TTC Gold Red Pro vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When diving into the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches present distinct choices that cater to varying user preferences. The TTC Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, offering a smooth and accessible typing experience suitable for a range of environments, from intense gaming to focused office work. Its neutral sound profile strikes a balance that fosters a harmonious auditory experience, making it a fantastic option for users seeking a reliable all-rounder. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm which facilitates rapid keypresses for fast-paced gaming scenarios. This switch is known for its bright, clacky sound profile and invigorating feedback, making it a favorite for those who crave a more dynamic typing experience. While both switches boast their unique advantages, the TTC Gold Red Pro leans toward versatility and a balanced sound, whereas the HMX Vintage Citrus emphasizes speed and auditory excitement. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus, a distinct difference can be observed in their top housings. The Gold Red Pro utilizes polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and enhanced sound qualities. This material tends to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly suitable for those who favor a more defined audio experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer characteristics of nylon contribute to a tone that is less pronounced and more rounded, thereby catering to users who prefer a warmer auditory feedback during typing. This variance in sound profiles makes each switch unique, appealing to different user preferences.
Despite the distinct materials used in the top housings, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing. The nylon used in both models allows for the absorption of sound, leading to a more muted and rounded sound profile when typing. As the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users of both the Gold Red Pro and Vintage Citrus can expect a harmonious experience from this common material. Consequently, the bottom housing contributes to a substantial degree to the overall sound and tactile feedback of each switch, ensuring that both models are capable of delivering a satisfying experience despite the disparity in their top materials.
In essence, the combination of polycarbonate in the Gold Red Pro's top housing and nylon in both its bottom housing and the entire housing of the Vintage Citrus leads to contrasting auditory experiences when typing. The sharper sound from the Gold Red Pro may appeal to those seeking a more precise typing experience, while the deeper tones of the Vintage Citrus provide a classic feel reminiscent of traditional switch designs. Ultimately, users can expect rich typing experiences from both switches, as the bottom housing's nylon material ensures a consistent foundation that contributes to the overall sound and feel. Therefore, despite the contrasting top materials, both switches are equipped to yield distinctive but complementary results based on individual user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the actuation forces highlight a clear distinction in typing experience. The Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, perfect for long typing sessions or extensive gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus requires a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, catering more to those who enjoy a more robust tactile feedback while typing. While the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro remains unknown, the Vintage Citrus has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is classified as medium-light. This indicates that, when fully pressed down, the Vintage Citrus provides a firmer resistance compared to the Gold Red Pro. Overall, for those who favor a lightweight switch, the Gold Red Pro would be the better choice, whereas the Vintage Citrus is better suited for individuals seeking a heftier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The Gold Red Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Gold Red Pro offers a more substantial depth when pressed, appealing to those who appreciate a hearty feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, might be more attractive to gamers or users seeking faster response times, as less distance traveled can lead to quicker actuation. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Vintage Citrus is the optimal choice; however, if you favor a more traditional, deeper keypress, the Gold Red Pro is the switch that suits your needs better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch delivers a neutral sound signature, characterized by a thocky and low-pitched tone. This makes it versatile for various environments, ensuring that it won't be disruptive whether you're typing in a quiet office or gaming late at night. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is known for its bright and clacky sound profile, producing a sharp, crisp auditory feedback that can feel invigorating for gamers looking for a quick, responsive experience. Each switch offers unique auditory experiences, catering to different preferences; the Gold Red Pro provides a more subdued sound, while the Vintage Citrus leans into a more pronounced effect.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro emphasizes a polished and mild typing experience. Its smooth key travel and gentle resistance make it approachable for users across skill levels, ensuring a user-friendly typing sensation. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus switch offers a snappy, invigorating feel that excels in responsiveness, ideal for rapid key presses associated with gaming. This create a dynamic typing sensation that can feel substantially more lively compared to the smooth simplicity of the Gold Red Pro. The difference in tactile feedback can greatly influence user experience, especially when considering the application of each switch.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch embody distinct qualities that cater to different typing and gaming experiences. The Gold Red Pro excels in providing a muted yet satisfying auditory experience combined with a polished feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users in varying environments. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus shines with its bright sound profile and snappy response, making it particularly appealing for gamers seeking quick and reactive key presses. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may well come down to your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback; both can serve their intended purposes effectively in their respective contexts.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches depends primarily on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you value versatility and prefer a typing experience that is smooth, mild, and accessible for both gaming and office use, the Gold Red Pro is an excellent choice. Its neutral sound profile and polished feel make it suitable for a variety of environments, ensuring a pleasant experience during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking rapid action with a snappy, invigorating feel, the Vintage Citrus is tailored for you. Its low actuation force and bright, clacky sound deliver optimal performance for quick responses in high-stakes gaming situations. Ultimately, assessing your primary activities—whether they lean towards casual typing or competitive gameplay—will guide you in selecting the switch that best fits your lifestyle.
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