TTC Gold Brown vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Vintage Citrus stand out for their unique characteristics tailored to different user preferences. The Gold Brown switch is celebrated for its balanced nature, featuring a subtle tactile bump that enhances typing feedback without overwhelming the user. Its moderate weightiness and soft rounded sound profile make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a versatile switch for both typing and casual gaming. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is engineered with gamers in mind, offering a lightning-fast actuation force of just 1mm to facilitate rapid-fire inputs. With a bright, clacky sound profile and an exceptionally smooth push feel, it's perfect for those wanting a dedicated gaming experience. While each switch serves different needs—balancing comfort and versatility versus prioritizing speed and responsiveness—understanding the nuances between them is crucial. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Vintage Citrus, a notable distinction arises in their top housings. The TTC Gold Brown's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to its sharper and clearer sound profile. This material not only enhances resonance but also provides translucency, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting configurations. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound. Consequently, the sound produced by this housing is deeper and fuller compared to that of the Gold Brown. These variations in top housing materials lead to different auditory experiences, with the polycarbonate producing a crisp high-end sound and the nylon delivering a rounded, mellower tone.
While the top housings differ significantly, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings. This uniformity indicates that the bottom housing's qualities will remain consistent in both switches. Characteristically, nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties, resulting in a deep and full-bodied sound that provides tactile feedback. Since both switches share this material for the bottom housing, they will deliver similar bottom-out experiences regardless of the difference in their top housings. This shared attribute emphasizes that while the top sounds might differ, the overall feedback during the key press will maintain a level of familiarity in the tactile sensation and sound profile.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings dictates the overall feel and sound of the switches. The TTC Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing may produce a bright and resonant sound when released, contrasting sharply with the HMX Vintage Citrus's softer and fuller sound profile. However, both switches will exhibit a consistent sound when bottoming out due to the nylon construction of their bottom housings. This creates a hybrid experience: a more vibrant and clear auditory response from the Gold Brown while typing, against a richer and softer output from the Vintage Citrus. Regardless of the housing differences, the similar bottom construction ensures that users will not be entirely alienated by the differing characteristics when typing or gaming on either switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Gold Brown features a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it the heavier option. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference in weight makes the Vintage Citrus more suitable for those who prefer a lighter key feel, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Meanwhile, the Gold Brown's heavier force offers a more substantial typing experience for users who favor a stronger feedback during their keystrokes. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter and less strenuous switch, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, while those desiring a more robust tactile experience might gravitate toward the Gold Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the TTC Gold Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This indicates that the Gold Brown offers a more traditional and deeper typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a hearty feel in their key presses. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shallower travel distance, caters more to gamers and individuals seeking quicker response times, though some may find it feels too abrupt. Therefore, if you value responsiveness and speed, the HMX Vintage Citrus would be the preferable choice; however, if you prioritize depth and a more tactile experience, the TTC Gold Brown is the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Brown tactile switch presents itself with a rounded sound profile that is soft yet distinct, making it suitable for various environments, from home to work settings. It strikes a balance that results in a moderate level of noise—neither too loud nor completely silent—allowing for a pleasant typing experience without being disruptive. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile, which can be particularly appealing for gamers who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during rapid key presses. This clacky sound can add an element of excitement and engagement, but it may not be ideal for quieter environments.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown switches embody a mild, buttery, and polished typing experience that caters to users looking for a gentle yet responsive keystroke. The tactile bump is present but not overwhelming, appealing to people who prefer a sound and feel that balances both comfort and vibrancy. This switch is particularly suitable for prolonged typing sessions due to its accentuated, yet not overly pronounced, tactile feedback. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch remain unavailable, but it’s designed for rapid actuation with a low force requirement, which suggests a smooth push feel that prioritizes quick responses over tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a well-rounded combination of sound and feel that is approachable for diverse users, while the HMX Vintage Citrus, with its clacky sound and gamer-centric low actuation force, caters to those who prioritize speed and energetic auditory feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences, yet both produce favorable results in their respective areas—whether you're in need of a balanced experience with the Gold Browns or fast-paced action with the Vintage Citrus. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your specific usage scenario and personal preference.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your intended use and personal preferences. If you’re looking for a balanced and versatile option suitable for both typing and gaming, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice. Its moderate bottom-out force of 63 grams and mild tactile feedback create an enjoyable typing experience, making it ideal for office environments or prolonged writing sessions, where both comfort and responsiveness are essential. On the other hand, if your priority is speed and rapid-fire gaming performance, the Vintage Citrus switch’s lighter actuation force of just 53 grams and 1mm actuation point will provide the edge you need in competitive play. With its bright, clacky sound and smooth feel, this switch caters specifically to gamers who value quick key presses and distinct auditory feedback. In essence, choose the Gold Brown for all-around performance and a comfortable typing experience, while reaching for the Vintage Citrus when speed and gaming responsiveness are paramount.
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