KTT Mallo vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two notable contenders in this realm are the KTT Mallo and the HMX Vintage Citrus. The KTT Mallo, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its refined design, providing a gentle tactile bump that delivers feedback without being overpowering. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound profile, the Mallo is a versatile choice, suitable for both typists and those who want a more subdued experience in various typing environments. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus, a linear switch, is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring a remarkably low actuation force of just 1mm, perfect for rapid-fire inputs. Its bright, clacky sound and exceptionally smooth push make it an enticing option for those who prioritize speed and performance in gaming. Both switches cater to distinct preferences—whether you lean towards the subtlety of tactile feedback or the swift responsiveness of a linear switch. 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
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Mallo and the HMX Vintage Citrus, the most significant difference lies in the composition of their top housings. The Mallo utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's rigidity. This feature not only contributes to clearer sound delivery but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch when RGB lighting is employed, as polycarbonate is transparent. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus opts for a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a more rounded auditory experience, particularly noticeable during typing. Therefore, while the Mallo excels in delivering high-pitched, resonant sounds perfect for toggle-like feedback, the Vintage Citrus provides a sound reminiscent of traditional switches, appreciated for its robust and fuller sound.
On the other hand, both the KTT Mallo and the HMX Vintage Citrus share similarities in their bottom housing material, with both utilizing nylon. This consistency means that both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out and during general usage. The nylon material in the bottom housing plays a crucial role, absorbing sound and providing a solid foundation for the tactile experience that typists often seek. Thus, while the top housing differences lead to distinct sound attributes during key release, the shared nylon bottom ensures an underlying coherence in their acoustic feedback that connects both switches in user experience, making them appealing choices for enthusiasts seeking different sound dynamics.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials between the KTT Mallo and the HMX Vintage Citrus create a unique sound experience with their respective characteristics, while the similar bottom housings anchor each switch with a unified tactile and auditory foundation. If a user prefers a switch that delivers a crisper sound with a pronounced response, the Mallo shines through its polycarbonate top. Conversely, if they seek a more traditional, fuller sound, the Vintage Citrus delivers on that front. By understanding these distinctions and commonalities, users can select switches that cater to their preferences for sound profiles, aesthetics, and overall typing feel, ensuring a personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find notable distinctions. The Mallo has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is classified as medium-light. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a defined actuation force of 48 grams and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This difference means that while both switches are relatively light, the Vintage Citrus is the lighter option overall due to its lower actuation force and bottom out force. Users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions would appreciate the Vintage Citrus, while those who prefer a firmer feel might lean towards the KTT Mallo, despite its unspecified actuation force. Overall, the Vintage Citrus provides a more forgiving typing experience, while the Mallo may offer a stronger push feel suitable for certain preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Mallo features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for deeper keystrokes, offering a more pronounced feedback that some users favor for typing and general use. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus comes in at a shallower 3 mm travel distance, catering to those who prefer quicker, more responsive key presses—an aspect particularly appreciated by gamers. The difference in travel distances reflects diverging user preferences; while the Mallo provides a heartier depth for a satisfying typing experience, the Vintage Citrus enables faster response times, ideal for high-speed gaming. Ultimately, if you're searching for a switch that allows for a more pronounced feedback, the Mallo is the better choice, whereas the Vintage Citrus suits those who value speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switches are characterized by their neutral and subdued audio profile. This means they emit a balanced sound that's not overly loud or harsh; instead, they provide a moderated auditory response suitable for both quiet environments and louder spaces. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches are known for their bright, clacky sound profile, which tends to be more pronounced and lively, making them ideal for gamers who enjoy an audible click as feedback during rapid inputs. While the Mallo maintains a more refined sound signature, the Vintage Citrus offers a more vibrant auditory experience, favoring those who appreciate a more engaging sound while typing or gaming.
On the feel front, the KTT Mallo switches present a feathery and mild typing experience, ensuring that they require minimal exertion from fingers, thereby reducing fatigue during extended sessions. Their stepped tactile response is gentle yet noticeable, allowing typists to receive feedback without the overwhelming sensation found in hyper-tactile switches. This makes them highly approachable for a wide range of users. However, the feel of the HMX Vintage Citrus is not detailed in the available information, so it cannot be compared directly. Nonetheless, given its low actuation force catered towards rapid-fire gaming, one can infer that it aims for a smooth push feel, appealing to gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
In summary, the KTT Mallo switches excel in providing a neutral and subdued sound combined with a light, mild, and subtly tactile experience, making them a versatile option for typing and general use. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches are designed for rapid inputs and feature a bright, clacky sound that is likely to enhance the gaming experience. While the two switches differ significantly in auditory characteristics, the Mallo offers a comfortable, balanced feel suitable for longer typing sessions. If seamless typing in shared spaces or a more immersive gaming sound is your goal, both switches cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it is essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. The KTT Mallo is your go-to option if you appreciate a balanced typing experience that offers light tactile feedback without being overly intrusive. Its neutral sound profile makes it an excellent choice for both work and casual environments, allowing you to type comfortably for extended periods while maintaining a pleasant auditory experience. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy typing or require precision in their work, as the gentle tactility and medium-light force reduce finger fatigue and enhance productivity.
Conversely, if you are a gamer who prioritizes rapid response times and smooth keystrokes, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is tailored to meet those demands with its exceptionally low actuation force and quick activation. Its bright, clacky sound profile complements a gaming setup perfectly, providing the auditory feedback that many gamers find satisfying when executing fast-paced actions. This switch is ideal for competitive gaming scenarios, where every millisecond counts, and where a smoother and faster input can make a significant difference in performance. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean more towards typing finesse and versatility with the Mallo or the speed and responsiveness offered by the Vintage Citrus.
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