Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options are the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both of which offer unique benefits for different typing experiences. The Ink Black V2 has established itself as a long-time community favorite, renowned for its smooth downstroke and rich, bassy sound profile that contributes to a satisfying typing experience. Its polished feel and mild sound make it an excellent choice for users who prioritize comfort and a classic aesthetic. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is specifically engineered for gamers, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, which facilitates rapid-fire inputs for high-paced gaming scenarios. With its bright, clacky sound and smooth push feel, it appeals particularly to those who thrive on speed and responsiveness in their keyboard interactions. Ultimately, each switch presents distinct advantages—whether you’re drawn to the rich sound and polished feel of the Ink Black V2 or the quick actuation and vibrant audio of the Vintage Citrus. 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
60g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and HMX Vintage Citrus switches, one of the most significant contrasts lies in their housing materials. The Ink Black V2 utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, allowing for a consistent sound profile characterized by a pointed, high-pitched, and clacky tone. This unique blend gives the switch a more vibrant auditory signature, making every keystroke sound and feel distinctively sharp and crisp. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus employs nylon as its housing material, both on the top and bottom. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller tone during typing. This can create a more muted auditory experience compared to the brighter sound produced by the Ink Black V2.
Furthermore, the differences in material not only affect sound but also the overall typing experience. With the Ink Black V2's INK blend, users may expect a more pronounced acoustic feedback due to the material's inherent properties. The result is an experience that emphasizes clarity and sharpness, particularly when releasing keys. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, thanks to its nylon housing, provides a typing experience that feels warmer and rounder. This softer touch can be more appealing to some users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback while still delivering a satisfying feel during key presses.
Despite these differences, both switch types can still provide satisfying results based on personal preference. Users who lean towards a lively and crisp sound may favor the Ink Black V2, while those appreciating a deeper, richer auditory experience might find the HMX Vintage Citrus more to their liking. The significance of each housing material in shaping sound and feel creates a unique identity for each switch, but ultimately, both are capable of delivering enjoyable typing experiences tailored to individual taste. Understanding the nuances brought forth by these materials allows users to select a switch that aligns with their auditory and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Black V2 features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, while the Vintage Citrus has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This means that if you prefer a lighter feel, the Vintage Citrus would be the more suitable choice, providing less resistance which can be beneficial for long typing sessions. In contrast, those who enjoy a stronger push and more tactile feedback may lean towards the Ink Black V2, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces create a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Ink Black V2 is the heavier option, while the Vintage Citrus offers a lighter alternative.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Ink Black V2 features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shallower travel distance of 3 mm. This difference highlights a clear distinction between the two switches; the Ink Black V2 offers a more traditional and deeper feel, making it suitable for those who appreciate a hearty typing experience with more tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, is designed for quicker response times, appealing particularly to gamers who favor rapid key presses. Ultimately, while both switches serve different preferences, choosing the shorter Vintage Citrus can lead to a more responsive feel, whereas the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 caters to those who enjoy more depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, the Ink Black V2 is characterized by a low-pitched, bassy tone with a hint of chirpiness, which contributes to a more mellow yet engaging auditory experience while typing. These switches provide a rich and deep sound that many users find satisfying, especially for those who enjoy the acoustic feedback of their keyboards. On the other hand, while the Vintage Citrus is designed with a bright and clacky sound profile, specific descriptors for its acoustic qualities are not provided. That said, it can be inferred that the Vintage Citrus will produce a snappy and energetic sound suitable for rapid gaming action, which contrasts with the deeper tones of the Ink Black V2.
In terms of feel, the Ink Black V2 excels with its mild and polished characteristics. With its smooth and refined key travel, these switches deliver a gentle typing experience ideal for users who prefer a balanced approach without extreme tactile feedback. The polished finish ensures reduced friction, allowing for a seamless and pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus's feel details remain unspecified; however, given its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, it suggests a design aimed at fostering quick key presses, appealing particularly to gamers who require rapid and effortless actuation.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, the Ink Black V2 stands out with its rich sound and polished feel. The Vintage Citrus, geared toward gamers with its quick actuation and bright sound, complements the quick type style but does not have as much information regarding its specific sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, users seeking a smooth typing experience with an effective auditory feedback system may gravitate toward the Ink Black V2, while those focused on gaming performance and rapid inputs may prefer the Vintage Citrus. Both will cater to different preferences, ensuring satisfying results depending on individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your specific needs and typing preferences. If you prefer a more substantial feel and sound while typing, the Ink Black V2 with its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams will suit you well, especially if you enjoy a deep, rich sound profile combined with a smooth downstroke. This switch is an excellent option for those who value a more tactile experience and a bass-heavy acoustics, making it a favorite for both typists and casual gamers who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're a gamer looking for speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus's exceptionally low actuation force of just 53 grams and its quick actuation at 1mm are designed precisely for rapid-fire inputs, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming sessions. The Vintage Citrus also offers a bright, clacky sound that provides engaging auditory feedback, although it may not deliver the deep richness of the Ink Black V2. In essence, if you prioritize speed and lightness, go for the Vintage Citrus; if you indulge in a more classic and bold typing experience, the Ink Black V2 will likely be your best bet.
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