Outemu Brown vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the unique characteristics of each option can greatly enhance your typing or gaming experience. The Outemu Brown switch is renowned for its tactile feedback, providing a noticeable bump during actuation that many typists appreciate, as it offers a satisfying response without being overly noisy. In stark contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, making it highly responsive for rapid-fire inputs. The Vintage Citrus also delivers a bright and clacky sound profile, paired with a remarkably smooth push feel that appeals to those who prioritize speed and agility in competitive gaming. While both switches cater to different needs—whether you prefer the tactile reassurance of the Brown or the swift responsiveness of the Vintage Citrus—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Brown Tactile

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and HMX Vintage Citrus switches, a notable distinction arises in the composition of their top housings. The Outemu Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffer nature. This allows for clearer resonance when the switch is activated, particularly advantageous when RGB lighting is incorporated, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the lighting effects. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which tends to absorb more sound, yielding a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This difference in material between the two models ultimately influences the acoustic output while typing, making the Outemu Brown more suited for those who prefer a bright and defined sound, whereas the Vintage Citrus appeals to users seeking a mellower auditory experience.

Both switches, however, share similarities when it comes to their bottom housing, as they both employ nylon. This consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a densed, rounded sound profile that effectively absorbs sound. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the top housing materials, the bottom-out acoustic performance of both switches will lean towards a deep and warm sound due to the nylon's inherent properties. As such, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with pronounced sound dampening in both cases, contributing to a smooth and cushioned feel at the base of each keystroke.

Ultimately, the combined effects of the housing materials in the Outemu Brown and HMX Vintage Citrus switches lead to an interesting interplay of sound qualities during use. While the Outemu Brown offers a brighter acoustic feedback from its polycarbonate top, complemented by the softer, rounded sound of its nylon bottom, the Vintage Citrus focuses on a more enveloped sensory experience with nylon in both top and bottom. This means that while the switches may cater to different preferences in sound character, both options will deliver satisfying tactile and auditory sensations, with the nylon bottom being a common element that ensures a robust foundation for the overall typing experience.

Weight

The Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, influencing their suitability for different preferences in typing experiences. The Outemu Brown features an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, whereas the HMX Vintage Citrus has lighter specifications with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. Consequently, the Vintage Citrus switch is the lighter option, ideal for users who favor prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Brown provides a firmer push, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback. Overall, the significant variance in bottom out forces also indicates that the Brown switch will offer a heavier feel during extensive typing, while the Vintage Citrus maintains a more delicate touch for quick sessions.

Travel distance

The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Outemu Brown the deeper option, appealing to users who appreciate a more tactile feel when typing, as its greater travel distance provides a pronounced feedback that some find preferable. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shallower 3 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker key presses and faster response times—qualities that are often sought after by gamers. Consequently, while the Brown switch offers a more traditional experience, the Vintage Citrus represents a modern trend towards speed and agility, making for a clear distinction between the two in terms of travel distance and the resulting typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown switch is typically known for its muted and subdued noise level, which makes it a good choice for environments where you want to minimize distractions or noise. The tactile bump provides a noticeable indication of actuation without generating much audible feedback. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch features a bright and clacky sound profile, accentuating its design geared toward fast-paced gaming scenarios. The sound characteristics can significantly depend on factors like the keyboard build and type of keycaps used, but generally, the Vintage Citrus offers a more pronounced auditory experience compared to the quieter Brown switch.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown switch is primarily recognized for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump at the actuation point that helps users to know exactly when their key press has registered. This tactile feedback is preferable for typing as it enhances precision without overwhelming the user with noise. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is crafted for speed, featuring a remarkably smooth push feel and a very low actuation force at just 1mm. This smoother experience, combined with its quick actuation, makes the Vintage Citrus ideal for rapid-fire inputs in gaming, lending it a different tactile experience that can feel less textured than the Brown switch.

Overall, the Outemu Brown and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to different preferences and use cases. The Brown switch excels in environments where quieter operation and tactile feedback are desired, making it a reliable option for typists. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed for gamers seeking a fast, smooth, and more auditory switch that can handle quick inputs efficiently. Depending on your priorities—whether they lean towards a more tactile feel or a smooth, rapid actuation—you'll need to select the switch that aligns best with your typing or gaming style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile feedback when typing or gaming and seek a switch that provides a medium-heavy resistance of 65 grams, the Brown switch would be an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for general typing tasks where you might appreciate the feeling of each key press. However, if your primary focus is on gaming, especially fast-paced action games requiring quick, repeated keystrokes, the Vintage Citrus switch—with its lower actuation force of just 1mm and smooth push feel—will serve you better. The Vintage Citrus is optimized for rapid-fire inputs and engages quickly, making it perfect for gamers who thrive on speed and responsiveness. Additionally, if sound is a consideration for you, the Vintage Citrus offers a bright, clacky sound profile, which some users find appealing for a more dynamic gaming experience. Ultimately, by assessing your primary usage—whether it be tactile feedback and typing comfort with the Brown or speed and smoothness with the Vintage Citrus—you can select the switch that aligns best with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more