Haimu Neo White vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Vintage Citrus each offer unique characteristics that cater to distinct user preferences. The Neo White switch is celebrated for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, delivering a smooth actuation that results in a satisfying typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who cherish a balance between responsiveness and comfort during extended use. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is specifically designed with gamers in mind and features an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, positioning it perfectly for rapid-fire inputs. With its bright, clacky sound profile, this switch provides a fun and engaging experience that many gamers find appealing. While the Neo White leans towards a milder, more neutral typing feel, the Vintage Citrus emphasizes speed and auditory feedback, creating a distinct dynamic for each. 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
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, it's evident that they employ different types of plastics for their top housings. The Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This characteristic allows for enhanced clarity and resonance, which can be particularly impressive when used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus uses a nylon top housing that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, results in a more muted yet rounded tonal quality. This fundamental difference in material leads to distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This commonality means that, regardless of the differing top housings, the bottom housing's characteristics will influence the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a more subdued and deeper sound, helping to create balance in the acoustic profile of each switch. Consequently, while the top housing material distinctly shapes the sound at the peak of the keystroke, the nylon bottom housing's qualities bring richness and depth to the bottom-out sound. This synergistic relationship between the different materials leads to interesting sound dynamics that can produce a satisfying tactile experience for users.
Ultimately, while the Haimu Neo White and HMX Vintage Citrus switches can be fundamentally different in terms of their top housing materials, they share the same bottom housing. As a result, users may notice a shared fuller sound that emerges from the nylon bottom in both cases. However, the contrasting materials on the top will continue to define each switch's unique character, allowing for different auditory signatures. If a keyboard enthusiast seeks versatility, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows for an exploration of different sound profiles, creating an opportunity for tailored acoustic experiences depending on user preference.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces. The Neo White features an undefined actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus boasts a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This indicates that the Vintage Citrus switch is the lighter of the two, making it more suitable for users who prefer effortless typing for longer sessions, whereas the Neo White, with its heavier bottom out force, may appeal to those who favor a more substantial tactile feedback. Ultimately, users seeking a balance between ease and tactile feedback might find the distinct differences in the bottom out forces particularly notable, while the actuation force of the Neo White remains an unknown variable in this comparison.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences. The Neo White features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a longer option that provides a more pronounced feel with each keypress. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, which may be favored by those seeking faster response times, particularly gamers. This shorter distance can lead to quicker key actuation, while the Neo White’s longer travel may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if responsiveness is your priority, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, while the Neo White is suitable for those who enjoy a more traditional, deep typing 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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
The sound profile of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is characterized as neutral, striking a balance that makes it versatile for various environments, whether you're typing during the day in an office or gaming late into the night at home. This moderate sound level ensures that it won't be overly disruptive, appealing to both beginners and more experienced users alike. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is known for its bright, clacky sound, amplifying the auditory feedback during rapid keypresses, which can energize a gaming session but might be less ideal for quieter work environments. Overall, while the Neo White provides a more subdued auditory experience, the Vintage Citrus caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound profile, especially in a gaming context.
When it comes to feel, the Neo White switch offers a mild typing experience, featuring medium weight and a slightly reduced total travel that contributes to a gentle yet satisfying keystroke. This quality makes it approachable for various users, allowing for both comfort and efficiency during lengthy typing sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed for speed, boasting an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1 mm, which allows for quick, repeated key presses. This emphasis on rapid input makes it particularly well-suited for gamers seeking to gain an edge in fast-paced situations. The Neo White provides a smooth and stable typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus focuses on the agility of keystrokes.
In summary, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch presents a neutral sound profile and a mild feel that makes it accessible to a wide audience, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch offers a bright auditory sharpness and a quick actuation that caters specifically to gamers. Depending on your priorities—whether it be comfort during long typing sessions or responsiveness during competitive gameplay—both switches provide unique qualities that will appeal to different user preferences either distinctly or similarly in certain aspects.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, consider the specific typing experience and usage scenarios that best suit your needs. If you're looking for a balanced typing feel that doesn't lean too heavily in any direction, the Neo White with its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams offers a smooth and satisfying experience suitable for both casual typing and professional environments. This switch is especially ideal if you appreciate a neutral sound profile and a mild feel, making it approachable for both newcomers and experienced typists alike. On the other hand, if you primarily identify as a gamer and require rapid input responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus is the clear choice with its lower actuation force and quick response time, allowing for rapid-fire keystrokes. Its bright, clacky sound further enhances the gaming experience, making it a fun and engaging option for those intense gaming sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the balance between typing comfort and gaming performance that you desire.
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