Outemu Crystal Brown vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and use cases. The Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, provides a satisfying bump at the actuation point, making it a great choice for typists who prefer to feel each keystroke without the need for prior feedback. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid-fire inputs and an effortless typing experience. Its linear nature ensures a smooth keystroke devoid of tactile feedback, complemented by a bright and clacky sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on whether you value the tactile feedback of the Crystal Brown for typing or the speed and smoothness of the Vintage Citrus for gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Crystal Brown and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches both incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a consistent, deeper, and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon's unique properties as a softer plastic that absorbs sound, providing a duller and rounder auditory experience. Both switches leverage this characteristic to create a satisfying bottom-out sound, enhancing the overall tactile feedback during usage. Since both models utilize nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a homogeneous typing experience when focusing on the bottom-out feel of the switches.

However, the differences begin to emerge in the top housing materials. The Outemu Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which significantly alters the auditory experience. Polycarbonate offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, primarily due to its stiffer plastic nature. This material choice plays a vital role when releasing keys, as the sound produced during this action is more prominent and resonant with polycarbonate. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a more muted and subdued auditory signature upon key release, aligning with its overall fuller sound experience. As such, the contrast between the clear, bright sound of the Crystal Brown and the softer, rounder sound of the Vintage Citrus is largely influenced by the choice of materials in the top housing.

Overall, while both switches feature nylon for the bottom housing, leading to a similar bottom-out feel and sound, the different top housing materials result in distinct auditory experiences. Users looking for a switch that brightens up their typing sound might gravitate towards the Outemu Crystal Brown due to its polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, those who prefer a mellower and more rounded sound profile would likely favor the HMX Vintage Citrus. Thus, while there are commonalities in the bottom housing, the tops diverge significantly, showcasing how each material contributes differently to the overall performance and acoustic properties of the switches.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Vintage Citrus features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the Crystal Brown is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, requiring less pressure to trigger a keypress, while the Vintage Citrus, with its heavier actuation force, may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, if users gravitate towards the lighter actuation force for comfort over long periods, the Crystal Brown may be a better choice, whereas those seeking a bit more resistance might prefer the Vintage Citrus.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see a clear distinction: the Crystal Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Vintage Citrus measures at 3 mm, categorizing it as the shorter switch. Traditional preferences lean towards the 4 mm travel distance, providing a fuller feel with deeper key presses that some users find more satisfying. Conversely, the shallower 3 mm travel distance of the Vintage Citrus caters to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, albeit at the risk of feeling somewhat abrupt for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. Thus, choosing between these switches will depend largely on individual preferences for key feel and response in typing or gaming scenarios.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch's characteristics are currently unknown, making it difficult to compare it directly to the HMX Vintage Citrus. The Vintage Citrus, on the other hand, is designed to produce a bright, clacky sound profile, which typically appeals to gamers seeking an auditory response that enhances their typing experience. The sound of both switches will ultimately depend on other factors, such as the keyboard’s construction and the keycap material used, which can drastically influence the auditory feedback.

Turning to feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown also lacks specific descriptions, so it cannot be directly assessed in comparison to the HMX Vintage Citrus. The Vintage Citrus switch is noted for its remarkably smooth push feel, which is essential for a seamless gaming experience. With an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, this switch facilitates rapid-fire inputs, allowing gamers to deliver quick and precise keystrokes effortlessly.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Crystal Brown lacks defined attributes in both sound profile and feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus shine with their clarity and responsiveness, making them particularly suited for gamers. Without the specific qualities of the Crystal Brown to compare against, one can only surmise that if it were closer in feel or sound to the Vintage Citrus, the typing experience could exhibit similar efficiencies, but the decision ultimately hinges on individual preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you value a more tactile feedback experience while maintaining a medium-light resistance, the Crystal Brown could be the right fit for you, especially in situations where you enjoy the sensation of feeling that distinct actuation point—perfect for typing or programming tasks where accuracy matters. However, if you are primarily focused on gaming performance, the Vintage Citrus is designed with rapid engagement in mind, offering an impressively low actuation force that caters to fast-paced gaming environments. Its smooth push feel and bright, clacky sound profile will enhance your gaming experience, making it easier to execute quick commands. Therefore, if your primary use is gaming, the HMX Vintage Citrus would serve you well, while the Outemu Crystal Brown is better suited for general typing and productivity. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard; your answer will guide you to the right switch for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more