Outemu Black vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Outemu Black is known for its solid, dependable feel, providing a consistent keystroke experience that appeals to traditional typists and gamers alike who appreciate a straightforward switch without additional noise or frills. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm that allows for rapid-fire keyboard inputs, making it ideal for those who require lightning-fast response times. Additionally, its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth keystroke contribute to an engaging typing experience. Ultimately, while the Outemu Black excels in reliability, the Vintage Citrus stands out for its speed and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
65g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches provide distinct auditory experiences due to the differences in their top housing components. The Outemu Black features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances sound resonance and clarity. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, characterized by its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, leading to a rounder and less heightened auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches may include nylon in their bottom housings, the top housings diverge significantly, contributing to their distinct sound profiles.
When considering the bottom housings of both switches, they share a commonality: both utilize nylon, which is a classic choice among switch housing materials. The effects of the nylon bottom housing come into play during the actuation and bottoming out of the switch. As mentioned, nylon's softer characteristics create a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the overall typing experience by dampening higher frequencies and rounding off sharp sounds. Therefore, the auditory output when bottoming out keys on both the Outemu Black and the Vintage Citrus will carry a similar depth and richness due to their consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing, even as their top housings contribute differently to the sound profile.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials between the Outemu Black and HMX Vintage Citrus lead to distinctive auditory results, while the shared nylon bottom housing fosters a harmonious depth in both switches. The interplay between the two materials is crucial; with polycarbonate's crispness dominant during key releases and nylon's fullness prevalent during key presses, the overall typing dynamics present a blend of auditory textures. For users seeking specific sound profiles based on housing materials, it is paramount to consider this division of sound production, as it allows for a finely tuned switching experience influenced at both the top and bottom ends of the switch assembly.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Black linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, significant differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Black features a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it a more substantial option for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more comfortable and less strenuous typing feel. This means that the Outemu Black is suited for typists and gamers looking for a robust feedback and resistance, while the Vintage Citrus is ideal for extended typing sessions, as its medium-light weight could reduce fatigue. Overall, if a user prefers a heavier feel for a more pronounced keystroke experience, the Outemu Black would be the better choice, while those seeking a lighter option may find the HMX Vintage Citrus more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Black linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Outemu Black features a traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus has a shallower travel distance of 3 mm. This difference allows for varying preferences among users; the longer travel distance of the Black switch offers a more robust feel, which some may find preferable for a deeper typing experience. Conversely, the shorter 3 mm travel of the Vintage Citrus aligns with contemporary trends, especially among gamers who seek quicker response times for enhanced performance. Therefore, if you favor a speedy, more responsive switch, the HMX Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Black would suit those who appreciate a meatier key press.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Black linear switch is generally known for its muted sound profile, offering a quieter typing experience without the audible click found in tactile or clicky switches. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch is distinguished by its bright, clacky sound, which adds an energetic auditory feedback that many gamers appreciate for rapid-fire inputs. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by the type of keyboard it is mounted on and the keycap material, so while the Vintage Citrus is designed to deliver a more pronounced sound, the Outemu Black will provide a subtle and less intrusive auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Black switch is not particularly noted for any standout characteristics, implying that its actuation may be smooth but lacks the additional tactile responsiveness that some users might prefer. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus switch features a remarkably smooth push feel, ensuring a seamless transition from actuation to bottoming out. This smoothness, combined with the low actuation force and short travel distance of just 1mm, makes it ideal for quick and repetitive keystrokes, providing gamers with a responsive and satisfying typing experience.
In summary, while the Outemu Black linear switch offers a quieter and more neutral experience, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch caters to gamers with its bright sound and ultra-responsive feel. If you're looking for a more subdued typing experience, the Outemu Black may be more suitable, while the Vintage Citrus would serve those seeking auditory feedback and rapid actuation for gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will largely depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Black switches and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, it's essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a heavier switch that offers more resistance, providing a tactile feedback that can help with typing accuracy, the Outemu Black may be suitable for you, especially if you enjoy typing longer texts or want a more deliberate feel with each keypress. However, be mindful that its 82-gram bottom-out force can be tiring for extended gaming sessions or rapid typing. Conversely, if you're a gamer looking for a swift response in your keyboard inputs, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is undoubtedly your best option. With a much lighter actuation force of 53 grams and a 1mm actuation point designed for speed, this switch allows for rapid-fire responses, complemented by a bright, clacky sound profile that adds a fun auditory element to your gameplay. Its smooth push feel promotes comfort during long gaming marathons, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and ease of use. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value the responsiveness and lightness of the Vintage Citrus or the heavier, more deliberate typing experience offered by the Outemu Black.
Mentioned in this article
