KTT Lightning vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Lightning and HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as two exceptional linear options, each catering to distinct preferences among gamers and typists. The KTT Lightning is renowned for its approachability and speed, making it ideal for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. Its slick typing experience, accompanied by a distinct clacky sound profile, offers a polished feel that many users appreciate for both gaming and daily tasks. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is explicitly designed for gamers, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid-fire inputs without compromising on comfort. With its bright, clacky sound and snappy feedback, the Vintage Citrus promotes an invigorating typing experience that can enhance performance during intense gaming sessions. Both switches deliver unique benefits; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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
The KTT Lightning and HMX Vintage Citrus switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, contributing to unique sound profiles when in use. The Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound when typing. This clarity is particularly pronounced due to the material's translucence, which also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it appealing for users who value both aesthetics and auditory feedback. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, a material recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, producing a duller, rounder auditory experience. This difference in material fundamentally affects how each switch responds acoustically, highlighting the specific auditory preferences of keyboard users.
Both switches, however, share the same nylon bottom housing material, which influences the overall sound profile by providing a deeper base. As the bottom housing is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, the contributions of nylon in both switches result in a consistent auditory foundation, creating a roundness that adds richness to the typing experience. This shared characteristic ensures that while the Lightning's top housing may produce a sharper sound upon release, the fuller sound from the nylon bottom brings aspects of enrichments, creating a balance in the auditory experience when pressed down.
Though the top housings of the KTT Lightning and HMX Vintage Citrus differ significantly, the combination of both nylon bottom housings allows for a unique amalgamation of their qualities. Users can expect that the characteristic nylon properties will dominate the overall typing experience, creating depth through the combined effects of both the top and bottom housings. Accordingly, while the Lightning emphasizes clarity and sharper sounds, the broader acoustic profile is unified by the nylon in both switches, allowing for enjoyable and unique auditory experiences, regardless of the differences in the top material.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Lightning linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, clear differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The KTT Lightning features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, which is beneficial for extended use during work or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that while both switches provide a relatively comfortable typing experience, the Lightning is easier to press, while the Vintage Citrus offers a more solid feel with its heavier forces. Thus, for users seeking a lighter touch, the KTT Lightning would be the ideal choice, whereas those looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the HMX Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the KTT Lightning linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch is 3 mm, indicating that they are identical in this aspect. With both switches offering the same travel distance, users can expect similar tactile feedback and key press experiences when engaging either switch. This means that whether one chooses the KTT Lightning or the HMX Vintage Citrus, the overall feel during typing or gaming will remain consistent, providing a uniform response in key actuation.
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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Lightning and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches share a clacky sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive, which many typists and gamers find satisfying. The Lightning's sound can also be described as high-pitched, adding an element of sharpness to each keystroke, making it well-suited for environments where a more airy sound is favorable. The Vintage Citrus, while also clacky, does not emphasize high-pitched characteristics to the extent of the Lightning. However, the overall focus on a bright sound makes both switches appealing in scenarios where auditory feedback plays a significant role in the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Lightning offers a subtle yet polished experience. This means users can expect a gentle resistance without feeling overwhelmed, allowing for comfortable typing even in shared spaces. The smoothness further enhances the experience, making it an attractive option for long sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus prioritizes a snappy and invigorating feel. Its design emphasizes responsiveness, which is perfect for rapid inputs, especially in gaming contexts. The feedback from this switch is pronounced, offering an immersive typing sensation that distinctly differs from the more laid-back refinement of the Lightning.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Lightning and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches have their respective strengths, they cater to different user preferences. The Lightning excels in smoothness and subtlety, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a refined typing experience tempered with a pleasant high-pitched sound. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus stands out for gamers who favor rapid actuation and snappy feedback, enhancing performance during fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, both switches can deliver an engaging typing experience; your choice will depend on whether you prefer a polished touch or a more invigorating and responsive feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness, especially in competitive gaming scenarios where quick reactions can make all the difference, the KTT Lightning is an excellent choice. Its light 50-gram bottom-out force, paired with a polished, smooth typing feel and clacky sound profile, makes it perfect for a fast-paced environment while remaining approachable for new users. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that combines a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams with a design specifically aimed at rapid-fire input, the Vintage Citrus would serve you well. Its low actuation point, invigorating feedback, and snappy response will cater to gamers who appreciate a more tactile and immersive experience. In essence, your decision should reflect whether speed or a more responsive tactile feel fits your typing or gaming style best.
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