KTT Laurel vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing or gaming experience, the KTT Laurel and HMX Vintage Citrus offer two compelling options for linear switches, each with distinct characteristics. The KTT Laurel is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, providing a balance of responsiveness and comfort, perfect for both casual typists and gamers alike. Its full POM housing contributes to a subtly low-pitched sound profile, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a quieter experience without sacrificing performance. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid key presses and quick reflexes in fast-paced gaming sessions. Its bright, clacky sound profile and remarkably smooth push feel provide a different tactile experience that can energize gameplay. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, making it crucial to consider what aspects matter most to you. 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
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the HMX Vintage Citrus, it becomes evident that both switches utilize materials that contribute significantly to their sound profiles but differ in composition. The KTT Laurel features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which are noted for creating a sound that is deep and relatively muted. This unique acoustic characteristic arises from POM's density and rigidity, resulting in a sound that resonates with a consistent and pleasing quality. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus uses nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized for its softer nature, which allows it to absorb more sound and produce a fuller, rounder tone. Consequently, while both switches aim for a deeper sound profile, the way they achieve this differs markedly due to the materials employed.
While the KTT Laurel and HMX Vintage Citrus share similar goals in sound quality, the specific housing materials result in variations in acoustic performance. The POM housings of the Laurel create a unique resonance that can feel slightly more subdued, likely favoring a clean and controlled auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Vintage Citrus may yield a richer sound, with the alignment of its softer texture producing a pronounced depth. Thus, the characteristics of each material lead to differences not just in sound but also in the tactile experience, as the muted nature of POM may lend itself to a slightly different feedback sensation when compared to the plush feel of nylon.
In essence, both the KTT Laurel and the HMX Vintage Citrus can produce a similarly deep sound profile due to the inherent qualities of their materials. However, the differentiation lies in the subtleties of sound absorption and resonance, influenced by the rigidity of POM versus the softness of nylon. When pressed, the impact of these materials is felt distinctly: the KTT Laurel’s sound is likely to feel more controlled, while the HMX Vintage Citrus may provide a more enveloping auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for either a muted POM acoustic quality or the full, rounded sound characteristic of nylon housings.
Weight
The KTT Laurel linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch demonstrate notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, providing distinct user experiences. The Laurel features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize prolonged typing sessions or gaming due to its ease of use. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a marginally heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback while typing. This difference in force suggests that the Vintage Citrus offers a slightly more resistant and firm feel, while the Laurel remains easier to press down. Essentially, if you're looking for a switch that allows for lighter, less fatiguing typing, the KTT Laurel would be the preferred option, whereas the HMX Vintage Citrus caters to those who enjoy a heavier touch.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that when pressed, the Laurel offers a deeper feel, which some users may find more substantial and satisfying, especially those who prefer a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter distance, may appeal to gamers or users looking for faster response times, providing a more immediate tactile experience. In this comparison, the KTT Laurel is the longer travel switch, while the HMX Vintage Citrus is the shorter option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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
The KTT Laurel linear switch produces a subtly low-pitched sound profile, offering a mellow and somewhat bass-heavy tone that adds a pleasant acoustic backdrop to typing sessions. This quality makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter environment, as the sound is less jarring and more subdued compared to higher-pitched switches. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a bright, clacky sound profile, delivering sharp keystrokes that can resonate more prominently in a gaming or typing context. The distinct sound characteristics of both switches allow for notable differences in acoustic experiences, with the Laurel favoring quiet, smooth operation and the Vintage Citrus leaning more towards exuberant auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel is characterized by its snappy actuation, making it responsive during fast-paced typing or gaming moments. This feeling is enhanced by the switch's medium-light resistance and longer pole design, providing a perfect balance of comfort and quick responsiveness. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically for rapid input, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force that allows for effortless keystrokes and rapid-fire commands. While the Laurel favors a more lively feel, the Vintage Citrus emphasizes speed and smoothness, making both switches suitable for their respective applications but prioritizing different aspects of user experience.
Overall, both the KTT Laurel and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences suitable for different types of users. The Laurel balances a low-pitched sound with a snappy feel that is great for general typing and casual gaming. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus excites with its bright, clacky sound and ultra-responsive push, making it perfect for competitive gamers. Depending on your preferences for sound and actuation feel, each switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the KTT Laurel linear switch or the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it’s important to align your choice with your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a snappy response and a subtly low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel is your best bet. Its 50-gram bottom-out force and full POM housing provide a comfortable typing experience suited for both casual typing and everyday productivity. On the other hand, if you're a gamer who values rapid, precise keystrokes and a clacky sound that adds some excitement to your setup, then the HMX Vintage Citrus is the way to go. With a slightly heavier 53-gram force and an exceptionally low 1mm actuation point designed for quick inputs, this switch is tailored for speed-focused gameplay. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by whether you seek a more responsive feel with a mellow sound for general use or a switch that excels in gaming performance with an energetic auditory feedback.
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