Gateron Jupiter Red vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preferences in typing feel and response. The Gateron Jupiter Red stands out as an excellent option for users who crave a smooth and polished typing experience. With its medium-heavy actuation and seamless keystrokes facilitated by a single-stage spring, this linear switch provides a creamy and silk-like feel that appeals to those who prioritize consistency and comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored for gamers, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, which is perfect for rapid-fire keystrokes in fast-paced gaming scenarios. This switch also delivers a bright, clacky sound profile, adding a distinct auditory satisfaction to each keystroke. While both switches bring unique advantages—smoothness and consistency versus speed and feedback—each caters to different use cases and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus, a distinct difference emerges from the choice of materials used in their top housings. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This construction contributes to a sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp, ideal for those seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing or gaming. The polycarbonate's clarity also enhances the aesthetic appeal when paired with RGB lighting, allowing for a vibrant illumination effect. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus boasts a nylon top housing, which is known for absorbing sound and creating a deeper, fuller auditory atmosphere. The softer nature of nylon results in a duller and rounder sound, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more muted typing experience.

One area where both switches align is in their choice of bottom housing material. Both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus incorporate nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material ensures that regardless of the differences in the top housing, the bottom housing will contribute to a deeper sound that absorbs more noise. Users can expect a consistent sensation and auditory response in this area, thanks to the nylon’s inherent properties. Consequently, this similarity allows both switches to produce a unified experience concerning the bottom-out sound and feel, promoting versatility in keyboard builds by providing a balanced acoustic experience.

In summary, while the Jupiter Red and Vintage Citrus exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials—polycarbonate and nylon, respectively—they converge in their choice of nylon for the bottom housings. This combination influences the overall typing experience, with the Jupiter Red delivering a brighter sound profile complemented by its polycarbonate top, while the Vintage Citrus offers a more subdued, rounded acoustics through its nylon top housing. Since both switches share the same bottom housing, users can expect similar sensations when bottoming out, ultimately shaping the overall ambiance of their keyboard setup, whether they prefer the crisper notes of the Jupiter Red or the warmer sounds of the Vintage Citrus.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Jupiter Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams but has a lower bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This indicates that while the Vintage Citrus requires more force to initially trigger a keystroke, it provides a softer landing when bottomed out. Thus, the Gateron Jupiter Red is the lighter switch overall, while the HMX Vintage Citrus is heavier, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel in their typing experience. Therefore, those who favor a lighter switch for longer typing sessions might lean towards the Jupiter Red, whereas those seeking a firmer push might find the Vintage Citrus more satisfying.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This variation in travel distance highlights the differences in feel and responsiveness between the two switches. The Jupiter Red, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional depth that some users may find satisfying for typing. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus appeals to those who prefer a snappier response, ideal for gaming, due to its shallower 3 mm travel distance. While both switches serve different preferences—heartier depth versus quick responsiveness—those who opt for the shorter travel distance of the Vintage Citrus may experience more rapid key actuations, while the Jupiter Red provides a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a deeper feel or expedited response times.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron Jupiter Red switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus switch, the Jupiter Red stands out with a neutral sound profile. This means it produces a moderate level of sound that is suitable for a wide range of environments and user preferences, making it versatile for both work and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Vintage Citrus switch remains unspecified, which leaves the auditory experience of this switch as an unknown variable, though it is designed for rapid-fire gaming, hinting at a potentially louder or chattier output.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch excels with its polished, creamy, silky, and mild qualities. The smooth and refined finish of the Jupiter Red ensures a seamless typing experience, with factors such as factory lubing contributing to its buttery and silky sensation. This all results in reduced friction and allows for easy key travel, making it an enjoyable experience for typists. The Vintage Citrus switch, while designed for gameplay, does not have its tactile feel detailed, which leaves uncertainty about how it stacks up against the Jupiter Red's smoothness and user-friendly characteristics.

In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Red is a well-rounded linear switch that offers a smooth and neutral sound profile, complemented by a superior tactile experience characterized by its polished and creamy feel. The HMX Vintage Citrus, aimed specifically at gamers with its low actuation force, lacks detailed information on its sound and feel but suggests a different focus geared towards rapid inputs. For those choosing between these two switches, if sound and a polished feel are priorities, the Jupiter Red shines, whereas the Vintage Citrus may cater better to speed-oriented gamers, contingent on its unknown qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, you'll want to consider your primary use case and personal preference. If you're looking for a polished, creamy, and silky typing experience, the Jupiter Red is your go-to option. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams makes it suitable for those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing or gaming, all while delivering a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. This switch is ideal for a balanced use—whether for work, gaming, or casual typing—thanks to its neutral sound profile and versatile feel. On the other hand, if you're a gamer focused on speed and rapid-fire inputs, the Vintage Citrus is a better choice. With a lighter bottom-out force of 53 grams and an incredibly low actuation distance of just 1mm, it caters specifically to fast-paced gaming scenarios. Plus, its bright, clacky sound adds a distinctive auditory feedback that many gamers find satisfying. In essence, if your priority is a refined typing experience that caters to various tasks, go for the Jupiter Red; however, if speed and rapid actuation are what you seek, the Vintage Citrus will serve you well.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more