KTT Darling vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Darling and the HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts who appreciate linear feedback. The KTT Darling is renowned for its unique "chewy" typing sensation, providing a deeply satisfying experience as your fingers sink into each keypress. Its pronounced bounciness lends a springy responsiveness, while the resonant, high-pitched sound adds an engaging auditory layer to the typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored specifically for gamers, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, which facilitates rapid-fire inputs crucial for competitive play. This switch offers a smooth push feel paired with a bright, clacky sound profile, ideal for those seeking speed and precision. While both switches cater to different preferences and applications—one more about satisfying feedback and the other about performance efficiency—it's essential to dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
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 KTT Darling and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housings. The KTT Darling features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Such qualities stem from polycarbonate's stiff nature, contributing to a more resonant sound. The clear translucency of the material also allows for excellent RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing for users who appreciate keyboard aesthetics. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon’s softer plastic composition. This material absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller auditory experience, which can cater to users seeking a more subdued typing sound.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a consistent auditory experience in that aspect. The KTT Darling's nylon bottom housing mirrors the HMX Vintage Citrus's nylon bottom housing, both of which provide a deeper sound profile with the same characteristics of sound absorption. This shared material choice ensures that users will experience a similar tactile feel and sound upon bottoming out. The impact on the overall sound and feel when pressing down will be noticeably similar, as both nylon materials contribute to that rich, low-end sound, reinforcing a harmonious typing feel across the two switches despite their differing top designs.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switches influences the typing experience in unique ways. The separation of polycarbonate and nylon in the KTT Darling guarantees that users will encounter a crisper sound when releasing the key, while the nylon's properties ensure a consistent bottom-out feel across both models. In summary, the KTT Darling's polycarbonate top enhances brightness and clarity, especially with RGB lighting, while the HMX Vintage Citrus's nylon top softens the sound, creating a more subdued experience. However, their shared nylon bottom housing fosters consistency in typing feel, showcasing how varying top materials can tailor the sound experience without compromising the overall tactile satisfaction.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit notable similarities and slight differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Darling switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires slightly more at 48 grams. This makes the Darling switch the lighter option, potentially appealing to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended periods, whether in work or gaming scenarios. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 53 grams, meaning they will provide a comparable tactile feel when pressed to the maximum, ensuring a consistent typing experience in that regard. While the Darling offers a lighter touch for those who enjoy a more effortless keystroke, the Vintage Citrus delivers a bit more resistance, favoring users who appreciate a firmer push for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Darling may be advantageous for prolonged use, while the Vintage Citrus caters to those who prefer a stronger force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Darling linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Darling features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Darling switch provides a deeper feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press and a traditional experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to deliver a faster response time, making it an attractive option for gamers looking for quick actuation. Therefore, if you prefer a switch that offers a hearty depth, the KTT Darling is the better choice, while the HMX Vintage Citrus is ideal if you favor a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Darling linear switch presents a vibrant auditory experience characterized by its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant qualities. Each keystroke results in a sharp and crisp sound, creating an engaging atmosphere that stimulates both typing and gaming. This character makes it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate the feedback of each keypress. In comparison, the sound profile of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch remains undefined within the information available. However, given its design catering to gamers, it can be anticipated that it may possess a distinct and lively sound signature that emphasizes rapid keystrokes, albeit specific acoustics are not articulated here.
Moving to the tactile experience, the KTT Darling showcases a chewy and substantial feel with its bouncy characteristics. Users are treated to a satisfying feedback sensation that provides depth with each keystroke, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. The springy responsiveness is notable, allowing for an energizing typing experience. On the other hand, the information on the Vintage Citrus does not elaborate on its tactile feel, leaving the physical feedback it provides relatively unknown. However, with an actuation force of just 1mm, it can be presumed to offer a smooth pushing sensation that accommodates quick inputs, albeit without the notable bounciness of the Darling.
In conclusion, while the KTT Darling excels in delivering a rich acoustic and tactile experience, the specifics of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch remain less defined. The Darling captures a unique blend of high-pitched auditory feedback and a bouncy feel that significantly enhances the typing experience, ideal for users who enjoy depth in their keystrokes. The Vintage Citrus, with its focus on swift actuation, is likely to appeal to gamers who prioritize speed and control in their keystrokes, though its acoustic qualities are still to be determined. Together, they illustrate the diversity in linear switches, inviting users to choose based on their personal preferences and use cases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the KTT Darling and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches ultimately depends on your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you appreciate a satisfying and substantial typing experience with engaging acoustics, the KTT Darling is the better choice for you. Its chewy feel and pronounced bounciness will reward you with a delightful rebound on each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and immersive typing environment. The resonant, high-pitched sound it produces will further enhance your experience, especially if you prefer a keyboard that sings as you type. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking speed and responsiveness, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch may be the way to go. With its exceptionally low actuation force and quick response time, it caters perfectly to rapid key presses, allowing you to execute commands more swiftly during intense gaming sessions. The bright and clacky sound profile will also keep you engaged in the action without being overwhelming. In the end, consider your primary use—whether it's for comfortable typing or competitive gaming—and choose the switch that best aligns with your style and needs.
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