TTC Flame Red vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as two excellent yet distinct options for users, especially those who appreciate linear switches. The Flame Red is renowned not only for its impressive performance but also for its striking aesthetics, featuring a dazzling light diffuser that makes it an ideal choice for backlit RGB keyboards. Typing on the Flame Reds offers a satisfying blend of weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, characterized as neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch from HMX is specifically designed with gamers in mind, showcasing an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for rapid-fire inputs essential during intense gaming sessions. With its bright, clacky sound and remarkably smooth feel, the Vintage Citrus offers an experience tailored for speed and responsiveness. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose them, yet they cater to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and HMX Vintage Citrus switches both feature nylon as their primary housing material, both for the top and bottom sections. This shared choice in material results in a distinct typing experience that is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon construction provides a notable softness compared to harder plastics, allowing for effective sound absorption. As a result, users of either switch can expect a sound that is uniformly duller and rounder, making both options suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience associated with softer materials.
While both switches utilize nylon throughout their housing, it's important to note that the specific design and engineering behind each switch may still lead to variations in tactile feedback and bottom-out sound. The statement that "if the top and bottom housings are different, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be split" suggests that while the fine details may differ, the overall experience may remain consistent due to the nylon's properties. Therefore, even though they share the same material, the unique configurations of the Flame Red and Vintage Citrus could lead to distinctions in how these switches feel and sound during use.
Ultimately, users seeking a balanced combination of tactile feedback and acoustic performance will find both the TTC Flame Red and HMX Vintage Citrus appealing. The nylon construction in both the top and bottom housings ensures a thorough absorption of vibration, which enhances the overall typing experience. Individuals may choose between these options based on additional factors such as key feel or actuation force, but in terms of housing material, both switches promise similar results in terms of sound and response due to their identical nylon compositions.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Vintage Citrus's actuation force of 48 grams. This means that the Flame Red requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions. In terms of bottom out forces, the Flame Red's is 54 grams, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. Despite the close values, the Flame Red switch overall has a heavier bottom out experience, creating a more pronounced feel when the key is fully pressed down. Thus, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the TTC Flame Red, while the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a compromise with a marginally lighter push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flame Red and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, it is clear that they cater to different preferences. The Flame Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the more traditional depth and offers a fuller tactile experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a shallower travel distance of 3 mm, appealing to those who appreciate a quicker response time, particularly beneficial for gamers looking for enhanced performance. While both switches fulfill distinct user needs—where the Flame Red provides a more substantial feel and the Vintage Citrus offers speedy engagement—users seeking responsiveness might gravitate towards the shorter 3 mm travel. Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on whether one values the deeper engagement of the Flame Red or the rapid activation of the Vintage Citrus.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Flame Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, both exhibit a clacky sound that appeals to a wide range of users, particularly those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming. The Flame Red's sound is neutral, making it suitable for various environments including home and office settings. This moderate sound profile can often be enjoyable and not overly jarring in quieter spaces. The Vintage Citrus, while not explicitly detailed in terms of descriptors, is noted for its bright, clacky sound which undoubtedly complements its purpose as a gaming switch. Ultimately, those who appreciate a clacky auditory response will find both switches align with this preference, though the overall resonance may slightly differ based on the specific keyboard dynamics.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flame Red switch shines through its mild and polished attributes, suggesting a gentle, smooth typing experience that balances responsiveness with comfort. The mild nature provides an approachable feel that is great for beginners and seasoned typists alike. The polished design indicates a refined finish, minimizing friction and enhancing the overall typing experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is engineered specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm which allows for rapid-fire inputs. The smooth push feel associated with the Vintage Citrus complements its design for fast-paced environments, though no additional characteristics are specified to offer a comprehensive feel comparison alongside the Flame Red.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Flame Red and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches appeal to different types of users—casual typists and competitive gamers respectively—they share fundamental qualities like a clacky sound profile. The Flame Red switch offers a more balanced approach with its mild, polished feel, making it versatile for various activities, while the Vintage Citrus emphasizes speed with its quick actuation. Ultimately, both options allow users to enjoy a satisfying typing experience, though the choice will largely depend on personal preference regarding sound, actuation speed, and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and typing or gaming style. If you prioritize a visually appealing, backlit RGB setup where aesthetics and a smooth, slightly clacky sound profile enhance your experience, the Flame Red is likely the better choice. Its mild feel and polished finish provide a pleasant typing experience that's suitable for both work and casual use, making it an excellent all-around option. On the other hand, if you're a gamer who thrives on fast-paced mechanical keyboard actions, the Vintage Citrus switch might be more beneficial for you. With its low actuation point and rapid response capability, it excels in scenarios where quick inputs are crucial, such as competitive gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value aesthetics and versatility or speed and responsiveness, allowing you to find the ideal switch suited to your personal preferences and usage scenarios.
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