Cherry MX Brown vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Vintage Citrus provide distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cherry MX Brown switch is renowned for its subtlety, offering a balanced typing experience characterized by gentle tactile feedback and low-pitched, bassy audio. This makes it an excellent choice for users who value a calm and controlled atmosphere, perfect for both typing and occasional gaming. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch caters specifically to gamers with its low actuation force of just 1mm, designed for rapid-fire input and a vibrantly clacky sound profile that adds excitement to gameplay. While the MX Brown emphasizes a more subdued yet satisfying tactile sensation for everyday use, 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
45g
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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches are strikingly similar, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material reflects a traditional approach to switch design, emphasizing durability and performance. The nylon used in both switches is relatively softer than alternatives such as polycarbonate, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is often preferred by typists and gamers alike. With both switches utilizing the same material for their housings, users can expect comparable acoustic qualities, with a rounder and more dulcet tone resulting from the inherent sound-absorbing properties of nylon.
When considering the functional aspects contributed by the top and bottom housings, the similarities between the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Vintage Citrus switches continue to shine through. Since both switches feature nylon in both the top and bottom housings, the sound profile and feel in terms of bottom-out noise and overall keypress sensation will be consistently refined across both models. The softness of nylon allows for a more muted and pleasant bottom sound when a key is pressed completely down, while also enhancing the auditory experience during the release of the key, which is influenced primarily by the top housing. This design ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, making them suitable for various applications from gaming to professional typing.
While each switch may possess distinct actuation characteristics or feel, the use of the same housing material simplifies the comparison of their acoustic and tactile profiles. Since both the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Vintage Citrus switches employ nylon, users should find the typing experiences to be inherently similar despite potential variations in actuation force or travel distance. This commonality reinforces the notion that those who value the auditory feedback of their switches can expect a consistently rich sound experience, regardless of whether they choose the Cherry MX Brown or HMX Vintage Citrus, thus facilitating an informed choice based on other personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, both offer a medium-light typing experience but with slight differences in their specifications. The Cherry MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the HMX Vintage Citrus features an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the MX Brown is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions, particularly for those who favor a lighter touch. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus switch, with its greater actuation force, may provide a more substantial feel that some typists prefer for a robust typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Vintage Citrus switch is also lighter than the MX Brown. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter touch, the Cherry MX Brown would be a better choice, while those who appreciate a firmer feel might gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is 4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. The Cherry MX Brown, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced and hearty depth that many users appreciate for tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and users looking for quicker response times, as the shallower distance allows for faster actuation. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming sessions, the Vintage Citrus is the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you enjoy a more robust tactile sensation, the Cherry MX Brown is preferable with its longer travel distance.
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 Brown 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, the Cherry MX Brown switches provide a bassy and low-pitched auditory experience. Their deeper and richer sound profile enhances the typing experience by delivering a subdued yet pleasant audio feedback that is not overly intrusive. This sound is characterized by a mellow tone that complements quiet environments, making them suitable for both home and office use. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch remains unknown, which leaves it open to speculation. However, keep in mind that the sound produced by any switch can significantly depend on factors like the keyboard's build, design, and keycap material.
In terms of feel, MX Brown switches offer a textured experience with a gentle tactile bump. The noticeable friction during key presses can create a connection between the user and the switch, allowing for a satisfying feedback that can aid in typing accuracy. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is also not fully defined, but its exceptionally low actuation force suggests a light and swift press that would cater well to gamers looking for quick responses. Without available information on the smoothness or texture of the Vintage Citrus, it remains unclear how it would compare directly to the tactile feedback of the MX Brown.
In summary, the Cherry MX Brown switches stand out with their bassy sound and textured feel, which appeals to typists who appreciate subtlety in their typing experience. Alternatively, while the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed for rapid-fire inputs with a low actuation force, its sound and feel qualities are currently unspecified. Users seeking different experiences may gravitate towards the distinct tactile feedback of the MX Brown or the potential speed-related advantages of the Vintage Citrus. Each switch caters to specific needs, and exploring personal preferences will ultimately lead to the best choice for individual use, ensuring a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between Cherry MX Brown tactile switches and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches largely depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you appreciate a balance of subtle feedback with a tactile bump and prefer a typing experience that combines a medium-light force with a bassy, low-pitched sound profile, then the Cherry MX Browns are the way to go. They are particularly suited for those who do a fair amount of typing as well as gaming, allowing you to feel each keystroke without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you're primarily a gamer seeking the fastest response times and prioritize rapid input over tactile feedback, you might find the HMX Vintage Citrus switches more appealing. With their exceptionally low actuation force and smooth push feel, they enable quick reactions in high-stakes gaming scenarios, and the bright, clacky sound profile adds an engaging element to your gameplay. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and the primary activities you plan to undertake with your keyboard.
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