TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both linear switches offering distinct experiences. The TTC Flaming Purple is celebrated for its resonant and bassy sound signature, delivering a unique auditory experience with a slightly poppy undertone that enhances every keystroke. Its feathery nature and a bottom-out force of just 47g make it a pleasure for both typists and enthusiasts who favor a swift, effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered primarily for gamers, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm that supports rapid inputs, perfect for high-speed gaming scenarios. This switch also boasts a bright, clacky sound profile, adding a fun dynamic to gameplay while ensuring a smooth push feel. Both switches cater to specific preferences, with the Flaming Purple appealing to those who appreciate a rich sound and light touch, while the Vintage Citrus is tailored for the fast-paced demands of gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
47g
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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, a significant contrast emerges, especially in their top housings. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is instrumental in creating a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This stiffer plastic is known for its transparency, making it particularly suitable for RGB applications as it allows light to diffuse effectively. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer material, produces a deeper, fuller sound. This material choice tends to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted acoustic profile compared to the Flaming Purple's distinct clarity. Thus, while both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the Flaming Purple leans towards brighter sounds due to its polycarbonate housing, whereas the Vintage Citrus provides a richer, warmer tone thanks to its nylon composition.
On the other hand, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, an interesting similarity is noted. Both the TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Vintage Citrus are equipped with nylon for their bottom housings, lending them a similar acoustic quality. As nylon is acclaimed for its sound-absorbing properties, both switches are characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottomed out. The impact of this material is particularly evident during actuation, where softer plastics contribute to a rounded sound and feel. Hence, while their upper housings produce distinct auditory outcomes, the shared nylon bottom housing creates a consistent base impact – deepening the overall acoustic experience of both switches.
In summary, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the TTC Flaming Purple contrasts sharply with the all-nylon composition of the HMX Vintage Citrus, particularly evident in their upper housings. The different materials influence the tonal qualities produced when typing, resulting in a brighter sound profile for the Flaming Purple and a warmer one for the Vintage Citrus. However, both switches harmonize in their bottom housings, with nylon material contributing to a similar deeper sound experience during actuation. Thus, while both present contrasting auditory features through their top housing materials, the shared characteristics of their nylon bottoms help unify their performance to create an engaging typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch offer different typing experiences due to their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Purple features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it well-suited for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push. This means that while both switches deliver a satisfying linear performance, the Flaming Purple is better for users seeking a lightweight touch, whereas the Vintage Citrus caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. Overall, the Flaming Purple is the lighter option, promoting ease during extended use, while the Vintage Citrus delivers a heavier and potentially more tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, we find notable differences that can influence a user's typing experience. The Flaming Purple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Vintage Citrus offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. Users who favor shorter travel distances, like the Vintage Citrus, may appreciate the snappier responsiveness it provides, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers seeking rapid key actuation. Conversely, those who prefer the more pronounced feel of a deeper key press may gravitate towards the Flaming Purple for its greater travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference, with the Flaming Purple offering a more traditional depth and the Vintage Citrus catering to those who favor a quicker, more responsive action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 Purple is characterized by a deep and resonant quality, offering a low-pitched and bassy tone that adds richness to the auditory experience during typing. The notable poppy undertone creates an engaging and enjoyable sound with each keystroke, making it suitable for both typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus lacks a described sound profile, leaving uncertainty regarding its auditory qualities. Thus, if a user prioritizes sound, the Flaming Purple clearly stands out, though the sound experience of the Vintage Citrus would remain unknown and could potentially differ based on various factors like the keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Purple is recognized for its feathery touch and an effortless typing experience, requiring minimal exertion thanks to its low bottom-out force of 47g. The keys press easily, making them comfortable for extended use, which is advantageous for both gaming and daily typing tasks. Additionally, the silky smoothness adds to the overall tactile satisfaction. The Vintage Citrus, unfortunately, does not provide information on its feel, leaving potential users unsure of its tactile response. Thus, the Flaming Purple offers a more defined and appealing feel for those seeking comfort and responsiveness in their typing experience.
In summary, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch emerges as a more complete option, boasting distinctive sound and exceptional tactile qualities that cater to both gamers and typists. The resonant bassy sound profile and light, smooth feel are well-documented, making it an enticing choice for anyone looking to enhance their typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch leaves some aspects unexamined, particularly in sound and feel, making it challenging for users to gauge its overall performance and how it compares with the Flaming Purple. For clarity, if a user seeks sound and feel quality, the Flaming Purple offers a more defined experience, while the Vintage Citrus still leaves many questions unanswered.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your decision between the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences in typing or gaming experiences. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a bassy, resonant sound while typing, the Flaming Purple is an excellent option. Its 47g bottom-out force offers a feathery feel that's great for long typing sessions, making it particularly suitable for those who type frequently or simply enjoy a comfortable typing experience. Conversely, if you're a gamer looking for rapid-fire responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus might be more up your alley, especially with its low 1mm actuation point facilitating quick inputs. This switch also provides a bright, clacky sound that can be delightful for gaming, while its medium-light 53g bottom-out force ensures a balanced typing feel without being overly taxing on your fingers. Therefore, consider whether you prioritize a softer typing experience for extensive use or the need for speed in gaming when choosing between these two unique switches.
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