Gateron Melodic vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Melodic and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Gateron Melodic reinvigorates the classic clicky switch category, seamlessly blending its nostalgic, tactile feedback with modern enhancements like smooth factory lubrication and dual-railed stems. These features not only elevate the signature clicky sound but also ensure a buttery and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed for gamers, delivering an exhilarating performance with an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm. This speed-oriented linear switch prioritizes rapid-keypress responses, paired with a bright, clacky sound profile and an exceptionally smooth push feel. Essentially, if you crave the satisfying auditory and tactile feedback of traditional typing, the Melodic is your go-to. Conversely, if you're focused on speed and responsiveness for gaming, the Vintage Citrus could be the better fit. 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
60g
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
Yes
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 housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the HMX Vintage Citrus, it's clear that they employ different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, a material lauded for its stiffness, which results in a brighter and crisper sound when typing. This acoustic clarity is particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is used, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for a more vibrant light display. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus opts for a nylon top housing that lends itself to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a more rounded acoustic experience, contrasting with the sharper presentation of the Melodic.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, thus creating a commonality in how they affect the overall typing experience. The nylon material, being softer, results in a deeper bottom-out sound in both switches. This shared characteristic leads to a more consistent feeling when pressing down, as both switches absorb sound in a similar way due to their identical bottom housing material. Consequently, while the Melodic may produce a crisper sound upon releasing a key due to its polycarbonate top housing, the bottom housing ensures that the tactile feedback remains substantial and satisfying in both cases.
The differences in top housing materials ultimately shape how users perceive the switches, particularly in terms of sound when a key is released. The Melodic's polycarbonate top promotes a more resonant and higher-pitched sound, which can be more pronounced under certain conditions, especially when coupled with RGB lighting. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus's nylon top creates a warmer, more subdued sound when keys are released. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, offering similar tactile sensations, the varying top housing materials mean that users may experience different auditory feedback—one brighter and more exhilarating, the other richer and mellower. Together, these distinctions highlight the importance of housing materials in crafting the unique auditory and tactile experiences of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as medium. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a defined actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This indicates that the Vintage Citrus is the lighter option, requiring less force to actuate. The Melodic's higher bottom out force suggests a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a heavier push feel. Therefore, individuals looking for a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions might gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus, while those who enjoy a firmer touch might favor the Melodic despite its unspecified actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference indicates that the Melodic switch provides a more traditional and deeper keystroke experience, which some users may appreciate for its tactile feedback and satisfying depth. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus switch, with its shallower travel, caters more towards those who prioritize fast response times, making it ideal for gaming scenarios where quick actions are essential. Ultimately, if you're seeking a more responsive feel, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Melodic would be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a distinctive auditory experience characterized by a resonant and crunchy sound profile. The clicky mechanism offers a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp sound that heightens the typing experience and creates an engaging atmosphere, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate retro clicky sounds in their typing sessions. On the other hand, while the details on the sound profile of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch are not explicitly provided, its designation as a speed switch suggests it likely features a bright and clacky sound that complements its gaming-oriented design. That being said, the exact auditory qualities may vary based on keyboard build and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Melodic is characterized by its buttery smoothness combined with invigorating feedback. That means each keystroke is not only fluid but also offers pronounced tactile response, allowing for a very engaging typing sensation. The combination of a smooth keystroke with moderate to firm actuation force supports an immersive and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus linear switch does not have specific feel descriptors provided, but with an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, it is designed to facilitate rapid and smooth key presses, which are crucial for gaming. This fundamentally different tactile experience prioritizes speed, which may not offer the same level of feedback as the Melodic.
In summary, both the Gateron Melodic and HMX Vintage Citrus switches serve distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. The Melodic excels in delivering a rich auditory and tactile experience suitable for typists who enjoy feedback and sound, while the Vintage Citrus likely focuses on quick, smooth key presses ideal for gamers who prioritize speed. Ultimately, those seeking a dynamic clicking experience will find the Melodic appealing, while those drawn to rapid inputs might lean towards the Vintage Citrus for its potential low actuation force and smoothness. Each switch provides unique benefits, ensuring that users can tailor their keyboard experience based on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback while typing, along with a tactile and invigorating sensation, the Gateron Melodic is the perfect choice for you. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams provides a balanced feel, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. The resonant and crunchy sound profile enhances the typing experience, giving you that nostalgic clicky feel without sacrificing smoothness due to its advanced features.
On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking rapid-fire inputs with minimal resistance, you'll want to opt for the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch. With its impressively low actuation force and ultra-fast 1mm actuation point, this switch is designed for speed and efficiency, allowing for quicker keystrokes. The bright and clacky sound profile complements the smooth push feel, making it ideal for high-paced gaming scenarios.
In essence, if you value a robust typing experience filled with clicks and a pleasant tactile response, go for the Melodic. Conversely, if your focus is on gaming speed and a fluid keypress experience, the Vintage Citrus is the right match for you.
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