HMX EMO vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO 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, the decision can often boil down to personal preference and intended use. The HMX EMO switch, a linear switch characterized by its lively and clacky feel, features a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making every keystroke feel effortless and bouncy. Its exceptional factory lubrication ensures a smooth and satisfying typing experience that appeals to both casual typists and those who enjoy a bit of feedback while they type. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch targets gamers with a uniquely low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid-fire keyboard inputs that can enhance performance in fast-paced gaming scenarios. This speed switch also boasts a bright, clacky sound profile, roundly satisfying for those who enjoy audibly engaging their mechanical keyboards. While both switches offer delightful linear experiences, each serves distinct preferences for typists and gamers alike. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the HMX Vintage Citrus, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its rigidity and clarity. This stiffer plastic allows for a more resonant sound, making it ideal for RGB lighting, as the translucence of polycarbonate can enhance the visual effects of backlighting. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, a material known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. As nylon tends to absorb sound, the result is a rounder and duller auditory experience when compared to the EMO's sharper tones.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which creates a consistency in sound characteristics. As the bottom housing is more influential on the bottom-out sound and feel, both the EMO and Vintage Citrus provide a solid foundation for typing. The nylon bottom housing in both cases likewise contributes to a deeper sound profile, leading to a satisfying and rich typing experience. This similarity suggests that even though the top housings differ and yield unique sound profiles, the shared characteristics of the nylon bottom housing balance the auditory experience between the two switches.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in the HMX EMO and HMX Vintage Citrus leads to varied, yet complementary typing experiences. With the polycarbonate top offering brightness and clarity during key release and the nylon bottom providing a grounding tone during the keystroke, users can expect a well-rounded experience from both switches. Though they present different auditory characteristics due to their distinct top housings, both the EMO and Vintage Citrus benefit from the nylon bottom housing’s sound-absorbing qualities, creating a cohesive typing experience that can be appreciated in different ways depending on preference.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch with the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics. The EMO switch has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which provides a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a firmer tactile experience. Consequently, while both switches are tailored for different preferences, the EMO is the lighter option, offering a softer response, whereas the Vintage Citrus caters to users who appreciate a medium-light touch with a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EMO linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The EMO boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly shallower travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Vintage Citrus offers a shorter key press, making it potentially more responsive and appealing for gamers who favor quicker actuation times. Conversely, the EMO's longer travel distance could provide a more pronounced tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Vintage Citrus would be the preferable choice, while the EMO might be better suited for individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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 HMX EMO switch produces a lively and clacky sound that enhances the auditory feedback during typing, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a pronounced acoustic profile. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus also boasts a bright, clacky sound that is particularly appealing for gamers who favor rapid inputs, ensuring that each keystroke is marked by a crisp auditory response. Both switches share this engaging sound quality, which can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, creating a vibrant soundscape when used with compatible components.
When it comes to feel, the EMO switch is noted for its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience that many find satisfying and smooth. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus provides an extremely low actuation force at just 1mm, which caters explicitly to gamers and those seeking rapid inputs. While both switches offer a smooth experience, the EMO's bounciness contrasts with the Vintage Citrus's focus on speed and responsiveness, resulting in different tactile sensations that cater to varying user preferences.
In summary, both the HMX EMO and Vintage Citrus linear switches deliver unique sound and feel characteristics that appeal to different types of users. While the EMO offers a lively and satisfying clack with a focus on comfort during extended typing sessions, the Vintage Citrus emphasizes rapid actuation and responsiveness, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming encounters. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on whether you prioritize a delightful typing experience or require quick, responsive inputs for gaming action. Both can yield satisfying and engaging results, but the specific qualities will resonate differently depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, consider your primary use case and personal preferences. If you favor a light and bouncy typing experience, the HMX EMO switch is the better option, especially if you enjoy a lively keyboard that feels nearly effortless to type on. Its smooth, factory-lubed action provides a satisfying clack as you type, making it an excellent choice for both casual typing and general productivity. On the other hand, if you are a gamer who values rapid inputs and a more pronounced actuation force, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch will suit you well. With a slightly higher bottom-out force and its incredibly quick actuation, it is tailored for fast-paced gaming, allowing for quicker responses and precision in your gameplay. Thus, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness while still appreciating a clacky sound profile, the Vintage Citrus is the switch to opt for. In the end, your choice should align with whether you seek a feather-light feel for typing or a firmer, more responsive action for gaming.
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