TTC Flaming Pink vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts are often torn between options that cater to different preferences and usage scenarios. The TTC Flaming Pink switches stand out for their smooth and responsive feel combined with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making them a versatile choice for both gaming and everyday typing. Their bright yet not overly loud sound profile enhances the typing experience without being distracting. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches are designed specifically for gamers, boasting an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, ideal for rapid-fire inputs. With a bright, clacky sound profile and a remarkably smooth push feel, the Vintage Citrus caters to those who prioritize speed and tactile feedback in their gaming sessions. Each switch has its unique appeal, whether you seek a balanced performance for all-day typing or you need a switch that can handle the demands of competitive gaming. 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
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Vintage Citrus switches, the most significant difference lies in their top housing materials. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This clarity is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a brighter auditory experience, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, as its translucency enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, which is traditionally favored for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller tonal quality. Thus, while both switches can deliver satisfying sound experiences, the Flaming Pink aims for clarity and resonance, whereas the Vintage Citrus leans towards a warmer and more rounded sound.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which leads to similarities in some sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of both the Flaming Pink and Vintage Citrus is notable for its sound-absorbing properties, providing a deep and full auditory experience. This consistency means that when typing on either switch, users will find a similar bottom-out sound and feel due to the nylon's inherent qualities. This shared material serves as a common ground, highlighting how the bottom housing's impact is significant for overall typing experience, regardless of the differences at the top.
In summary, the contrasting materials for the top housing directly influence the sound profiles of the TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Vintage Citrus, while their nylon bottom housings help harmonize some of the auditory experiences across both switches. Those seeking a lively, bright response may gravitate toward the Flaming Pink, while those who prefer a mellow, fuller sound may opt for the Vintage Citrus. Ultimately, the materials used in these switches shape their unique characteristics, and understanding these differences can help users select the one that best aligns with their sound preferences and typing style.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink boasts a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a firmer push for a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Flaming Pink is the lighter option overall, while the Vintage Citrus is heavier. Due to these differences, users may find that the Flaming Pink allows for quicker keystrokes with less effort, whereas the Vintage Citrus could provide a more deliberate feedback with its increased resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Flaming Pink features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink the longer option, offering a more substantial feel when pressed down, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper key press. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shallower 3 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker responsiveness, as shorter distances are often preferred by gamers seeking faster reaction times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, balancing the desire for depth against the need for speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 TTC Flaming Pink switch is characterized by a bright yet not overly loud bottom-out sound, which delivers a balanced auditory experience suitable for a variety of settings. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch stands out with its distinctly bright and clacky sound profile, designed to enhance the gaming experience. While both switches produce a pleasant sound, the Flaming Pink offers a subtler acoustic presence, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is necessary, whereas the Vintage Citrus provides a more pronounced auditory feedback that gamers may find more satisfying during rapid gameplay.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switches provide a smooth and responsive typing experience, ensuring that both gaming and everyday tasks remain a joy to execute. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch offers a remarkably smooth push feel combined with an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, catering specifically to gamers who require quick and effortless key presses. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the Flaming Pink emphasizes a balanced response suitable for diverse uses, while the Vintage Citrus is tailored for speed and rapid input.
Overall, when comparing the TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, each has its strengths tailored to different user preferences. The Flaming Pink excels in delivering a smooth and rounded typist experience with a gentle sound profile, which is perfect for both gaming and daily use. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus focuses on speed and feedback, offering a bright and clacky sound coupled with a very low actuation force for gamers seeking rapid performance. Depending on your priorities – whether you value a subtle yet premium experience or require a switch optimized for quick gaming responses – both switches can cater to your needs but with a distinctly different flavor.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and the specific use cases for your mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a light touch with a smooth and responsive feel, the Flaming Pink switch, with its 50-gram actuation and satisfying bottom-out sound, offers a premium typing experience that caters well to both gaming and general typing tasks. Its bright sound profile strikes a balance without being excessively loud, making it suitable for quieter office environments. On the other hand, if you’re a serious gamer looking for rapid-fire inputs, the Vintage Citrus switch could be your best bet. Its slightly heavier 53-gram actuation and exceptionally low 1mm actuation point provide an edge in competitive gaming scenarios, where speed is paramount. The Vintage Citrus also features a bright, clacky sound that can add a playful vibe to your gaming setup. Ultimately, if you value a pleasant typing experience for everyday use, go for the Flaming Pink, but if your focus is on delivering quick responses in high-stakes gaming, the Vintage Citrus is the way to go.
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