Gateron Luciola vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Luciola and HMX Vintage Citrus present intriguing options for enthusiasts, each with unique characteristics suited for different preferences. The Gateron Luciola, renowned for its vivid glow-in-the-dark feature, offers a medium heft and a satisfying typing experience that is both smooth and bouncy. Its sound profile, reminiscent of a "can of spray paint being shaken," adds an engaging auditory dimension to typing. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered with gamers in mind, boasting an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, making it perfect for rapid-fire actions during intense gameplay. This switch also features a bright and clacky sound profile, appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback with their keystrokes. While the Luciola is ideal for users who value aesthetics and a snappy keystroke, the Vintage Citrus excels in speed and responsiveness for competitive 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
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches feature distinct materials in their housing, which contribute significantly to their sound and feel during typing. The Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is noted for producing a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This characteristic creates a clacky auditory experience that users may find appealing for its sharpness and clarity. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, known for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller auditory experience. The contrasting sounds produced by each switch are a direct reflection of the materials used, showcasing how housing composition can dictate sonic output.
In analyzing the bottom housings, we see further divergence in the auditory characteristics of the two switches. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing reinforces its pointed sound profile, thereby enhancing the clacky sound that users experience during key presses. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Vintage Citrus softens the overall sound produced when a key is bottomed out, lending a muffled quality that appeals to those who prefer a more subdued auditory response. Despite both possessing high-quality materials, their differences in composition promote diverse tactile feedback and acoustic performance, impacting the overall user experience when typing.
While the Luciola and Vintage Citrus switches embody contrasting sound profiles due to their differing housing materials, a notable aspect of their design lies in how they split the qualities of their materials between the top and bottom housings. The Luciola's high-pitched clackiness is accentuated during releases, primarily due to the INK blend of the top housing, while the bottom housing reinforces this behavior during key presses. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus offers a more harmonious and rounded sound experience, predominantly influenced by the nylon in both housing components. Therefore, though they deliver different sound characteristics, each switch possesses a crafted design that highlights the significance of material choice, ensuring users can find a switch that aligns with their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces become evident. The Luciola features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, resulting in a heavier feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it suitable for those who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. This means that the Luciola is the heavier option overall, while the Vintage Citrus is the lighter choice. Consequently, users seeking a more responsive switch might lean towards the Vintage Citrus, while those looking for a more pronounced feedback may prefer the Luciola's heavier forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Luciola features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Luciola offers slightly more depth in its keypress, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile feel while typing or gaming. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter 3 mm travel distance, provides a quicker response time, making it more suited for gamers who value speed in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're inclined toward a more responsive experience, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a fuller keypress may prefer the Gateron Luciola.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola switches produce a distinct profile characterized by a hollow “can of spray paint being shaken” sound, which leans towards a high-pitched, clacky resonance. This particular sound profile adds an engaging auditory dimension to the typing experience, allowing for a lively interaction with the keyboard. The Vintage Citrus switch, while not specifically described in terms of acoustics, is designed for gaming, which often emphasizes quick, responsive inputs possibly accompanied by sounds that complement fast-paced gameplay. Due to the nature of mechanical switches, the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard build and keycap material, so while each switch may offer unique characteristics, the acoustic performance could potentially overlap depending on setup.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch stands out with its medium heft that provides a smooth and bouncy typing experience. This switch is described as snappy and buttery, which results in a highly responsive and fluid keystroke; it feels alive and engaging under the fingers. On the other hand, the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch is not specified, but its exceptionally low actuation force suggests a focused design on quick, effortless keystrokes that would cater well to rapid gaming scenarios. While both switches may offer satisfying tactile responses in their own contexts, the Luciola’s polished attributes may contribute to a more refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola offers a distinctive auditory charm and a lively typing feel, making it a versatile choice for both typing and light gaming. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus, while less explicitly detailed in sound and feel description, is geared specifically towards facilitating rapid inputs ideal for gaming. As a newcomer looking to choose between these two, consider your primary use; if you lean towards an engaging typing experience with a unique aesthetic, the Luciola may be your pick. However, if rapid commands and performance are your goals, the Vintage Citrus could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches can yield enjoyable results, yet their traits cater to slightly different preferences and contexts.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch should largely depend on your typing preferences and use case. If you appreciate a medium heft while typing and enjoy a unique auditory experience, the Luciola is an excellent option. It not only features a captivating glow-in-the-dark aesthetic but also delivers a smooth yet bouncy feel, with a distinctive sound profile akin to a can of spray paint being shaken. This makes it particularly satisfying for those who take pleasure in both tactile feedback and playful auditory cues during their typing. On the other hand, if you are a gamer who prioritizes rapid input and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus is likely your best bet. Its low actuation force of just 1mm and bright, clacky sound profile provide the quick feedback needed for gaming scenarios where reaction time is crucial. Ultimately, consider your primary activities—whether it’s typing for work or playing games—to decide which switch aligns with your mechanical keyboard aspirations.
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