Bsun Hutt vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often hinges on your personal preferences and typing or gaming style. The Bsun Hutt switch, characterized as tactile, offers a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump that provides an invigorating and sharp feedback with each keystroke. This makes it ideal for typists who appreciate a more pronounced feel to their inputs, as well as a balanced sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically for gamers, boasting an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm for rapid-fire keyboard inputs. Its bright, clacky sound and smooth push make it an appealing option for those seeking quick response times during intense gaming sessions. While the Hutt caters to typists craving tactile feedback and an enjoyable auditory experience, the Vintage Citrus prioritizes speed and efficiency for gamers. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
49g
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
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and the HMX Vintage Citrus, a notable distinction emerges between their top housings. The Bsun Hutt utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant auditory experience, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, yielding a duller and rounder auditory result. Consequently, while both materials provide unique auditory characteristics, the Hutt's polycarbonate housing aims for clarity and brightness, whereas the Vintage Citrus's nylon top leans towards depth and warmth.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both the Bsun Hutt and the HMX Vintage Citrus employ nylon in this part of their composition. The nylon bottom housing on both switches creates a consistent base for sound experience, contributing to the deep and full sound profile associated with nylon. Since nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, both switches will exhibit a similar acoustic signature when pressed down. This results in a consistently muted feel and a more rounded bottom-out sound for users of both switches, reinforcing the idea that while the top housing materials diverge, their bottom housings maintain a degree of similarity in the auditory experience.
In summary, the combination of different top housing materials results in distinct sound profiles for both the Bsun Hutt and the HMX Vintage Citrus, while the similarity in their nylon bottom housings ensures a unified auditory experience. Users seeking a clearer and sharper response may gravitate towards the Hutt, while those preferring a fuller and more rounded sound may find the Vintage Citrus to their liking. Ultimately, the design choices made in the construction of these switches cater to varying preferences, and their differing top materials influence the overall sound experience during typing and key release, with a shared focus on a rich soundscape provided by the nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hutt switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a softer feel for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for users who appreciate a stronger keystroke. This distinction highlights the Hutt as the lighter option, while the Vintage Citrus is the heavier alternative. Users aiming for a keyboard with a lighter touch may lean towards the Hutt, whereas those seeking a firmer resistance might opt for the Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences among users. The Bsun Hutt features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference indicates that the Hutt switch provides a deeper keystroke, which may be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch, with its shallower 3 mm travel, is likely to appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Vintage Citrus is the ideal choice, while those who enjoy a deeper actuation will find the Bsun Hutt more satisfying.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 Bsun Hutt tactile switch is characterized by a resonant quality, which offers a higher-pitched and clean auditory experience. This can create an engaging typing atmosphere as each keypress emits a sharp and immersive sound that enhances the overall experience. On the other hand, while specific descriptions of the sound profile for the HMX Vintage Citrus switch aren't provided, it is known to possess a bright and clacky sound. In comparison to the Hutt, this implies a contrast in auditory character; where the Hutt provides a more balanced and resonant tone, the Vintage Citrus likely has a livelier and more pronounced sound when activated.
When considering feel, the Hutt tactile switch presents a snappy and invigorating typing experience owing to its medium-heavy spring and pronounced tactile bump. This switch is responsive and offers a sharp tactile feedback on each press, allowing for a lively typing sensation that many users find enjoyable. The tactility is further accentuated, making it suitable for those who appreciate pronounced feedback without being overwhelming. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch, designed primarily for gaming, features a low actuation force and a smooth push feel, which allows for quick and effortless key presses. While the Hutt offers a more tactile experience with distinct feedback, the Vintage Citrus focuses on speed and fluidity, appealing to gamers who prioritize rapid key action.
In conclusion, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch favors a resonant sound profile paired with a pronounced tactile feel that many typists find rewarding, reflecting an immersive experience ideal for varied tasks. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus, with its rapid actuation and smooth feel, caters specifically to gamers, providing them with quick responses and a clacky auditory sensation. While both switches deliver unique benefits, they shine in different areas: one in tactile feedback and auditory immersion, and the other in speed and smoothness. Depending on personal preference, users can find satisfaction with either switch, whether they are looking for a tactile typing experience or an optimized gaming function.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you appreciate a tactile feedback and a distinct sound profile, the Hutt switch is an excellent choice. Its light bottom-out force of 49 grams paired with a prominent tactile bump creates a snappy and invigorating typing experience, making it ideal for those who value a lively feel and resonant sound when typing or programming. However, if you're primarily focused on gaming, particularly rapid-fire inputs, the Vintage Citrus with its medium-light 53 grams force and exceptionally low actuation force of 1mm is designed specifically for that purpose. Its smooth push feel and bright, clacky sound profile cater to fast-paced gaming scenarios where quick reactions are crucial. Therefore, reflect on whether your priority leans towards a tactile and immersive typing experience with the Hutt or the swift and responsive gameplay advantage offered by the Vintage Citrus. Each switch has its strengths, and your choice should align with the activities you engage in most frequently.
Mentioned in this article
