TTC Gold Red vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact both typing comfort and overall performance, especially for different users' needs and preferences. The TTC Gold Red linear switch is celebrated for its buttery smooth typing experience, resonating with those who appreciate a light to medium resistance that lends itself well to extended typing sessions. Its snappy sound profile, categorized as ‘thocky’ and ‘subtle’, offers just the right amount of auditory feedback without overwhelming the senses. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is a gaming-focused option that shines in scenarios where rapid key presses are essential. With an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm and a bright, clacky sound profile, it caters to gamers seeking speed and precision, providing a remarkably smooth push feel that can enhance response times. Both switches present compelling advantages: the Gold Red for its refined tactile feedback and comfort, and the Vintage Citrus for its unrivaled actuation speed and vibrant acoustics. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, significant differences emerge, particularly in the material composition of their top housings. The Gold Red utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, lauded for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly compatible with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, known for generating a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherently softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder, which may appeal to those preferring a more muffled audio experience.
Both switches incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, creating a consistent sound characteristic between them in this aspect. The nylon material in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller auditory profile, absorbing vibrations and lending a dampened feel to the bottom-out sound. This similarity means that, while the Gold Red may offer a brighter sound when the key is released due to its polycarbonate top housing, the overall bottom-out feel and sound remain comparable to that of the Vintage Citrus. As a result, users can expect a satisfying and muted keypress experience from both switches, as the nylon bottoms dominate this characteristic.
Ultimately, the blend of these materials results in distinctly different sound profiles depending on the part of the switch engaged. The Gold Red's clear, resonant top housing complements the subdued fullness of the nylon bottom housing, while the Vintage Citrus achieves its mellow sound exclusively from the nylon material in both housings. Thus, while the switches may share some core characteristics owing to their nylon bottoms, the variance in top housing materials creates unique auditory experiences, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference in sound clarity versus depth.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Gold Red and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, distinct differences emerge. The TTC Gold Red boasts a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioned in the medium-light category. This greater resistance might appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches provide a satisfying linear feel, the Gold Red is undeniably the lighter option, favoring comfort over prolonged use, while the Vintage Citrus offers a heftier push, catering to those who enjoy a firmer tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Gold Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional choice that offers a more substantial feel when pressed, which some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, aligning with the recent trend towards shallower switches embraced by gamers seeking quicker response times. Consequently, the Gold Red, with its 4 mm travel, is the longer switch, while the Vintage Citrus, at 3 mm, is the shorter option. For those who enjoy a deeper keystroke, the Gold Red would be the better fit, whereas the Vintage Citrus is ideal for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 sound profile of the TTC Gold Red linear switch is characterized by a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral tone. This means that each keystroke produces a deep and satisfying sound, reminiscent of a soft thud, which can be both comforting and aesthetically pleasing without being overly loud or obtrusive. It's an excellent choice for those who are conscious of noise levels, especially in shared workspaces. In contrast, while the sound profile of the HMX Vintage Citrus is not detailed, it is designed specifically for gaming and claimed to be clacky. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter, faster typing experience, the Vintage Citrus might provide a more pronounced auditory feedback, albeit it lacks the richness and depth of the Gold Red.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red linear switch is noted for its mild, silky, subtle, and polished characteristics. These switches deliver a gentle typing experience that many users find accessible, allowing for smooth and refined key travel. The light-medium level of resistance ensures that each keypress feels effortless while still providing enough feedback to remain engaging. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is optimized for rapid-fire input with a notably low actuation force. While specific descriptors for its feel are not provided, this switch is likely to offer a more dynamic and responsive typing experience catering explicitly to gamers.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red and HMX Vintage Citrus switches have their unique attributes suited to different user preferences. The Gold Red is ideal for those seeking a harmonious balance of sound and feel, perfect for a blend of work and casual use. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus focuses on speed and auditory feedback, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming scenarios. While the Gold Red provides a rich and satisfying sound combined with a smooth typing experience, the Vintage Citrus promises a quick response and potentially a louder, clackier sound. Ultimately, both switches will cater to different experiences, allowing users to choose according to their typing style and intended use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, consider your specific typing or gaming needs. If you prefer a light, smooth typing experience complemented by a low-pitched sound that's suitable for a wide variety of environments—be it at home, work, or shared spaces—the Gold Red switch is an excellent choice. Its mild resistance and polished feel will cater to both casual typists and seasoned users who appreciate a refined, thocky auditory feedback without overwhelming sound. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that excels in rapid-fire input scenarios, especially for gaming, the Vintage Citrus is tailored for such demands. With a low actuation point, slightly firmer resistance, and a bright, clacky sound profile, it's designed to provide the tactile feel and performance needed for competitive gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preference, and the environments in which you typically use your keyboard.
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