Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out for their unique characteristics: the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the HMX Vintage Citrus. The Dustproof Purple is a tactile switch, meaning it provides noticeable feedback during key presses, making it suitable for typists who appreciate a responsive feel with each stroke. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus is a linear switch designed specifically for gamers, offering an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm for rapid-fire inputs, coupled with a bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel. While the Dustproof Purple caters to those who enjoy tactile feedback in their typing experience, the Vintage Citrus excels in speed and seamless keystrokes, ideal for fast-paced gaming environments. Each switch presents compelling reasons to be chosen depending on personal preference, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Dustproof Purple Tactile

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the HMX Vintage Citrus, it is evident that their top housings utilize different materials, each contributing uniquely to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Dustproof Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This property is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance when typing. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus opts for a nylon top housing, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves more effectively, resulting in a mellower auditory experience. These divergent materials indicate that users can expect notable differences in the sound when using the same typing technique on these two switches.

Regarding the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which creates a cohesive sound experience as it offers a deeper, warmer sound. The fact that both switches share the same bottom housing material means that their bottom-out sound and feel will resonate similarly. While the top housing of the Dustproof Purple might facilitate a crisper release sound due to its polycarbonate composition, the mixing of this with the nylon bottom—common to both switches—provides a rich and harmonious overall effect. Consequently, both switches could deliver satisfying auditory feedback during use despite their differing top housing.

Ultimately, the distinctions in the top housing materials suggest that the overall typing experience will differ, particularly in the release and initial keystrokes. The crisper exit of the Dustproof Purple will contrast with the rounded sound of the Vintage Citrus, despite their shared nylon bottoms that offer a similar low-end fullness. This combination reflects the influential roles the top and bottom housings play in a keyboard switch’s sound profile; thus, users might choose based on preference for either a sharp or deep auditory response when engaging with their mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Dustproof Purple has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a better choice for those who prefer a softer feel to reduce fatigue during long typing sessions or extended gaming. Thus, the Dustproof Purple is the heavier option, while the Vintage Citrus is the lighter one. This difference in weight may influence user preference, as the heavier switch appeals to those who enjoy a firmer push, whereas the lighter switch caters to users seeking a more comfortable touch over prolonged use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their measurements. The Dustproof Purple features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional and offers a deeper feel when pressed. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. While the shorter travel distance of the Vintage Citrus may be perceived as more responsive, some users might find it too abrupt compared to the more substantial feedback provided by the Dustproof Purple. Ultimately, if you favor a hearty depth in your switch, the Dustproof Purple with its 4 mm travel distance would be the better choice, while the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, caters well to those who prioritize quick responses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch's sound profile is currently unknown, which makes it difficult to directly compare with the HMX Vintage Citrus switch. The Vintage Citrus, on the other hand, is renowned for its bright, clacky sound that appeals to gamers who enjoy auditory feedback during fast-paced gameplay. This characteristic can elevate the typing experience, making each keystroke feel more impactful, especially during rapid inputs.

When it comes to feel, the Dustproof Purple's characteristics remain unspecified, leaving an information gap for a direct comparison. However, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed to offer a remarkably smooth push feel, facilitated by its low actuation force of just 1mm. This smoothness not only enhances comfort during long gaming or typing sessions but also supports quick repetitions of key presses, which is particularly advantageous for gamers.

In summary, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch lacks detailed information regarding its sound and feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch stands out with its bright, clacky sound and exceptionally smooth operation. If you're looking for auditory feedback and a rapid response for gaming, the Vintage Citrus is a solid choice. However, for those interested in the Dustproof Purple, additional exploration might be necessary to uncover its unique qualities. Ultimately, selecting a switch will depend on personal preferences, particularly when considering aspects like sound and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your specific typing or gaming needs. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and enjoy the tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, then the Dustproof Purple might be your go-to choice. This switch is suitable for those who appreciate a bit more resistance while typing and want to feel a noticeable bump when pressing down on the keys. However, if you're primarily a gamer looking for speed, the Vintage Citrus switch is likely a better fit. With its low actuation force and rapid-fire capability, this switch allows for quick inputs, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. The Vintage Citrus also offers a distinctly clacky sound profile and a smooth push feel, which can enhance the excitement during gameplay. Ultimately, assess your preferences in typing feel, weight, and sound to determine which switch aligns best with your personal style and needs.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more