TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The TTC Light Cloud V2 is celebrated for its silent operation and refined typing feel; its lightweight design caters to users seeking a gentle and focused typing experience. With characteristics described as mild, muted, and feathery, this switch is perfect for those who prioritize a noise-free environment and a delicate touch. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered for gamers, featuring an ultra-low actuation force of just 1mm, making rapid key presses a breeze. The Vintage Citrus also boasts a bright, clacky sound profile that resonates with gamers looking for a tactile response, along with a silky smooth push feel that complements fast-paced gameplay. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you seek the tranquility of a silent typing experience or the exhilarating feedback of a clacky switch tailored for gaming. 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
1.20 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Light Cloud V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, resulting in significant similarities in their performance characteristics. Nylon, as a classic switch housing material, offers a markedly deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to the material's inherent properties; nylon is softer than many alternative plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound. Consequently, both switches produce a more muted, rounded auditory experience. When typing on these switches, users can expect a consistent sound profile that enhances the overall tactile feedback of physical interactions, leading to a satisfying typing experience.
While both the Light Cloud V2 and HMX Vintage Citrus boast the same nylon construction for their housings, the distribution of their sound qualities may differ upon keypress. When the switch is engaged, it is the bottom housing's material that influences the bottom-out sound and feel, allowing for a softer landing as the key is pressed. This is crucial for typists who favor a subdued keystroke sound. Since both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, they will likely replicate similar sound and feedback characteristics when the key is fully pressed down, making for a cohesive typing experience across both models.
However, the interaction between the top and bottom housings contributes differently to the overall sound profile during the release phase of a keypress. The top housing predominantly affects the sound upon key release, and with both the Light Cloud V2 and Vintage Citrus having nylon in this position, users can again expect similar auditory results. The combination of two nylon housings—top and bottom—ensures that both models will produce a comparable acoustic quality, characterized by a deep, rounded sound. This uniformity in materials guarantees that whether one opts for the Light Cloud V2 or the HMX Vintage Citrus, they will enjoy a similar tactile and auditory experience in their typing sessions.
Weight
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch both offer medium to medium-light actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ slightly in their specifications. The Light Cloud V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Vintage Citrus features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Light Cloud V2 requires less force to initiate a keystroke but feels a bit heavier when fully pressed down compared to the Vintage Citrus, which is lighter at bottom out despite needing slightly more force to actuate. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Light Cloud V2, while those looking for a more substantial feel might opt for the Vintage Citrus. Overall, the Light Cloud V2 is the lighter option in terms of actuation, whereas the Vintage Citrus has a lighter bottom out force, resulting in a uniquely different typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance between the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a clear difference. The Light Cloud V2 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive experience with faster actuation, the Vintage Citrus may be the preferable choice because of its reduced travel distance. Conversely, if you enjoy a more pronounced depth in key presses, the Light Cloud V2 would be more suited to your taste, providing a fuller feel as you press down on the keys. Overall, the TTC Light Cloud V2 offers a longer travel distance compared to the HMX Vintage Citrus, catering to different preferences in user experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches are characterized by a muted and neutral profile, which creates a softer typing experience that is less intrusive compared to more traditional, clacky switches. This makes them particularly suitable for environments where noise might be a concern, such as offices or shared spaces. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches are associated with a bright and clacky sound profile that can energize the typing experience, particularly appealing to gamers who enjoy audible feedback during key presses. While the Light Cloud V2 is designed to be quieter, the Vintage Citrus reflects a more dynamic soundscape, offering a distinct auditory experience depending on the intended usage.
The feel of the Light Cloud V2 switches is described as mild, easy-to-press, and feathery, emphasizing a gentle resistance during key presses. This means that users can expect a responsive and low-impact typing experience, reducing finger fatigue even during extended sessions. The lightweight nature of these switches contributes to a delicate and nuanced experience, allowing for comfortable typing whether for work, gaming, or casual use. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch is not provided. Therefore, one cannot confidently compare its tactile characteristics, but it is clear that it has been designed with the rapid actuation in mind—ideal for gaming and quick inputs.
In summary, if you're looking for a quiet and comfortable typing experience, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is likely the better choice, boasting a refined feel and minimal noise. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a more vibrant sound suitable for gaming, though details about its tactile feel remain unknown. Ultimately, while these switches serve different target audiences—with one favoring silent precision and the other, an energetic actuation—personal preference will play a crucial role in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, consider the primary context of your keyboard usage. If you are looking for a switch that provides a refined and muted typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 is an excellent option. With its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams and gentle, feathery feel, this switch is particularly well-suited for long typing sessions, whether for work or casual use, without causing significant finger fatigue. In contrast, if your main focus is on gaming performance, the Vintage Citrus linear switch may be the better choice. Boasting a lower bottom-out force of 53 grams and a remarkably fast 1mm actuation point, it allows for rapid key presses, making it ideal for gamers looking for speed and responsiveness. Plus, the bright and clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element during intense gaming sessions. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing habits: opt for the Light Cloud V2 for a quiet, comfortable experience or the Vintage Citrus for a dynamic and responsive gaming environment.
Mentioned in this article
