Cherry MX Silent Red vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two intriguing options stand out: the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus. The Cherry MX Silent Red combines the classic characteristics of its predecessor, the MX Red, with a remarkable twist—it operates silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. This switch retains a slightly heavier feel and offers a satisfying typing experience characterized by muted thocky sounds in a low-pitched and textured profile. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, making it a prime choice for rapid-fire key presses during intense gaming sessions. This switch is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound and remarkably smooth push, delivering an engaging tactile response. While the Silent Red excels in quiet environments, the Vintage Citrus caters to high-paced gaming demands. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which highlights the traditional choice of material in this sector. Nylon is well-regarded for its sound characteristics, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives. Both models will therefore yield a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, attributed to this shared nylon construction. This commonality means that regardless of the specific switch mechanics, users can expect a duller and rounder auditory experience when engaging with either switch.
While the top and bottom housings are the same for both switches in terms of material, the acoustic properties differ slightly based on how each affects the typing experience. Since the nylon bottom housing primarily influences the "bottom-out" sound—when the key is pressed all the way down—users may notice a consistent sound dampening effect across both switches when they bottom out. Conversely, the top housing’s material impacts the sound produced during the release of a key. Despite their similarities, users may feel distinctions in tactile response depending on the engineering nuances of each switch's design.
Overall, given that both the Cherry MX Silent Red and HMX Vintage Citrus feature identical nylon housings, they are likely to produce similar acoustic results. The sound dampening effects from the nylon material, combined with its responsiveness, ensure that both switches provide a comparable typing experience. Whether a user is seeking performance in gaming or typing for work, these nylon properties contribute significantly to creating a harmonious and enjoyable environment, allowing users to feel confident in their choice of either switch for quality and sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Silent Red and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, we find some notable differences that cater to various preferences in typing and gaming experiences. The Cherry MX Silent Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it slightly lighter than the HMX Vintage Citrus, which has an actuation force of 48 grams. This lighter actuation may appeal to users who wish to type for extended periods with less finger fatigue. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red does not specify a bottom out force, leaving a gap in information for a full comparison. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has a defined bottom out force of 53 grams, classified as medium-light. This means that while the MX Silent Red can be favored for lighter, more effortless keystrokes, the Vintage Citrus provides a more robust feel at the bottom, ideal for users who prefer a stronger push for a substantial typing experience. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch should lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red, while those who like a heavier, more tactile feel might find the HMX Vintage Citrus more suitable.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Silent Red provides a more substantial depth when pressed down, which can appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile response and a hearty feel. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus's 3 mm travel distance is more aligned with the recent trend towards shorter switches, which many gamers find preferable for quicker response times. For users prioritizing speed and snappy feedback, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice; however, those who appreciate a deeper key press may prefer the Silent Red's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the selection between these two switches hinges on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red is designed to produce a muted and low-pitched typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those in noise-sensitive environments. The thocky quality adds a depth to each keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory feedback without being disruptive. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus linear switch does not have sound profiling information provided, leaving an unknown element in how it might compare. However, the sound will likely vary greatly based on the specific keyboard and keycap material used, which can influence the overall acoustic signature significantly.
In terms of feel, the MX Silent Red offers a textured experience, characterized by some noticeable friction when pressing the keys. This texture can be appealing to typists who enjoy feedback during their key presses. On the other hand, there’s no detail available on the feel of the Vintage Citrus, which leaves a gap in understanding its tactile characteristics. The absence of this information makes it hard to contrast it fully against the Silent Red in terms of user sensation while typing.
Combining all the available information, the Cherry MX Silent Red emphasizes a quieter, textured typing experience, making it suitable for both typists and gamers who need to minimize noise. The Vintage Citrus, meanwhile, is tailored for rapid input with an exceptionally low actuation force, though its sound and feel qualities remain uncharted. This indicates that if you're seeking a quiet, tactile switch versus a fast, potentially clacky one, the MX Silent Red and Vintage Citrus could meet different needs in your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches ultimately comes down to your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive environment, whether it's a shared office space or late-night gaming sessions at home, the Cherry MX Silent Red is an excellent choice. Its muted and thocky sound profile ensures that you can type or game without disturbing those around you, while still providing a satisfying, smooth feel. On the other hand, if you’re a gamer who prioritizes rapid keystrokes and a lively sound, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch would be more suitable for you. Its exceptionally low actuation force and clacky sound profile excel in fast-paced gaming scenarios, allowing for quick inputs that can enhance your overall performance. Therefore, consider your usage scenario and personal preferences carefully; the right switch will significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience.
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