Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders stand out: the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both of which are linear switches designed with speed in mind. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is heralded for its rapid response capabilities, characterized by its full height which allows for the fastest and most precise actuation—a critical factor for gamers where every millisecond counts. This switch offers a textured, thocky feel that many users find pleasurable for both typing and gaming. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus caters specifically to the rapid-firing needs of competitive gamers, featuring an extremely low actuation force of just 1mm. Its bright and clacky sound profile, combined with an impressively smooth push feel, makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a tactile auditory feedback with each keystroke. While both switches promote exceptional speed suited for gaming, their unique attributes cater to different preferences and styles. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus, it becomes apparent that both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality indicates that both switches are designed to produce a similar sound profile characteristic of nylon, which is known for its softer texture compared to harder plastics. With both switches utilizing this classic material, typists can expect a deeper and fuller sound experience when engaging with either switch. The acoustic properties of nylon allow for better sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound upon keystrokes, creating a satisfying auditory feedback that appeals to many keyboard enthusiasts.
While the housing materials are the same for both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus, the user experience can vary based on the design and construction of the switches. Although the nylon construction ensures a consistent sound profile, the overall feel of the switches may differ based on their design parameters, such as actuation force and tactile feedback. This means that, while users can expect the same sound characteristics from both switches due to their nylon construction, the tactile experience and the responsiveness may diverge, leading users to feel different levels of engagement when typing.
Ultimately, if both switches feature nylon housings on both the top and bottom, they will deliver a similar acoustic quality, demonstrating the effective qualities of nylon irrespective of the specific model. The softer nature of nylon means that while the switches may exhibit differing actuation styles or feedback mechanisms, the sound quality—a significant factor for many users—will be consistent. Users seeking deeper, fuller keystrokes that produce a muted and pleasant sound profile will appreciate that both the MX Speed Silver and HMX Vintage Citrus harness the acoustic benefits of nylon, providing a satisfying typing experience across the board.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom-out forces. The Speed Silver features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Regarding bottom-out force, the Vintage Citrus provides a measurable bottom-out force of 53 grams, which gives it a firmer feedback when the key is fully pressed down. Unfortunately, the bottom-out force for the Speed Silver is not available, but since it lacks a defined bottom-out force, it indicates that it might not provide the same robust response as the Vintage Citrus. Therefore, those seeking a lighter switch may lean towards the MX Speed Silver, while individuals desiring a more pronounced typing experience with firmer feedback should consider the HMX Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see a noticeable difference. The Speed Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Vintage Citrus is designed for quicker actuation, making it more suitable for those who prioritize responsiveness in gaming. On the other hand, the Speed Silver's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience when typing or gaming. Therefore, if you lean towards a more immediate and responsive feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus is the better choice, whereas the Cherry MX Speed Silver offers a bit more depth for those who enjoy a fuller key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 Speed Silver switch offers a distinctive auditory experience characterized by a thocky and low-pitched tone. This results in a deep and rich sound when the keys are pressed, similar to a soft knock that resonates pleasantly while typing or gaming. The richness of this sound contributes to a satisfying feedback loop for many users. In contrast, details regarding the sound profile of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch are not available, making it challenging to compare directly. However, it is important to note that the overall sound delivery can also be influenced by the type of keyboard used and the selected keycaps, which may lead to a unique auditory experience for each switch based on setup choices.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver showcases a textured action, which introduces a noticeable friction when pressing the keys. This texture may appeal to users who prefer a bit of resistance while typing, providing a tactile element that can enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, information about the feel of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is not specified, leaving a gap in the comparison. Without this detail, it remains uncertain whether it shares similar characteristics or offers a smooth, friction-free experience.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to gamers with their rapid response capabilities. While the Speed Silver is well-known for its thocky sound and textured feel, the Vintage Citrus's sound profile and overall feel remain uncharacterized, leaving it a mystery for now. However, both switches aim to provide an excellent gaming experience, and your choice may ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. If the Vintage Citrus switch aligns closely with the attributes of the Speed Silver in terms of feel and sound, you could expect a similar performance, but that remains to be explored further.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches should hinge largely on your specific needs and preferences. If you're a dedicated gamer who prioritizes rapid response and minimal resistance, the MX Speed Silver stands out as the optimal choice. Its swift actuation and full height design ensure lightning-fast keystrokes, allowing you to react quickly in critical moments of gameplay. The low-pitched, thocky sound adds satisfying auditory feedback without being overwhelming, making it an excellent option for intensive gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a unique typing experience that emphasizes both speed and an engaging sound profile, the HMX Vintage Citrus might be your best bet. With an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm and a clacky sound, it excels at providing pleasurable feedback during quick inputs. The choice ultimately comes down to whether you need precision timing in your gaming or a more nuanced and enjoyable typing feel. By considering these aspects, you can select the switch that aligns perfectly with how you intend to use your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
