Cherry MX Black vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the options can be overwhelming, especially when comparing the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both linear switches with distinct characteristics. The Cherry MX Black is revered for its robust construction and a low-pitched, textured sound profile, providing a solid typing experience. Its stiff actuation offers tactile feedback, making it a preferred choice for those who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke, particularly in typing tasks or when building a solid typing foundation. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an incredibly low actuation point of just 1mm that facilitates rapid inputs, enhancing gameplay responsiveness. Its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel cater to a fast-paced environment where quick reflexes are essential. Both switches present unique advantages depending on your typing or gaming style; 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
60g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus, it is evident that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality indicates that the switches will likely exhibit similar acoustic properties. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The characteristics of this material contribute to a more subdued auditory experience, providing users with a rounded sound that enhances the overall typing feel. Therefore, whether one is using the Cherry MX Black or the Vintage Citrus, the nylon housing will facilitate a rich auditory experience.
Delving deeper into the individual components, the integration of nylon in both the top and bottom housings means that the overall typing experience for these switches will be coherent and harmonious. Since the characteristics of nylon are consistent across both models, the sound profile of the key presses remains largely consistent, producing that signature dull sound when bottoming out. This reinforces the idea that users can expect similar tactile feedback and auditory cues from both switches, ensuring a pleasant typing experience regardless of the brand chosen.
However, it's important to recognize that while the materials are the same, any differences in the designs or internal mechanisms of the switches may influence the final typing experience. For instance, the impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced when bottoming out, while the top housing's influence is felt more prominently when releasing the key. Thus, even with identical nylon housings, variables such as actuation force, switch design, and other internal elements can result in unique experiences. In essence, while the nylon housing offers a foundational similarity, subtle nuances could create distinct sensations between the Cherry MX Black and HMX Vintage Citrus switches, catering to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch with the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation force and bottom out force, reflecting their unique tactile experiences. The Cherry MX Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, appealing to those who prefer a substantial and robust feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of just 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Vintage Citrus more suitable for users who type for extended periods, as the reduced pressure can lessen fatigue. Overall, the Cherry MX Black is the heavier option, providing a firmer push, while the Vintage Citrus is the lighter alternative, ideal for a more effortless typing experience. If one prefers a switch that balances comfort and performance, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Vintage Citrus make it an attractive choice for prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the more responsive option, appealing to gamers and those who favor quicker keystrokes for swift actions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black offers a more traditional and satisfying depth of 4 mm, which some users prefer for a more substantial feel. Hence, those who appreciate a hearty depth while typing or gaming might find the Cherry MX Black more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on user preference for travel distance: the Cherry MX Black has a longer travel distance, while the HMX Vintage Citrus provides a shorter, faster experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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, Cherry MX Black switches offer a low-pitched audio profile that is bass-heavy and mellow. This deep sound can create an enjoyable typing experience, particularly appealing for those who prefer a quieter environment, while still providing a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch features a bright and clacky sound profile designed to resonate with gamers seeking a more engaging auditory experience. The contrast between the two is distinct, with the MX Black allowing for a quieter ambiance and Vintage Citrus emphasizing a more pronounced, lively sound.
In terms of feel, the MX Black switches are textured and stiff. The textured nature means that there is noticeable friction when the switch is activated, which can create a tactile sensation that some users enjoy, while the stiffness means that a greater amount of force is required to press the keys down. This can be beneficial for those who prefer to have more resistance in their typing experience as it can reduce accidental key presses. In contrast, the feelings associated with the Vintage Citrus switches are currently unknown; however, given their design focus on gaming responsiveness, one could anticipate a relatively smooth feel that facilitates swift key presses for rapid-fire actions.
In conclusion, while both switches cater to different preferences, they provide their users with unique sounds and tactile experiences. Cherry MX Black switches stand out with their low-pitched, mellow sound and a textured, stiff feel that may be more suited for typing or gamers who appreciate a heavier switch. The Vintage Citrus, with its bright clacky sound profile and likely smooth feel focused on speedy actuations, is tailored specifically for gaming enthusiasts. Each switch type offers something distinct, allowing newcomers to choose based on their specific needs and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Cherry MX Black and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you gravitate towards a heavier switch that provides a tactile and deliberate typing experience, the Cherry MX Black's 80-gram bottom-out force might be more appealing, especially for tasks that require precision, like coding or word processing. Its low-pitched, deep sound profile, combined with its textured feel, creates a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback that many typists appreciate. However, if you're primarily a gamer seeking rapid response and speed, you'd likely find the HMX Vintage Citrus to be a better fit. With a significantly lighter bottom-out force of 53 grams and a mere 1mm actuation distance, it optimizes quick key presses for fast-paced gaming. The Vintage Citrus switch also offers a bright, clacky sound and a smoother push feel, enhancing the gaming experience even further. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a heavier, more textural experience for typing or a lighter, faster switch for gaming enjoyment.
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