Huano Grape Orange vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Vintage Citrus each offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences and use cases. The Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, featuring an ultra-low actuation force of just 40 grams, which makes it a splendid choice for those who engage in extended typing sessions without fatigue. This linear switch emphasizes a smooth tactile response, making it great for writers and typists alike. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is engineered specifically for gamers, presenting a rapid actuation distance of only 1mm, allowing for quick and precise key presses essential for competitive gameplay. Its bright and clacky sound profile, combined with a notably smooth push feel, delivers an invigorating auditory and tactile experience that enhances performance during frantic gaming moments. While both switches cater to a linear actuation preference, their intended use cases set them apart. 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
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches demonstrate notably different acoustic properties due to their distinct compositions. The top housing of the Grape Orange is constructed from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for yielding a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic allows for a clearer and more resonant audio experience, which is further enhanced by the polycarbonate's translucency, making it particularly appealing for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, a classic material that absorbs more sound and results in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. The nylon’s softer nature contributes to a duller, rounder sound compared to the more vibrant acoustics provided by polycarbonate.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it’s clear that they share a commonality with each utilizing nylon as the material of choice. This similarity means that the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will largely result in a deeper, fuller auditory experience typical of nylon. Its sound-absorbing properties would mean that both switches provide a satisfying and muted feel when the keys are fully pressed down. This shared characteristic in the bottom housing highlights how the Grape Orange and Vintage Citrus can deliver similar tactile satisfaction during typing, despite the contrasting experiences driven by the different materials in their top housings.
Overall, the contrasting materials of the top housings—polycarbonate in the Grape Orange versus nylon in the Vintage Citrus—serve to create distinct sound profiles when typing. Users of the Grape Orange can expect sharper sounds when releasing the keys, complemented by the visual appeal of RGB lighting due to the clear housing. Meanwhile, Vintage Citrus users will enjoy a deeper, rounded sound profile during both key presses and releases. However, the commonality in the nylon bottom housing means that both switch options still provide a pleasantly full sound when bottoming out, allowing for a shared experience in terms of tactile feedback that transcends their differing top materials.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present a noteworthy contrast in actuation and bottom out forces, influencing the typing experience they offer. The Grape Orange has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended periods, such as during work or lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. While both switches provide a linear feel, the Grape Orange is generally the lighter option, conducive to ease of use, whereas the Vintage Citrus offers a medium-light experience for those who appreciate a firmer push. Overall, if you're looking for lighter and more effortless keystrokes, the Huano Grape Orange would be the preferable choice, while the HMX Vintage Citrus appeals to those who appreciate a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. If you're seeking a more responsive key press, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice due to its shallower travel, allowing for quicker activation and response times—an aspect often favored by gamers. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced key feel and a hearty depth with every press, the Grape Orange's 3.6 mm travel distance may be more appealing, offering a slightly more gradual experience. Ultimately, the difference in travel distances between the two switches caters to distinct preferences, making the Grape Orange the longer option and the Vintage Citrus the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 Huano Grape Orange linear switch offers a muted sound profile that is well-suited for a quieter work environment, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is characterized by its bright and clacky sound, producing a crisp, percussive noise with each keystroke. The clackiness adds a level of auditory satisfaction that can enhance a gaming or typing session, providing a clear feedback signal when keys are pressed. However, it is important to remember that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Grape Orange excels in providing a lightweight and effortless typing experience due to its ultra-low actuation force of 40g. This makes it particularly enjoyable for extended typing sessions, allowing users to type with minimal fatigue. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed to be snappy and invigorating, offering a quick response time thanks to its short actuation distance and engaging feel. The added feedback and reactive nature of the Vintage Citrus switch create an immersive typing sensation that can enhance gameplay, making it ideal for rapid inputs.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches are tailored for different use cases—one for a quieter, more comfortable experience and the other for a lively and responsive feel—they present distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to varying preferences. If users prioritize silence and comfort, the Grape Orange will serve them well, while those seeking a snappier and more pronounced experience will find the Vintage Citrus captivating. Each switch offers a unique take on the linear switch experience, ensuring that keyboard enthusiasts can find a switch that meets their specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches depends largely on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience for long durations, the Grape Orange is your go-to option with its low actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes it ideal for writers or casual users who enjoy a smooth, fatigue-free feel. Conversely, if you’re looking for a switch that caters more to gaming with a focus on quick, responsive inputs, the Vintage Citrus is better suited for you. With its snappy feel, clacky sound, and slightly higher bottom-out force of 53 grams, it not only provides pronounced feedback but also enhances the immersive experience during fast-paced action. Therefore, consider your primary use—whether it’s typing or gaming—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard needs.
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