Huano Elf vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The Huano Elf switch shines with its POK top housing, delivering an impressive acoustic profile and a medium-light feel that results in a rich, satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is engineered specifically for gamers, distinguished by its incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm. This characteristic allows for rapid-fire inputs, complemented by a bright, clacky sound and a smooth actuation that gamers often desire. While both switches are linear and cater to users who prefer an uninterrupted keystroke with minimal resistance, they serve different purposes—one leaning towards general typing enjoyment and the other focused heavily on gaming performance. 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
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, a notable distinction emerges in their top housing materials. The Huano Elf utilizes POK material, which is recognized for its exceptional durability and low friction, resulting in smooth operation and a clacky sound profile. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK surpasses Nylon’s 0.03, contributing to a uniquely responsive feel that elevates typing performance. This strength is evidenced in its wear resistance, which is 14 times stronger than POM and offers impressive shock resistance. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller acoustic profile during typing. While POK enhances a smooth tactile experience, nylon enriches the auditory feedback, presenting two different aesthetics in construction that cater to diverse user preferences.
On the other hand, both the Huano Elf and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which indicates a commonality between the two. This shared material contributes to the sound profile and tactile response. Nylon’s softer composition allows it to absorb sound, producing a duller and rounder sound when the switch is engaged, enhancing the acoustic experience for users. Notably, the similarity in the bottom housing means that typing on either switch will yield a consistent tactile feedback and acoustic resonance, reinforcing the notion that while the top materials diverge in characteristics — with POK offering smoothness and nylon providing richness — the bottom’s uniformity grounds them in a shared acoustic experience.
Ultimately, the interplay of the top and bottom housing materials in both switches creates distinct yet complementary tactile and auditory experiences. The Huano Elf’s unique POK top enhances smoothness and durability, whereas the nylon top of the HMX Vintage Citrus delivers a richer sound profile. However, the utilization of nylon in both bottom housings anchors the user experience with a deeper, fuller sound, particularly when bottoming out. Thus, while the switches differ in their top housing materials, their shared nylon bottom ensures a consistent base performance, allowing users to appreciate both the pronounced sound profile of the Vintage Citrus and the smooth, responsive feel of the Elf, demonstrating that differing materials can achieve harmony through their combined characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, although the bottom out force for the Elf is unavailable. The Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it a more suitable option for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience that can support longer work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Additionally, the Vintage Citrus features a bottom out force of 53 grams, classified as medium-light, which provides a tactile feedback upon fully pressing down. While the Elf's bottom out force is unknown, the absence of this specification means we cannot draw direct comparisons in that category. Overall, the Huano Elf is the lighter of the two, making it ideal for extended use, whereas the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a heavier and firmer tactile experience for individuals who prefer that typing sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it becomes clear that the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Huano Elf provides a slightly deeper keypress, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, caters to users who favor quicker response times and may prefer a more abrupt key press, typical of the shorter travel distances that have gained popularity among gamers. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more responsive experience, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, whereas the Elf is ideal for those who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch features a deep sound profile, enhanced by its POK top housing, which contributes to a richer acoustic experience. This gives off a pronounced thock-like sound that many typists find satisfying and pleasant. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile that emphasizes quicker response times, ideal for gaming scenarios where auditory feedback can enhance performance. Both sound profiles can be affected by the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, but the Elf tends to cater more towards a deeper, rounded sound, while the Vintage Citrus leans into a higher-pitched, more percussive tone.
When it comes to feel, the Elf delivers a medium-light actuation force, providing a balance between resistance and ease of use that many users appreciate for a satisfying typing experience. This combination makes it comfortable for extended use without excessive fatigue. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed for rapid response, boasting an exceptionally low actuation force with a quick 1mm travel. This allows for an incredibly smooth and effortless push that maximizes speed and reduces the effort needed for fast-paced gaming. Despite their different intentions, users seeking tactile feedback will find that both switches have unique strengths tailored to their specific use cases.
Overall, the Huano Elf and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Elf's deep sound and medium-light actuation make it an excellent choice for typists looking for a satisfying acoustic experience, while the Vintage Citrus excels in rapid gaming scenarios with its bright sound and ultra-light actuation. Each switch offers distinct qualities that resonate with various users, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether one prioritizes typing comfort or gaming responsiveness. Both switches can yield positive results, just in separate contexts.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use case. If you are drawn to a switch that highlights acoustics and delivers a satisfying feel, the Elf is an excellent choice. Its POK top housing fosters a deep sound profile and enhances the overall typing experience, making it particularly suited for users who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback and a touch of smoothness during typing. However, if you’re a gamer looking for rapid response times and an incredibly low actuation force, then the Vintage Citrus switch would likely serve you better. Its design is tailored for quick inputs, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. The clacky sound profile and smooth push of the Vintage Citrus add an enjoyable tactile feedback for gaming sessions. In the end, consider where you'll be using the keyboard most—whether for typing, gaming, or a mix of both—and choose the switch that aligns with your desired experience.
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