Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of tactile versus linear options. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is celebrated for its refined tactile experience, featuring a medium-strength bump that provides satisfying feedback on each keystroke, ideal for those who enjoy a more nuanced typing feel. Developed in collaboration with keyboard aficionado Glarses, these switches cater to users who appreciate a tactile response while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed with gamers in mind, boasting an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid-fire inputs that can enhance gameplay performance. Its clacky and snappy sound profile, combined with a smooth push feel, makes it an invigorating option for users seeking speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. Both switches have their own unique advantages: the Cherry MX Purple RGB delivers a satisfying tactile experience, while the Vintage Citrus is geared towards those prioritizing quick and effortless key presses. 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
N/A
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
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB and the HMX Vintage Citrus both utilize nylon as their primary housing material, featuring both top and bottom housings made from this versatile plastic. This shared choice of nylon underscores the similarities between these two switches, particularly in their acoustic profiles. The nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, absorbing sound better than harder plastics. Consequently, both switches are likely to produce a warmer and more muted audio experience, ideal for users seeking a softer typing environment free from the harshness that often accompanies switches made with harder materials.
Despite their similar housing materials, the impact of nylon on the typing experience can vary based on the structure of the switch itself. In both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the HMX Vintage Citrus, the softer qualities of nylon provide a consistent feel across the top and bottom housings, enhancing the overall tactile feedback and sound profile during keystrokes. When pressing down on these switches, users will notice that the bottom housing—composed of nylon—affects the bottom-out noise and feel, allowing for a pleasant and consistent typing experience. This emphasis on nylon in both switches ensures that users will enjoy a similar auditory and tactile experience, no matter which switch they choose.
Furthermore, since both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and HMX Vintage Citrus employ nylon in both the top and bottom housings, the experience of typing on them remains cohesive. With the top housing influencing the sound made upon releasing a key and the bottom housing contributing to the bottom-out feel, the musicality of the sounds produced remains harmonious across both switches. As a result, both switches achieve analogous acoustic properties, making them attractive choices for typists keen on sound quality and responsiveness. In conclusion, the predominant use of nylon in both models enhances their tactile feedback and sound profile, ensuring a similar user experience that aligns with the preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, with the MX Purple RGB requiring a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Vintage Citrus, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter switch might gravitate towards the MX Purple RGB, as it could facilitate more extended typing sessions with less finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus, with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, offers a stronger tactile feedback that some users might find more satisfying for their typing experience. While the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB remains unknown, the HMX Vintage Citrus's defined pressure at bottoming out further solidifies its position as the heavier option. Overall, those who lean towards a lighter switch may favor the Cherry MX Purple RGB, while users seeking a robust feel might prefer the HMX Vintage Citrus line.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional choice that offers a more pronounced and substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, which caters to the contemporary preference for quicker response times, particularly favored by gamers. While the longer travel distance of the MX Purple RGB provides a deeper tactile feedback that some users appreciate, others may find the shallower 3 mm travel of the Vintage Citrus to be more efficient and suitable for rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, if you prefer a more robust and immersive feel, the Cherry MX Purple is the better option, while the Vintage Citrus is ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a refined tactile experience, which generally tends to produce a more muted sound profile compared to other tactile switches. This might result in a softer, less pronounced auditory feedback than what enthusiasts might expect with a more traditional clicky switch. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is characterized by its bright, clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is crisp and percussive. This makes the Vintage Citrus particularly appealing for gamers and those who enjoy a more resonant sound experience during typing.
Regarding feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a refined tactile experience with a short, medium-strength bump, giving users a clear indication of actuation while maintaining a moderate force requirement. This can create a sense of stability in each keystroke. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch features a remarkably low actuation force combined with an invigorating and snappy feel. This setup allows for rapid-fire inputs, giving it a lively and responsive sensation that many gamers find essential for quick keystrokes. While both switches have distinct tactile feedback, the Vintage Citrus’s extremely low actuation force allows for an even more instantaneous response, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus switch cater to different user preferences, they offer unique qualities that can appeal to different types of users. The MX Purple is ideal for those who enjoy a refined tactile experience and muted sound, while the Vintage Citrus is suited for gamers seeking quick actuation and an engaging, clacky sound. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, and the best choice will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch should hinge on your primary usage and personal preferences. If you value an enjoyable tactile experience with a refined bump that enhances your typing without overwhelming feedback, the MX Purple RGB is your best bet. It's well-suited for both typing and gaming, especially if you appreciate a moderate tactile feel combined with a flexible actuation point. On the other hand, if you are intensively gaming and require rapid key presses, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch might be more appropriate for you. Its exceptionally low actuation force, combined with a snappy and invigorating feel, allows for quicker response times, making it ideal for fast-paced action games. Additionally, if you're drawn to a keyboard's sound profile, the clacky nature of the Vintage Citrus adds a lively quality to your gaming experience that some may find more engaging. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and a balanced feel or the speed and responsiveness of your key presses.
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