Bsun Olive vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing or gaming experience. The BSUN Olive switch, known for its tactile feedback, boasts an all-POM housing that delivers a resonant, deep sound, providing users with a satisfying auditory experience alongside a pronounced tactile bump. This medium-weight switch features a unique long pole stem design, resulting in a sharp bottom-out feel that many typists and gamers may find invigorating and snappy. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch caters specifically to gamers, offering an exceptionally low actuation force with a mere 1mm travel distance. This makes it ideal for rapid key presses, delivering a bright and clacky sound profile, paired with a remarkably smooth key feel that allows for swift gameplay. While the Olive excels in providing tactile engagement and sound satisfaction, the Vintage Citrus stands out for those who prioritize speed and effortless actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Olive Tactile

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Olive and HMX Vintage Citrus switches showcase distinct housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles and overall performance. The Olive switches utilize POM (polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings. POM is known for its rigidity and has the unique characteristic of producing a deeper, more muted sound. This housing material is designed to create a pleasing auditory experience, making the typing experience feel solid and focused. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switches are made with nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is a softer plastic that tends to absorb sound better than POM, resulting in a full and rounded sound profile with a less pronounced impact when bottoming out.

While both switches are designed with the intention of delivering a desirable sound experience, their material differences provide a clear contrast in how each switch delivers tactile feedback. The POM housing of the Olive results in a sound that is defined by clarity and a depth that some users may prefer for focused tasks. Conversely, the nylon housing of the Vintage Citrus provides a more subdued sound that feels softer and more cushioned. The variation in materials allows for a unique typing feel; users may find that the Olives offer a more pronounced feedback on bottoming out, while the Vintage Citrus switches provide a smoother experience that might be more forgiving on the ears.

Despite these differences, both switches ultimately aim for quality and performance, and they can achieve similar results in terms of user satisfaction depending on individual preferences. For users looking for a deeper sound, both switches cater to that desire: the Olive with its clearer but muted sound and the Vintage Citrus with its rounded and soft sound. Thus, even with their material differences, those who favor a type of auditory experience that is deep and satisfying will find that both switch types deliver on creating an engaging typing sensation, albeit with slightly varying nuances in sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics suited for different typing preferences. The Bsun Olive features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has an actuation force of 48 grams and a lower bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This indicates that the Olive switch requires a slightly lighter push to activate, but offers a firmer feel upon bottoming out, which can be satisfying for users seeking a substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus is more forgiving with a lower bottom out resistance, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. Ultimately, the Olive is heavier overall, appealing more to those who appreciate a pronounced keystroke, while the Vintage Citrus offers a lighter touch, ideal for prolonged use without as much physical strain.

Travel distance

The Bsun Olive tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Olive provides a slightly deeper and firmer feel compared to the more shallow response of the Vintage Citrus. Given that shorter travel distances are often favored for their quicker response times, gamers may lean towards the Vintage Citrus for enhanced speed. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial key press might prefer the Olive due to its greater depth. Ultimately, the Olive switch offers a bit more travel at 3.4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, is the shorter choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Bsun Olive tactile switch is distinguished by its deep resonance, which creates a rich auditory experience during use. As the switch is engaged, the combination of its all-POM housing and unique design culminates in a pronounced bottom-out sound that many users find satisfying. This deep tone contrasts with the HMX Vintage Citrus switch, which is crafted for speed and agility, resulting in a bright, clacky sound profile. The auditory experience of the Vintage Citrus is particularly appealing to gamers who appreciate the immediate feedback during rapid keypresses. However, it's worth noting that sound can vary based on individual keyboard builds and the choice of keycaps, meaning users may achieve their desired sound quality through thoughtful selection.

When considering feel, the Bsun Olive offers a robust tactile feedback experience characterized by its medium tactile nature. It provides an invigorating response with a snappy sensation, making each keypress feel alive and distinct. Features such as the sharp tactile bump and the medium weight contribute to an immersive typing experience that strikes a balance between comfort and engagement. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is designed with a remarkably low actuation force, presenting a smooth push feel well-suited for quick inputs. While it may lack the pronounced tactile feedback of the Olive, its responsiveness allows for fluid typing. The overall experience here is tailored towards speed rather than the tactile richness preferred by some typists.

In summary, both the Bsun Olive and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to different user preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Olive's deep resonance and pronounced tactile feedback offer a satisfying experience that many find enjoyable for typing tasks, while the Vintage Citrus, with its bright sound and rapid response, is ideal for gaming and quick actions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on whether one prioritizes a tactile and resonant experience or a smooth and speedy execution. Each can bring a distinct character to a mechanical keyboard and can be selected based on the specific needs and preferences of the user.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory experience that comes from a deeper sound profile, the Olive is the ideal choice, especially if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams that provides a snappy and immersive typing sensation. This switch is excellent for typing and productivity tasks, as its sharp tactile bump can enhance your overall experience, giving you a tactile satisfaction with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for speed and rapid-fire responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus switch is tailored for that purpose. With a lighter actuation force of 53 grams and a lower actuation point, it facilitates quick inputs, making it more suited for fast-paced gaming environments where you need to react swiftly. The Vintage Citrus also delivers a bright and clacky sound, providing a different auditory feedback that many gamers find appealing. Thus, consider your primary activities and whether you prioritize tactile feedback or speed when selecting between these two distinct switches.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more