Outemu Dustproof Red vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Dustproof Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus present users with distinct characteristics suited for different needs. The Dustproof Red, while lacking a specific standout feature, offers a reliable linear experience that many users appreciate for its consistent keystroke feel, making it an appealing choice for both typists and gamers seeking a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus excels in performance for gamers, with its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm that allows for rapid-fire inputs; it also boasts a bright, clacky sound profile and a remarkably smooth push feel that can enhance the excitement of gameplay. While both switches cater to a linear typing style, their differences in actuation force and sound make them appealing to different user preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Dustproof Red Linear

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Dustproof Red and Razer HMX Vintage Citrus switches utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Dustproof Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which, due to its stiffer nature, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material’s translucency also benefits RGB lighting, allowing for a more vibrant display. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is equipped with a nylon top housing, a traditional choice known for offering a deeper and fuller sound. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience. While both switches aim to deliver engaging typing sounds, the differences in their top housing materials lead to varied acoustic properties, with the Dustproof Red leaning towards clarity and brightness, whereas the Vintage Citrus embraces warmth and depth.

When examining the bottom housings, the Outemu Dustproof Red and HMX Vintage Citrus switches align in their use of nylon, a classic material recognized for its ability to produce a deep and rich sound profile. Both switches leverage the softer nature of nylon in their bottom housings, which contributes to the absorption of sound and ultimately results in a more muted auditory experience when bottoming out. This consistency in bottom housing material means that users can expect a full-bodied feedback regardless of the top housing material choice, creating a unique composite sound that incorporates both the characteristics of nylon and the variation brought by the differing top housing materials.

In essence, the divergent materials of the top housings between the Outemu Dustproof Red and Razer HMX Vintage Citrus significantly shape their overall sound profiles. With the polycarbonate in the Dustproof Red enhancing brightness and clarity, while the nylon in the Vintage Citrus fosters depth and warmth, users can seek varied auditory experiences depending on their preferences. However, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that the tactile aspects of their performance remain consistent, providing a satisfying feel during key presses and a rewarding output as users engage with their keyboards. Thus, while the sound signature may differ between the models, the underlying construction guarantees a level of sameness in terms of bottom-out feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This makes the Dustproof Red the lighter option, catering to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience—ideal for long sessions at work or gaming. In terms of bottom out force, the Dustproof Red again exhibits a heavier feel at 60 grams compared to the Vintage Citrus's 53 grams, offering a more substantial push when fully pressed down. Overall, while both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, the Dustproof Red is better suited for users who enjoy a lighter touch, while the Vintage Citrus offers a slightly firmer feel at both actuation and bottom out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Dustproof Red boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the traditional choice that offers a more pronounced keystroke feel, which can be preferable for users seeking a deeper, more tactile experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, aligning with the modern trend of quicker response times favored by gamers. The shorter travel distance can facilitate faster key presses, catering to those who prioritize quick actions. Therefore, if a user appreciates a deeper keystroke and the sensation of more substantial travel, the Dustproof Red would be the better option. Conversely, if responsiveness and speed are paramount, the Vintage Citrus is the way to go. Ultimately, the Dustproof Red is the longer travel switch at 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus, at 3 mm, offers a shorter and more rapid key press experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profiles of the Outemu Dustproof Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, the Dustproof Red does not have a defined acoustic characteristic, while the Vintage Citrus is noted for its bright, clacky sound. This difference suggests that users favoring auditory feedback will find the Vintage Citrus more engaging, particularly in a gaming context where sound can enhance the overall experience. However, it's important to keep in mind that the sound produced by each switch is also influenced by the keyboard's build and the keycap materials used, so some users might achieve a satisfying tone with the Dustproof Red when paired with the right components.

Regarding the feel of these switches, the Outemu Dustproof Red lacks specifics, making it difficult to gauge its tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is celebrated for its remarkably smooth push feel. This smoothness is particularly advantageous for gamers who require consistent performance and quick key presses, as the low actuation force further minimizes resistance. The tactile differentiation of these switches could lead to a more performance-driven experience with the Vintage Citrus, especially in fast-paced gaming scenarios, while the feel of the Dustproof Red remains a variable yet undefined aspect.

In summary, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch might not have specific characteristics highlighted in terms of sound and feel, leaving its overall performance somewhat ambiguous. Meanwhile, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is specifically designed for gamers, featuring a bright and clacky sound along with a smooth action that enhances rapid gaming inputs. If you're looking for pronounced sound and an engaging typing experience, the Vintage Citrus will certainly outshine the less described Dustproof Red. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound and the tactile experience you seek in your keyboard.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific usage preferences and gaming style. If you prefer a switch with slightly heavier resistance and a more traditional linear feel, which can provide a bit more feedback when bottoming out, the Dustproof Red might be the right fit for you. This switch is well-suited for those who enjoy a balanced typing experience that can handle longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you are an avid gamer looking for quick and precise key presses, the Vintage Citrus is designed for you. Its lower actuation force and rapid activation make it ideal for games requiring fast inputs, and its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your experience. Therefore, consider your primary use: for casual typing and balanced performance, opt for the Dustproof Red; for competitive gaming and quick reactions, the Vintage Citrus is likely the superior choice.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more