Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can greatly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy contenders are the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the HMX Vintage Citrus. The Moyu Black, known for its sharp tactile feel, offers a unique blend of PBT housing that enhances its hypertactile sensation, delivering a pronounced downstroke bump complemented by an even more impactful upstroke. This medium-heavy switch caters to typists who appreciate a responsive feel and a punchy acoustic feedback, making it an appealing option for those who enjoy the tactile engagement of their keys. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring an ultra-fast actuation force of just 1mm that allows for rapid inputs and a smooth, seamless push feel. Its clacky sound profile and invigorating responsiveness make it a go-to for fast-paced gaming scenarios. While the Moyu Blacks cater to those who thrive on tactile feedback, the Vintage Citrus appeals to players seeking speed and fluidity. 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
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches feature distinct housing materials that greatly influence their auditory characteristics and tactile feedback. The Moyu Black uses Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) for both its top and bottom housings, which is noted for providing a neutral sound profile. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. While the PBT in the Moyu Black offers a balanced sound—neither crisp nor dull—the nylon in the Vintage Citrus absorbs more sound, resulting in a sound profile that is rounder and less bright.
When examining the impact of these materials on the overall performance of each switch, it becomes clear that the housing materials lend themselves to different tactile experiences. The PBT housing of the Moyu Black remains relatively unremarkable in its sound presentation, allowing for a consistent feel during usage. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its nylon construction, not only contributes to a more resonant sound but also affects how the switch feels when pressed. This is especially true for bottoming out, where the softness of nylon can create a more cushioned impact as compared to the slightly firmer PBT used in the Moyu Black. Thus, the different materials lead to a variance in the feel and auditory feedback when engaging the switches.
Despite these differences, both switch designs can achieve a commendable performance based on their housing materials. The PBT used in the Moyu Black provides a dependable and predictable sound profile that many users may prefer for precision typing. Meanwhile, the nylon of the Vintage Citrus can offer a more immersive and softer typing experience, appealing to those who favor a richer sound with each keystroke. When switching from one to the other, the choice will ultimately depend on whether a user prioritizes a neutral, controlled response (as found in the Moyu Black) or a deeper, fuller sound profile (as provided by the Vintage Citrus). In settings where sound and feel are paramount, users may still find satisfaction and performance tailored to their typing preferences regardless of the housing material used.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch with the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it firmly in the medium-light range. This indicates that the Moyu Black requires slightly more force to register a keystroke and provides a more substantial sensation when fully depressed. For typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing periods, the Vintage Citrus may offer a more comfortable experience. Conversely, those who appreciate a heavier feedback and a pronounced “push feel” in their keys may gravitate towards the Moyu Black switch. Overall, the Moyu Black is the heavier option, while the Vintage Citrus offers a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find a notable difference: the Moyu Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the more shallow option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, which is often preferred by gamers. Conversely, the Moyu Black's longer 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel, ideal for those who appreciate a deeper keypress. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for either a more responsive experience with the Vintage Citrus or a richer tactile experience with the Moyu Black.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 comparing the sound of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, the differences are pronounced. The Moyu Black features a resonant sound profile characterized by a clean, sharp, and immersive auditory experience, providing a satisfying acoustic feedback that contributes to its appeal for tactile switch enthusiasts. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus offers a bright and clacky sound that is crisp and percussive, making each keystroke feel lively and dynamic. Both switches have unique sound signatures that may be influenced by the keyboard they are paired with and the keycaps used, but they certainly cater to different auditory preferences.
In terms of feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) sets itself apart through its pronounced tactile feedback. Described as accented and sharp, these switches provide a medium-heavy feel with a strong tactile bump that is both impactful and gratifying, allowing typists to enjoy a distinctive tactile response with each press. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is snappy and invigorating, designed for rapid inputs, which results in a smooth yet responsive typing experience. The actuation force of just 1mm and the responsive feel of the Vintage Citrus cater to gamers looking for quick and precise keystrokes, making both switches exhibit engaging tactile qualities but in different ways.
In conclusion, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer unique experiences through their sound and feel characteristics. The Moyu Black excels in delivering resonant and sharp auditory feedback along with distinct tactile responses, making it ideal for users who appreciate a robust typing experience. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus provides an enticing clacky sound and an invigorating, snappy feel that enhances fast-paced gaming performance. Ultimately, both switches serve different preferences, and understanding these nuances will help newcomers select the right switch for their typing or gaming needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch will hinge on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you relish a sharp, pronounced tactile feedback coupled with a satisfying sound profile for both typing and casual gaming, the Moyu Blacks might be your best bet. Their medium-heavy actuation force and resonant sound provide a rewarding typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate a strong tactile sensation and a punchy response with each keystroke. Conversely, if you are primarily a gamer seeking rapid-fire inputs and a smooth, quick response, the Vintage Citrus switches would serve you well. With their light actuation force and clacky sound profile, these switches are engineered for speed, making them ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios while still offering a snappy feedback. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider how you'll be using your keyboard most often to make the best choice for your typing and gaming experience.
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