KTT Kang White vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Kang White and the HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as two compelling options in the linear category, each catering to different preferences and needs. The Kang White is celebrated for its unique soothing sound profile and self-lubricating material, which offers an unmatched smoothness during typing—a delight for typists and casual users alike. With its low-pitched, neutral characteristics, this switch excels in providing a satisfying tactile experience without overwhelming noise. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus is specifically engineered for gamers, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm designed to facilitate rapid-fire keystrokes. Its clacky sound profile and smooth push feel enhance the gaming experience, allowing for sharp and responsive inputs. While both switches offer remarkable performance, their strengths cater to different user experiences; the Kang White is great for a quieter typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus thrives in high-speed gaming scenarios. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Kang White and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, the most striking difference lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Kang White employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate’s stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, its translucent nature makes it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting, providing an aesthetically pleasing glow. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch features a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for delivering a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon’s softer characteristics. The material is less resonant than polycarbonate, resulting in a sound profile that is duller but richer, contributing to an overall more rounded auditory experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, making this aspect of their design similar. Nylon's soft plastic nature is effective at absorbing sound, leading to a fuller bottom-out sound and feel across both models. Given that the bottom housing of a switch primarily impacts the sensation and sound when the key is fully pressed down, users can expect a comparable auditory experience when bottoming out the keys on either switch. This shared characteristic of nylon in the bottom housing provides a certain level of consistency in terms of tactile feedback and sound dampening, allowing for a deep and satisfying keystroke.
Overall, while the KTT Kang White and HMX Vintage Citrus each offer unique sound profiles due to their diverging top housing materials, their similarities in bottom housing create a bridge between the two experiences. The Kang White’s polycarbonate top enhances the higher frequencies and allows for vibrant RGB lighting, while the Vintage Citrus’s nylon top fosters a warmer sound with less resonance. Users can achieve a balance in sound and feel by recognizing how the differing top materials affect the overall switch performance; the crispness of the Kang White can be complimented by the warmth of the nylon bottom, and vice versa with the Vintage Citrus, allowing for tailored auditory results based on preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see notable differences in their specifications. The Kang White has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams and a lower bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This distinction means that the Kang White requires less force to actuate, making it a lighter switch overall, which could benefit those who type extensively or engage in long gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus, while still manageable, offers a bit more resistance, providing a heavier feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The KTT Kang White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional choice for those who appreciate the substantial feedback that comes with a deeper key press. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, which caters to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more sensitive typing experience. This difference results in the Kang White switch providing a heftier feel, while the Vintage Citrus offers a more abrupt and rapid activation. Ultimately, if you prefer a more traditional typing experience with greater depth, the Kang White is the better fit, while the Vintage Citrus serves those who favor speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Kang White linear switch presents a low-pitched and neutral auditory profile, striking a balance that allows for a bass-heavy yet mellow typing experience. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is recognized for its bright, clacky sound, which is particularly enticing for gamers looking for an engaging auditory feedback during fast-paced action. The brightness of the Vintage Citrus could add a layer of excitement to gameplay that contrasts sharply with the more subdued Kang White, allowing users to select their sound profile based on personal preference or situational needs.
In terms of feel, the KTT Kang White is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and the seamless typing experience afforded by its self-lubricating materials. This makes the switch incredibly pleasant for long typing sessions, as there is minimal friction involved. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus boasts a remarkably smooth push feel coupled with a very low actuation force, making it ideal for rapid-fire inputs. This makes the Vintage Citrus a contender for users who prioritize speed and quick response in gaming scenarios, while the Kang White is more attuned to providing a luxurious typing experience.
In summary, the KTT Kang White excels with its low-pitched, mellow sound and notably smooth typing experience, making it versatile for various users. The HMX Vintage Citrus offers a bright, clacky sound profile paired with a low actuation force crucial for fast-paced gaming. Each switch has its unique strengths, appealing to different user preferences, whether you're seeking a balanced auditory experience or an immediate, dynamic response for gaming. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you gravitate toward a smooth typing experience with a pleasing sound profile and appreciate a bit more resistance in your keystrokes, the Kang White is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom out force of 58 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback that's enjoyable for prolonged typing, making it suitable for both work and moderate gaming sessions. Conversely, if you're primarily a gamer who thrives on quick reaction times and fast-paced gameplay, the Vintage Citrus will serve you better with its lighter bottom out force of 53 grams and rapid actuation at just 1mm. This allows for faster key presses and a clacky sound that enhances the gaming experience. Additionally, its smooth push feel makes it favorable for those lightning-fast inputs essential in competitive situations. In summary, choose the Kang White for versatile, comfortable typing and the Vintage Citrus for speed and gaming performance.
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