HMX Gravel vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When searching for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts will often find themselves torn between options like the HMX Gravel and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both of which are linear switches but cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, featuring a medium-light actuation force that allows for a responsive and effortless typing journey, making it an excellent choice for those who value comfort during prolonged use. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is tailored specifically for gamers, boasting a remarkably low actuation force of just 1mm that facilitates rapid-fire inputs. Its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push not only enhance gaming experiences but also provide a satisfying auditory feedback. Each switch presents unique advantages depending on whether you're focused on typing comfort or gaming prowess; 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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 HMX Gravel and HMX Vintage Citrus switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which profoundly influences their sound profiles. The Gravel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer plastic that elevates the sharpness and clarity of the sound produced. This design is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing, as the polycarbonate material promotes a higher-pitched and crisper acoustic experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing that gives off a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon’s softer nature. This quality allows the material to absorb more of the vibrations when a key is pressed, resulting in a rounder and more muffled sound. Consequently, users looking for a brighter sound will gravitate toward the Gravel, while those who appreciate a warmer tone may lean towards the Vintage Citrus.
Despite the contrasts in their top housing materials, the two switches share common ground in their bottom housings, which are both constructed from nylon. As a result, users will experience a similar deep and full sound when bottoming out the keys on either switch, as both utilize the same classic nylon material. The inherent characteristics of nylon provide a consistent typing experience, softening the acoustics to create a uniform and cushioned feel when keys are pressed. This commonality signifies that while the top housing may define the nature of the sound during release, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in dampening the sound and creating a satisfying bottom-out experience for both switches.
In summary, the HMX Gravel and HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer unique auditory experiences due to differences in their top housing materials, which significantly shape how they sound when keys are released. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a comparable depth and fullness during key presses. This combination allows users to potentially enjoy a well-rounded auditory experience, whether they are appreciative of the crispness of polycarbonate or the richness of nylon. Thus, while their top housings create distinct sound profiles, the underlying nylon design guarantees that both switches deliver satisfying feedback during typographical engagement.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force between the HMX Gravel and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches showcase some notable differences. The Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, particularly beneficial for long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, falling into the medium-light category. This difference in force can create a more substantial feel for typists who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Overall, while both switches offer their own unique experiences, the Gravel provides a lighter touch, whereas the Vintage Citrus gives a bit more resistance, allowing users to choose based on their preferred typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly affect the typing experience and preference. The Gravel’s longer 3.5 mm travel distance may provide a more tactile and deliberate feel, which is favored by those who appreciate a hearty depth when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, caters to users who prefer quicker responsiveness, as shorter travel distances are often advantageous for gaming and fast-paced typing. Thus, while both switches offer unique benefits, selecting between them largely depends on whether one values deeper, more substantial keystrokes or quicker, more responsive actions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 HMX Gravel linear switch is notably quiet, providing a smooth typing experience without the audible feedback that some typists prefer. This makes it particularly suitable for environments where noise is a consideration, allowing for uninterrupted workflow. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch produces a bright, clacky sound profile that can add an engaging auditory element to gaming sessions or typing. The contrast in sound between the two switches is significant, as the Gravel offers a more subdued experience while the Vintage Citrus is more pronounced and lively. It's important to remember that sound is also influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap selection, which means that both switches can ultimately yield distinctive acoustic results based on these factors.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switch shines with its exceptional smoothness, coupled with a medium-light actuation force that provides a balanced typing experience. The ease of key presses delivers a refined sensation that can be truly satisfying for typists who appreciate a buttery feel. In comparison, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed for rapid feedback with an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, enabling quick and responsive inputs ideal for gaming. Its smooth push feel complements its design for speed, making it an excellent choice for gamers looking for agility and instinctive movement in their key presses. While both switches deliver smoothness, the Gravel focuses on a well-rounded typing experience while the Vintage Citrus prioritizes rapid actuation.
In summary, while both the HMX Gravel and Vintage Citrus linear switches provide a smooth feel, they cater to different user preferences in sound and performance. The Gravel is more subdued and balanced, fitting for a variety of tasks, while the Vintage Citrus offers a clacky auditory experience that stands out during high-paced gaming. Choosing between the two will depend on whether one values a quieter typing environment or an amplified sound profile combined with lightning-fast responsiveness. Regardless, both switches have their unique strengths and can provide enjoyable typing experiences tailored to their specific use cases.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the HMX Gravel and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Gravel switch will likely suit you better, especially if you're using your keyboard primarily for typing or other tasks that demand comfort over speed. Its excellent smoothness and effortless feel make long typing sessions less tiresome. Conversely, if you’re a gamer looking for quick response times and rapid inputs, the HMX Vintage Citrus is the way to go. With its medium-light bottom-out force and exceptionally low actuation point of just 1mm, it enables rapid-fire actions and can enhance your gaming performance. Additionally, the clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element that can elevate your gaming experience. Thus, consider how you intend to use your keyboard—whether for typing or gaming—and choose accordingly to ensure that your switch aligns with your tactile and auditory preferences.
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