TTC Gold Silver vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Silver and HMX Vintage Citrus present two compelling but distinct options for users seeking linear performance. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness and smooth actuation, featuring a shortened travel distance that culminates in a satisfying bottom-out feel. This switch not only ensures swift keystrokes but also delivers a rich, low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for typists and gamers alike who appreciate a blend of speed and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored specifically for gamers, boasting an ultra-low actuation force of just 1mm, designed for lightning-fast inputs during intense gameplay. It not only facilitates rapid action but also offers a bright, clacky sound that stands out in the gaming experience. Both switches have their unique strengths—whether you prioritize the tactile feedback of the Gold Silver or the ultra-responsive nature of the Vintage Citrus. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision for your individual typing or gaming style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, we see a significant contrast in their top housing compositions. The Gold Silver switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's inherent stiffness. This makes it an ideal choice for those who favor bright and resonant auditory feedback, especially when RGB lighting is utilized, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effect of the lights. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is driven by nylon's softer and more sound-absorbing properties, leading to a rounder and duller auditory experience. Hence, users seeking clarity and brightness would prefer the Gold Silver, while those who appreciate a more muted sound would gravitate toward the Vintage Citrus.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which provides a consistent audio experience across both models in that regard. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Gold Silver and Vintage Citrus means that users can expect a rich, deep, and fuller sound profile that resonates throughout the typing experience. Since both switches share this nylon lower housing, they will deliver similar results in terms of sound characteristics during the key press. The sound dynamics during the bottom-out phase will be satisfying and uniform thanks to the acoustic properties of nylon. Thus, despite their differing top materials, the bottom housing remains a common factor in creating an enjoyable typing sensation.
Overall, the combination of materials in both the TTC Gold Silver and HMX Vintage Citrus switches creates a diverse auditory palette for users. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Silver offers clarity and sharpness, while the nylon top of the Vintage Citrus lends a rounded richness to keystrokes. Both switches maintain the advantage of a nylon bottom housing, which cultivates a deep sound signature that adds warmth to the overall typing experience. Consequently, choosing between the two switches boils down to personal sonic preference, with users able to achieve distinct auditory experiences driven by their top housing choices while enjoying the mutual benefits provided by the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, some notable differences emerge. The Gold Silver switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams, making the Gold Silver the lighter option. In terms of bottom out force, the Vintage Citrus switch features a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Gold Silver remains unknown. This means that while both switches have different actuation forces, the Vintage Citrus also provides a more definitive bottoming experience for users who prefer a substantial feel in their keystrokes, although we cannot compare it directly to the Gold Silver due to lack of information on the latter's bottom out force. Overall, typists who favor a lighter switch for longer typing sessions might lean towards the TTC Gold Silver, while those seeking a heavier and more tactile typing experience may prefer the HMX Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Gold Silver features a longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference in travel distance suggests that the Gold Silver may provide a more pronounced tactile experience, appealing to users who appreciate deeper keystrokes and a more deliberate typing feel. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker actuation and responsiveness, which is particularly beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times in their gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: opt for the Gold Silver for a more traditional, deeper feel or go with the Vintage Citrus for a snappier, more responsive touch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch produces a thocky, low-pitched tone, delivering a deep and rich auditory feedback that culminates in a satisfying bottom-out experience. This sound profile is characterized by its bass-heavy resonance, which makes it enjoyable for users who appreciate a pronounced auditory cue while typing. The switch is designed to provide a neutral aspect, making it versatile for various settings, whether at home or in shared spaces. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus lacks specific descriptions regarding its sound qualities, leaving it undetermined what auditory characteristics it might possess. Considering that sound also depends on factors such as the keyboard's construction and the chosen keycaps, users would need to experiment to determine the Vintage Citrus's sound performance.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver stands out with its polished, silky, and smooth typing experience. The careful engineering leads to minimal friction during key presses, providing a gentle resistance that maintains an approachable typing feel for users of all skill levels. The mild and subtle characteristics of this switch further enhance its versatility, making it suitable for both casual typing and more intense gaming sessions. Conversely, while the Vintage Citrus switch is designed for rapid-fire inputs with a low actuation point, it does not have detailed descriptions of its tactile feel. Therefore, its specific characteristics remain unknown, leaving users to wonder about the texture and resistance it offers during operation.
In summary, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch excels in providing a thocky and low-pitched sound, alongside a smooth and polished typing feel that suits a variety of environments. This makes it a reliable option for both casual users and gamers seeking a balanced experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is tailored for speed, although its sound and tactile feedback characteristics remain unspecified. To achieve desirable performance, users may want to experiment with different keycap and board combinations when using the Vintage Citrus to find the optimal auditory and tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering between the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, your choice should largely depend on your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and a smooth key travel experience, the TTC Gold Silver spring is your best bet. Its low-bottom-out force and polished, silky feel make every keystroke feel effortless, ideal for those who enjoy a swift typing experience, whether for gaming or everyday tasks. Additionally, the thocky and low-pitched sound adds an engaging auditory element that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking an ultra-responsive switch designed for quick, successive key presses, the Vintage Citrus is tailored for you. With an exceptionally low actuation distance and medium-light bottom-out force, it’s perfect for rapid-fire inputs, allowing you to react quickly in fast-paced games. The bright, clacky sound will certainly give an energetic vibe to your gaming setup. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to whether you prioritize a smooth, polished typing experience or the lightning-fast response ideal for competitive gaming.
Mentioned in this article
