TTC Ice vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences suited to different user preferences. The TTC Ice, known for its stunning crystal-clear design, delivers a smooth and responsive typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and everyday tasks. Its balanced performance ensures versatility, appealing to users who value aesthetics alongside functionality. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm for rapid-fire inputs. Its bright, clacky sound profile paired with a remarkably smooth push feel makes it a favorite among competitive players seeking speed and precision. While both switches cater to linear preferences, they differ significantly in sound, feel, and intended use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the HMX Vintage Citrus, a clear distinction arises between the two based on the types of plastics utilized. The TTC Ice employs a polycarbonate construction, both for its top and bottom housings. The unique properties of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contribute to the sharpness and clarity of the sound profile, resulting in a higher-pitched and crisper typing experience. This is particularly advantageous for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback, especially under RGB lighting, as the translucency of the material enhances visual aesthetics. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings. Known for its softer texture, nylon material results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound, delivering a typing experience characterized by a rounder and duller auditory feedback.
The sonic characteristics of these two switches can be seen as complementary, with the TTC Ice's polycarbonate offering a bright tonal quality while the Vintage Citrus's nylon provides a warmer sound. When considering their housing materials, one can anticipate that the TTC Ice's overall performance will favor those seeking a sharp and resonant experience. On the other hand, users of the HMX Vintage Citrus will likely prefer a deeper and more subdued result. This inherent difference in sound profile reflects not only the material properties but also influences user preference when it comes to typing comfort and auditory satisfaction.
Ultimately, the way each housing material impacts the switch's performance is also noteworthy in terms of assembly and use. The Ice’s use of polycarbonate contributes to a consistent sound profile that remains clear across both the top and bottom housing, making for a cohesive feedback experience during typing. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus presents a divided experience, where the nylon housing absorbs sound, which may lead to variance in the auditory feedback between pressing and releasing the key. Therefore, while both switches can effectively produce fulfilling typing experiences, their different housing materials distinctly affect the sound profiles and tactile feel, allowing users to choose based on personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, both exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires slightly more effort with an actuation force of 48 grams and a lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This means the Ice switch is lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier when it comes to bottoming out. The difference in actuation forces suggests that users may find the Ice switch easier to press during extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Vintage Citrus, being medium-light, offers a more comfortable feel for users who prefer a less demanding keystroke. For those seeking a stronger push feel, the TTC Ice provides a heftier bottom out experience, making it favorable for substantial typing, while the Vintage Citrus may appeal to those who prefer a less intense bottoming out sensation. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for lighter or heavier resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The TTC Ice features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3.0 mm. This difference signifies that the Ice switch provides a more pronounced key press experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper, more tactile actuation. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus, with its 3.0 mm travel distance, caters to users who favor faster response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers or individuals seeking quick key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference: if you value a more responsive feel and like the shorter travel, the Vintage Citrus may be your ideal switch. Conversely, if you appreciate a more substantial depth in your keystrokes, the Ice would be the preferred option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
When considering the sound profile of the TTC Ice and HMX Vintage Citrus switches, both present distinct auditory experiences. The Ice switch offers a satisfying bottom-out sound that contributes to a premium typing experience, making it versatile for both gaming and everyday tasks. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch delivers a bright, clacky sound that plays well into its design as a speed switch, specially tailored for rapid taps required in intense gaming scenarios. While the Ice has a more muted and refined output, the Vintage Citrus appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during each keypress.
Focusing on the feel of the switches, the TTC Ice is known for its smooth and responsive action, providing a gratifying sensation when typing or gaming. Its smoothness enhances the overall enjoyment and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is crafted with an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for quick key presses with ease. This switch is also designed to feel remarkably smooth, facilitating rapid-fire inputs without much resistance. While both switches prioritize a smooth push feel, the Ice leans towards a balanced experience suitable for various applications, while the Vintage Citrus emphasizes speed and agility.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ice excels in providing a refined auditory experience combined with a smooth and responsive feel, making it suitable for a broader range of tasks. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus shines through with its pronounced sound and quick actuation, perfect for gamers seeking a swift and tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether one values a balanced and versatile experience over the need for speed and sharper auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you're considering your options between the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, your specific needs will dictate which one is a better fit for you. The TTC Ice is excellent if you enjoy a balanced typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, providing a satisfying tactile response and a more deliberate feel that blends well for both gaming and everyday tasks. Its crystal-clear design also adds an aesthetic appeal that can elevate your keyboard's overall look. On the other hand, if you're a gamer who prioritizes speed and fast actuation, the HMX Vintage Citrus might be your ideal choice. With a lower bottom-out force of 53 grams and a quick 1mm actuation distance, these switches are specifically tailored for rapid inputs, enabling you to make split-second decisions in fast-paced games. Additionally, the clacky sound profile can add a unique auditory experience, enhancing your gameplay ambiance. Ultimately, your preference for feel, sound, and the type of usage—what you're doing, whether it's gaming or typing—will guide you to select the switch that best aligns with your keyboard experience.
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