Kailh BCP vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh BCP and HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as two compelling options for enthusiasts and gamers alike, both offering unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Kailh BCP distinguishes itself with its creamy, viscous feel and a signature poppy sound profile, which is reminiscent of reimagined Black Cherry Pies. This switch offers a delightful typing experience with its elastic bounce, making it a suitable choice for those who appreciate a tactile acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring an extremely low actuation force of just 1mm that enables rapid inputs—a crucial advantage in fast-paced gaming scenarios. The Vintage Citrus also boasts a bright, clacky sound profile and a remarkably smooth push feel, ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. Each switch bring distinct characteristics to the table, appealing to different types of users; 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
52g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.40 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches both utilize nylon as their primary housing material, comprising both the top and bottom housings. Given that nylon is a classic choice for switch housing, it contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The inherent characteristics of nylon, namely its softer composition, allow it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As such, both switches are likely to produce a similar auditory experience characterized by a warmer and rounder tonality. This shared use of nylon in both housing components means that users can expect a consistent sound and feel from each switch, which is particularly appealing for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing.
Although the Kailh BCP and the HMX Vintage Citrus share the same material in both their top and bottom housings, the overall performance may still differ depending on other factors such as switch design or actuation mechanism. However, since they both employ nylon, the fundamental sound-absorbing properties remain uniform across both switch types. Users looking for switches that emphasize acoustic quality will find both the BCP and Vintage Citrus to provide satisfying tactile and auditory feedback, reinforcing the notion that the materials used in the housings play a crucial role in crafting the typing experience.
In practical terms, if the Kailh BCP and HMX Vintage Citrus have the same nylon housing materials, users will achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel during use. The impact of the top housing on the release sound and the bottom housing's effect on the bottom-out feel will resonate similarly due to the consistent properties of nylon. Therefore, whether one opts for the BCP or the Vintage Citrus, the experience will likely be characterized by the same satisfying, muted tonality and a fulfilling typing sensation, further solidifying the utility of nylon as a preferred housing material in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom-out forces emerge. The BCP switch has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and providing a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom-out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category that would be more suitable for those who value comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming. Consequently, the Vintage Citrus is the lighter option, while the BCP is the heavier choice. These differences suggest that users aiming for long hours of use might lean toward the Vintage Citrus for its easier key presses, whereas those who appreciate more resistance might favor the BCP for its pronounced feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Kailh BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that if you are looking for a quicker response time, the Vintage Citrus could be the better choice as it provides a more shallow feel that many gamers prefer for its rapid actuation. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial press and a deeper engagement, the Kailh BCP's longer travel distance might suit your needs better. Thus, while both switches have their advantages, the BCP offers a greater depth experience, whereas the Vintage Citrus caters to those who favor a more immediate response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh BCP linear switch emits a signature poppy and clacky profile that adds an engaging auditory feedback to every keystroke. This lively sound can enhance the typing experience, making it feel more interactive and satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch also boasts a bright, clacky sound profile, tailored for rapid-fire inputs, reflecting its design intent for gamers who appreciate auditory cues. Both switches share a common characteristic of being loud and resonant, which can make them appealing for those who enjoy an audible typing experience, but individual preferences in keycap materials and the keyboard's construction will also significantly influence the overall sound.
When assessing the feel of each switch, the BCP offers a creamy, viscous texture that feels elastic and bouncy, creating a tactile experience that many typists find enjoyable. The sensation of keystrokes on the BCP is enhanced by its tactile feedback, which contributes to the engaging typing rhythm. Contrastingly, the Vintage Citrus provides a remarkably smooth push feel, designed for quick actuation with an exceptionally low force requirement. This smoothness complements its gaming prowess, allowing for rapid key presses with minimal resistance. While both switches emphasize unique aspects of tactile feedback, the BCP leans towards a more textured experience, while the Vintage Citrus focuses on seamless actuation.
In summary, both the Kailh BCP and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The BCP's poppy and clacky sound paired with its elastic feel creates a lively typing environment, while the Vintage Citrus's bright sound profile and smooth actuation support quick-response inputs ideal for gamers. Ultimately, your choice between them may hinge on whether you prefer a more textured, engaging typing experience or a slick, fast response system—both options guarantee satisfying results, albeit with differing sensations and sounds.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and intended use. If you favor a medium-heavy switch that provides a satisfying tactile and auditory experience, the BCP’s creamy, elastic feel combined with its clacky sound profile may enhance your typing and gaming experience, particularly if you appreciate a bit more resistance in your keystrokes. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingers and a signature pop with every press. On the other hand, if you're primarily focused on speed and responsiveness—especially in gaming scenarios—the Vintage Citrus will likely suit your needs better. With its notable low actuation force and rapid 1mm key travel, this switch offers a smooth and quick response, making it perfect for players who need to execute fast inputs without excess effort. Its bright and clacky sound further complements its speedy nature, adding to the gaming ambiance. Ultimately, consider the balance between tactile engagement and actuation speed that best fits your typing style and gaming requirements when making your selection.
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