Outemu Blue vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue 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 Outemu Blue and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinctly different experiences that cater to various preferences and use cases. The Outemu Blue switches are recognized for their clicky feedback, providing an audible and tactile response with every keystroke. This makes them popular among typists and those who enjoy a traditional typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches are designed specifically for gamers, featuring a low actuation force of just 1mm that allows for rapid-fire inputs—perfect for fast-paced gaming scenarios. With their smooth feel and bright, clacky sound profile, they offer a unique blend of performance and auditory satisfaction. While both switches have their merits, the choice ultimately depends on your personal preference: whether you prioritize the gratifying click of a tactile switch or the swift responsiveness of a linear switch. 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
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Outemu Blue and HMX Vintage Citrus switches showcase stark contrasts in their top housing materials, which significantly affect their sound profiles. The Outemu Blue features a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer qualities that enhance resonance, providing clarity that is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting setups, thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties result in sound absorption, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Consequently, when pressed, users can anticipate a distinct tonal difference, with the Blue offering brightness and the Vintage Citrus delivering warmth.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Outemu Blue and HMX Vintage Citrus utilize nylon, bringing a layer of consistency to their overall sound profile. Nylon's inherent softness contributes to a rich and full tactile experience, which is consistent across both switches. Because the bottom housing has a pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a key, the shared nylon material in this section will generate a more pronounced thock sound when the keys are pressed down, regardless of their differing top housing materials. This similarity means that while the top sounds may differ significantly, the tactile experience in terms of sound and feel when bottoming out will remain relatively harmonious across both switches.
Overall, users can expect unique auditory and tactile responses based on the contrasting materials in the top housings while enjoying a similar feel and sound profile when it comes to the bottom housings. Therefore, for those who appreciate the crisper sound of the Outemu Blue or the fuller sound of the HMX Vintage Citrus, both options provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will likely hinge on personal preference for high-pitched clarity versus deep resonance, influencing the overall typing satisfaction for each user.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we observe notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Vintage Citrus is slightly lighter at 48 grams, making the Outemu Blue the heavier option. This difference may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue is unavailable, while the Vintage Citrus features a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams. Thus, if the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue were known, it could provide additional insights into its overall typing experience. Since the actuation force is somewhat similar, those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions might gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus, whereas those who appreciate a firmer feedback may favor the Outemu Blue. Overall, each switch caters to different preferences regarding typing feel and comfort based on their unique force characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Outemu Blue features a traditional travel distance of 4 mm, offering a deeper and more tactile experience that many typists appreciate for its feedback. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to users who favor quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. This shorter distance can lead to a more immediate feel, although some users may find it too abrupt compared to the Blue's more pronounced actuation depth. Therefore, if you prefer a more hearty typing experience, the Outemu Blue is the better choice, while the Vintage Citrus may be ideal for those seeking enhanced responsiveness.
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 Blue 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 Blue switch is known for its distinctive clicky sound, which provides audible feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate, enhancing their overall typing experience. This clicky profile can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory response with each keystroke. The HMX Vintage Citrus switch, on the other hand, also features a bright and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for users who favor a lively auditory feedback while gaming or typing. Both switches share a characteristic sound profile that can be described as lively, although the Blue may deliver a more pronounced click compared to the Citrus's clack.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue switch provides a tactile bump and a noticeable actuation point, which can contribute to a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer feedback with every key press. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed with speed in mind, offering an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, resulting in a smooth and effortless feel during rapid-fire inputs. This difference in actuation and force can lead to varied experiences: while the Blue offers a more tactile sensation, the Vintage Citrus provides a seamless typing experience that may appeal more to gamers.
In summary, both the Outemu Blue and HMX Vintage Citrus switches serve distinct purposes with their sound and feel characteristics. The Outemu Blue provides a satisfying clicky sound with a tactile feedback that some users adore, while the Vintage Citrus combines a bright clack with an ultra-smooth and lightweight push ideal for fast-paced gaming. Depending on one’s preferences—whether they prioritize auditory feedback or rapid actuation—either switch can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, albeit in different ways. Users can confidently choose based on their specific needs and styles, knowing both options cater to distinct user experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you enjoy that classic tactile feedback and the satisfying click of a switch that provides audible and palpable confirmation with each keystroke, the Outemu Blue would be a delightful choice, especially for tasks like typing where you appreciate the sound and feel of each key press. However, if rapid responsiveness and smooth actuation are your priorities, particularly for gaming, then the Vintage Citrus switch is your best bet. Its low actuation force and silky pushing motion allow for quicker input, making it well-suited for gamers seeking to enhance their performance in fast-paced environments. Therefore, consider what aspects are more critical for your use case—be it the comforting sound and feel of the Blue for typing or the quick and smooth action of the Vintage Citrus for gaming—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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