Gazzew LT vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew LT and HMX Vintage Citrus present compelling options, each catering to distinct preferences and use cases. The Gazzew LT, with its alluring lilac hue and deep, resonant "thock", creates a rich auditory experience that many typists appreciate for its satisfying sound and seamless glide. Designed for those who enjoy a bassy, thocky sensation, it excels in delivering a smooth typing experience suitable for both casual use and creative tasks. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring a remarkably low actuation force of just 1mm, enabling lightning-fast response times crucial for competitive play. With its bright, clacky sound profile and invigorating push feel, the Vintage Citrus caters to those seeking a tactile thrill while gaming. While both switches provide rewarding experiences, the choice ultimately boils down to your intended use. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew LT Linear

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gazzew LT and the HMX Vintage Citrus keyboards utilize distinctive materials for their top and bottom housing, yet both share certain acoustic properties that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Gazzew LT employs a proprietary blend of plastic, often referred to as "boba plastic," which is known for its softness and ability to generate a rich and deep sound. This characteristic is similar to the nylon material used in both the Vintage Citrus's top and bottom housings, which is renowned for producing a deep and full sound profile due to its softer composition. Thus, both keyboards incorporate softer materials, creating a foundation for a warm and resonant typing experience.

When comparing both keyboards' bottom housings, the Gazzew LT's blend and the nylon used in the Vintage Citrus perform similarly in delivering sound qualities. Notably, both materials absorb sound effectively, resulting in a less harsh and more rounded auditory experience during keystrokes. As both keyboards' bottom housings emphasize sound when bottoming out, users can expect a comparable robustness and subdued noise, highlighting the importance of material choice in determining tactile feedback and sound dynamics.

The main difference lies in the specific material compositions—while the Gazzew LT utilizes a proprietary blend, the Vintage Citrus opts for traditional nylon throughout. This variation introduces subtle distinctions in feel and sound characteristics depending on which switch is employed. Nevertheless, the resulting experience can be similar, as both types of materials prioritize softness and sound absorption. Thus, users can anticipate a consistent auditory and tactile quality when typing across both models, even though the precise material science differs.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces that caters to distinct user preferences. The Gazzew LT has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has a clear actuation force of 48 grams, making it lighter and more suited for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Its bottom out force is also lighter at 53 grams, contributing to a medium-light typing experience. As a result, users seeking a lighter switch for comfort may prefer the Vintage Citrus, while those who favor a stronger tactile response might opt for the Gazzew LT despite its unknown actuation force. Overall, the Vintage Citrus offers a lighter and more forgiving typing experience, whereas the Gazzew LT provides a heavier and more substantial feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the LT features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Gazzew LT provides a bit more depth in its actuation compared to the Vintage Citrus, which may appeal to users who prefer that hearty feel when pressing down on keys. Conversely, gamers or those seeking quicker response times might lean towards the Vintage Citrus due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key presses and potentially improved performance. In summary, the Gazzew LT is the longer option at 3.2 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus is the shorter at 3 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew LT linear switch delivers a rich auditory experience characterized by its deep, resonant thockiness. Users can enjoy the bassy tones that emerge with each keystroke, providing a satisfying "thud" that is low-pitched and mellow. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch offers a distinctly different sound profile; its clacky nature produces sharp, crisp, and bright sounds that are percussive in character. Essentially, while the LT provides a deep thock, the Vintage Citrus focuses on a more lively and high-pitched sharpness, making for two contrasting acoustic experiences.

Regarding feel, the Gazzew LT linear switch is known for its smooth glide during typing, allowing for effortless transitions between key presses. In comparison, the Vintage Citrus switch is engineered for gamers and features a snappy and invigorating response. Its design includes longer or dual-staged springs that grant an immediate and engaging tactile feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation. While the LT offers a silky experience, the Vintage Citrus’s snappiness gives it an edge that some gamers find beneficial for rapid inputs.

In conclusion, both the Gazzew LT and HMX Vintage Citrus switches provide distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The LT leans towards a deeper, more thocky auditory output and a smooth typing experience, whereas the Vintage Citrus excels with its bright clack sound and responsive, snappy feel. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on personal preference, whether one desires a richer acoustic experience or a more reactive typing action. If sound profiles and tactile responses are important to you, try both to determine which aligns best with your typing style and gaming needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you lean towards a more robust and tactile experience, the Gazzew LT with its medium-heavy 65-gram bottom-out force, deep thocky sound profile, and smooth keystrokes may be the right fit for you. This switch excels in situations where you value a satisfying audio feedback and a solid feel while typing, making it perfect for general use or if you enjoy quieter environments. On the other hand, if you find yourself primarily gaming or engaging in rapid typing tasks that require quick and responsive actions, the Vintage Citrus switch stands out with its lower 53-gram force and an actuation point as quick as 1mm. Its clackier sound and invigorating feel will likely enhance your performance during fast-paced gaming sessions or detailed work that demands agility. Therefore, consider how you intend to use your keyboard: for a steady, satisfying typing experience, reach for the Gazzew LT; for speed and responsiveness in gaming, choose the HMX Vintage Citrus.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more