellow would be an excellent fit. This switch is particularly suited for those who favor a more engaging and tactile experience while typing or gaming, as it offers a satisfying rebound and noticeable sound. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking rapid-fire response and prefer a lighter push feel, the Vintage Citrus might be the better option for you. Its lower actuation force combined with the quick 1mm engagement makes it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios where responsiveness is crucial. Ultimately, consider your primary activities and preferences when choosing between these two switches, as both offer unique benefits that cater to different styles of use.
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