TTC Neptune vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Neptune and the HMX Vintage Citrus present unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Neptune stands out with its innovative design that offers a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience, akin to the delightful texture of chewy mochi. With an ultralight weight and a muted, thocky sound profile, this switch provides a comfortable typing experience that's perfect for both casual users and those who enjoy the subtlety of a less pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch takes a more aggressive approach, specifically tailored for gamers who require rapid actuation. With a mere 1mm actuation distance and a bright, clacky sound profile, this switch facilitates lightning-fast responses, making it an ideal choice for competitive gaming scenarios. Both switches have their merits, whether you seek a soft, subdued typing experience with the Neptune or the swift, auditory feedback from the Vintage Citrus. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Neptune and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches exhibit distinct characteristics owing to their differing housing materials. The Neptune utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a sound profile that is notably deeper and more muted. This contrasts with the Vintage Citrus’s nylon top housing, which also creates a deeper sound but is characterized by a fuller and more rounded tone. The POM’s slightly harder consistency gives it a unique quality that, while still delivering a muted sound, lacks the deeper absorption effects that nylon employs. Thus, while both switches may evoke a similar auditory experience because they produce deeper tones, the nuanced differences in sound texture set them apart.
Examining the bottom housing reveals a clearer juxtaposition between the two designs. The Neptune features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes a sharper, crisper sound profile as a result of the stiffer material. This contrasts with the Vintage Citrus, which also boasts nylon in its bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon here absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and less defined auditory result. Therefore, while the Neptune enhances clarity with the polycarbonate, the Vintage Citrus leans towards a dulled and fuller resonance. The choice of material in the bottom housing notably influences the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch, creating a distinctly different typing experience.
In summary, while both the TTC Neptune and HMX Vintage Citrus share similarities in their goal of delivering deep sound profiles, the contrasting materials utilized in their housings result in varied auditory experiences. The Neptune's combination of muted POM tops and crisp polycarbonate bottoms fosters an interplay of depth and clarity, whereas the Vintage Citrus, with its all-nylon construction, leans towards a balmy and resonant typing feel. Consequently, users seeking a balance of those qualities may find that choosing between the two switches simply leads to different manifestations of similar sound properties, emphasizing personal preference in the tactile and auditory outcomes of the arrangements.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Neptune linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Neptune features a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch that facilitates extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. This difference indicates that while the Neptune allows for quicker, less effortful typing, the Vintage Citrus provides a bit more resistance, catering to users who seek a stronger push feel. Consequently, if you prefer a lighter switch, the TTC Neptune is the better choice, while the HMX Vintage Citrus would suit those who want a heavier key press experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it's clear that the Neptune offers a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference may significantly influence user experience: those who lean toward gaming or prefer faster response times may find the shorter 3 mm travel of the Vintage Citrus more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. In contrast, the Neptune's 3.8 mm travel distance caters to those who favor a more substantial feel with every keystroke, providing a deeper and potentially more satisfying typing experience. Hence, if you're inclined towards a responsive key feel, the Vintage Citrus is the better choice, while the Neptune is ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced travel depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 TTC Neptune linear switch presents a muted and thocky signature, offering a low-pitched sound that feels rich and satisfying with each keystroke. This means that the Neptune minimizes the clatter typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for quieter environments. In contrast, details on the sound profile of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch are absent, leaving its auditory characteristics unknown. However, the law of mechanical keyboard acoustics suggests that it would fall somewhere within the spectrum, influenced by factors like board material and keycap selection, but the specifics are unclear.
Focusing on the feel, the TTC Neptune switch excels with its buttery and frictionless experience, which delivers an ultra-smooth typing sensation akin to gliding on air. The internal design enables a chewy resistance that adds a unique tactile quality, reminiscent of tapioca pearls. On the other hand, there is a lack of information regarding the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch, leaving its tactile experience unknown. However, if the switch is designed for gaming with low actuation, it may potentially offer a smooth touch as well.
In summary, while the TTC Neptune linear switch showcases a distinctive sound profile and a notably smooth feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch remains a mystery in terms of its auditory and tactile qualities. If you're drawn to a peppy and muted typing experience, the Neptune stands out as an excellent choice. Yet, should you be considering the Vintage Citrus, further details would be needed to fully understand its characteristics. The differences in sound and feel could lead to varying typing experiences between the two, but both are engineered to cater to unique user preferences, whether you're typing for productivity or gaming.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you are looking for a switch that enhances your overall typing experience with its lightweight feel and muted, thocky sound signature, the Neptune is an excellent choice. Its innovative structure offers a smooth and frictionless glide, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is essential. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, particularly for gaming, the Vintage Citrus with its quick actuation and brighter, clacky sound profile should be your go-to. This switch is designed for rapid-fire inputs and will provide a tactile thrill that gamers often crave. In summary, if you lean towards a quieter and more relaxed typing experience, the TTC Neptune is your best option, whereas the HMX Vintage Citrus will serve you well if you seek agility and auditory feedback during intense gaming sessions.
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