KTT Orange vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange 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, the KTT Orange and HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as compelling options, each with distinct features tailored for different preferences. The KTT Orange, with its bouncy 22mm spring and polycarbonate milky top housing, offers a frictionless typing experience characterized by a low-pitched sound profile. This makes it an appealing choice for those who prioritize smoothness and comfort during extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus is engineered specifically for gamers, showcasing an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which facilitates rapid key presses and enhances performance in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Its bright, clacky sound adds an element of excitement to each keystroke, making it a favorite among competitive players. Both switches cater to different user needs—whether you're looking for a cushioned typing feel or quick responsiveness in gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Orange and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, the most prominent difference lies in their housing materials. The KTT Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, a choice that lends the switch a sharp, crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly suited for setups with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for delivering a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively than polycarbonate, thus generating a warmer, rounder sound while typing.
The differing properties of the housing materials significantly influence the acoustic experience of both switches. With the KTT Orange's polycarbonate construction, users may enjoy the pronounced high frequencies that contribute to a sharper auditory response, particularly during the release of a key. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus's nylon housing provides a more muted auditory feedback, resulting in a sound that feels softer and less aggressive. This distinction becomes especially pronounced when bottoming out the keys; the KTT Orange will likely ring through with its sharper tonality while the Vintage Citrus will offer a more subdued audio profile, underscoring the variations created by the choice of materials.
Despite their differences, both switches are designed to provide a pleasant typing experience, albeit through different sound profiles. A user looking for a punchy, vibrant typing feel might gravitate towards the KTT Orange, while someone seeking warmth and depth in their keystrokes may prefer the HMX Vintage Citrus. However, if the top and bottom housings had been identical in either switch, similar results could be achieved, as the combined effect of the materials would create a more unified sound profile, blending both the characteristics of clarity and warmth. Ultimately, the choice between the two will hinge on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The KTT Orange linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present a nuanced comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that the sensation of bottoming out will be equivalent across both options. This means that users can expect a similar tactile feedback when pressing the switches all the way down. In terms of overall feel, the KTT Orange, being lighter in actuation force, could be more favorable for users seeking prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its higher actuation force, may appeal to those who prefer a sturdier typing experience. In summary, while both switches are medium-light in bottom out force, the KTT Orange is the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Orange linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the KTT Orange measures 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures 3 mm. This indicates that the KTT Orange offers a longer travel distance compared to the Vintage Citrus. For users seeking a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Vintage Citrus may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. However, for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke, the KTT Orange provides a more pronounced travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness, with the KTT Orange being the better option for those who value a fuller tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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 KTT Orange switch features a low-pitched profile, which contributes to a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This sound characteristic creates a more subdued auditory experience, making it suitable for environments that require less distraction. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is known for its bright, clacky sound profile, which adds an energetic and sharp auditory feedback during typing or gaming sessions. The difference in sound can significantly affect your overall experience and enjoyment, especially depending on whether you prefer a quieter, more subdued setting or a more pronounced and lively typing sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Orange switch stands out with its bouncy and frictionless characteristics. The 22mm long spring provides a robust, spring-like feedback sensation that makes each keystroke feel lively and responsive. The smooth travel of the key leads to a fluid typing experience, minimizing any resistance. The Vintage Citrus switch, while lacking specific descriptions about its feel, is designed primarily for rapid inputs, featuring a low actuation force for quick and effortless keystrokes. This rapid response likely contributes to a highly engaging and competitive feel, although the exact tactile sensations are not mentioned.
Overall, both the KTT Orange and HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Orange shines with its low-pitched sound and bouncy, frictionless feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a smooth and quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus provides a bright sound profile and a fast actuation, catering to gamers who seek quick response and energetic feedback. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound aesthetics or the tactile feedback of the switches, with each type promising a unique typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the KTT Orange linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If you value a smooth and bouncy typing experience, where effortless key presses and a low-pitched sound profile are paramount, then the KTT Orange is the ideal choice for you. Its refined key travel and excellent factory-lubing ensure minimal friction, making it particularly suitable for prolonged typing sessions or tasks that require precision and comfort. On the other hand, if you're a gamer in search of rapid-fire responsiveness, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed to deliver swift actuation with its remarkably low trigger distance. Its bright, clacky sound profile and exceptionally smooth feel cater to those who thrive on fast-paced gameplay. Thus, if you're looking for an engaging tactile experience for daily tasks, the Orange fits the bill, while the Vintage Citrus would serve you well in competitive gaming situations.
Mentioned in this article
