Gateron Ink Yellow vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can dramatically influence both typing and gaming experiences. Take the Gateron Ink Yellow switch, for instance; revered for its polished, smooth actuation and shorter travel distance, it offers a delightful blend between the tactile feedback of standard mechanical keyboards and the minimalist feel of laptop keys. Typists seeking a versatile and mild typing experience will find the Ink Yellow to be a fitting choice. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm that allows for lightning-fast key presses, perfect for rapid-fire gaming scenarios. Its bright, clacky sound profile and snappy feedback give an invigorating edge that appeals to those looking for responsiveness in their gameplay. Both switches present unique benefits tailored to different preferences, whether for typing or gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, a key distinction lies in the properties of their respective materials. The Ink Yellow employs a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a high-pitched, clacky sound profile that is consistent across the switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which yields a deeper, rounder sound profile characterized by more muted acoustics. Thus, while the Ink Yellow provides a sharp and lively sound, the Vintage Citrus offers a more subdued auditory experience, demonstrating the varied acoustic impacts different materials can produce.
Both the INK blend and nylon materials fundamentally influence the overall sound and tactile experience of their respective switches. The INK blend is designed to create a pronounced and sharp sound that resonates throughout the typing experience, reflecting its higher density and rigidity compared to nylon. Conversely, the nylon material's softer characteristics tend to absorb vibrations, contributing to the deeper sound profile noted in the Vintage Citrus. This absorption effect results in a more cushioned keypress feel, contrasting with the more pronounced feedback experienced with the Ink Yellow's solid composition. Therefore, users of these switches can expect distinct auditory and tactile sensations arising from the differences in materials.
Despite the differences, it is worth noting that both switches can still deliver gratifying experiences in their own right. If you favor a louder, more high-energy typing experience, the Ink Yellow's INK blend may provide what you seek; however, those who prefer a deeper and richer acoustic profile will find satisfaction in the Vintage Citrus’s nylon housing. Additionally, both switches maintain quality performance characteristics and reliability that enthusiasts appreciate, showcasing how variations in housing materials can cater to diverse preferences while still providing enjoyable, functional experiences in mechanical keyboard usage.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present a clear contrast in actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. The Ink Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch offers a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. As a result, the Vintage Citrus is the lighter option, while the Ink Yellow is distinctly heavier. For users who prioritize typing comfort over shorter periods or enjoy gaming, the lighter Vintage Citrus switch may be more favorable, whereas the Ink Yellow could satisfy those seeking a firmer, more pronounced keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Ink Yellow comes in at 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Vintage Citrus may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance. However, those who appreciate a more substantial depth during key presses might prefer the Ink Yellow, which offers an extra half millimeter of travel for a more pronounced experience. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Vintage Citrus sets it apart from the slightly longer Ink Yellow switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
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 Yellow and HMX Vintage Citrus switches, both produce a distinctively clacky audio signature. The Ink Yellow delivers a crisp and bright sound, producing a sharp and snappy response on actuation that many find appealing across a variety of environments, be it home or work. Similarly, the Vintage Citrus also offers a clacky sound characterized by its bright and percussive qualities, making it well-suited for rapid-fire keyboard inputs typical of gaming. Overall, both switches provide an engaging auditory experience that would likely satisfy users who appreciate a lively sound during typing or gaming.
In terms of feel, the Ink Yellow excels with its mild and polished characteristics, offering a notably smooth typing experience. Users can expect gentle actuation with reduced friction, which contributes to a refined and seamless key travel. This makes it accessible and comfortable for extended typing sessions, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch stands out with its snappy and invigorating feedback, providing a more responsive typing feel. Its unique design encourages a more active contribution from the typist, resulting in an immersive experience that many gamers and fast typists seek. While both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences regarding actuation feedback.
In summary, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches have their unique strengths, making them appealing to different user preferences. The Ink Yellow is ideal for those who prioritize a smooth, mild experience with a pleasant sound suitable for various environments, while the Vintage Citrus is tailored for gamers seeking quick actuation and pronounced feedback. Despite these differences, those who enjoy an engaging auditory and tactile experience will find value in either switch, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience overall.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you value a typing experience that strikes a balance between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow is the better option for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback that many find comforting, especially if you appreciate a smooth yet clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking a swift and responsive experience, the Vintage Citrus switch, with its light 53-gram actuation force and exceptionally low actuation point, is the way to go. This switch offers an invigorating and snappy feel, enhancing rapid-fire inputs and making it ideal for competitive gaming. Both switches deliver a clacky sound profile that adds a fun auditory element, but your decision should ultimately hinge on whether you prioritize a more controlled typing experience or a rapid, gaming-focused performance.
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