Outemu Milk Blue vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, two popular options stand out: the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Vintage Citrus. The Milk Blue, known for its clicky feedback, offers a tactile typing experience that many users appreciate for both its satisfying sound and feel, making it an excellent choice for typists who crave auditory confirmation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for rapid-fire inputs that enhance gameplay responsiveness. While the Vintage Citrus delivers a smooth stroke and a bright, clacky sound profile preferred by some gamers, the Milk Blue provides a more traditional typing experience, appreciated for its distinct clickiness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, significant differences arise primarily from their top housings, which influence their overall sound profiles. The Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This material tends to generate a sharper, higher-pitched sound, providing a crisper auditory feedback when the key is released. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound. Consequently, the sound profile created by the Vintage Citrus is characterized by a deeper, fuller resonance, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. This fundamental contrast in materials leads to quite different user experiences, particularly during the release of a key.
On the other hand, both the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Vintage Citrus share a commonality in their bottom housings, both made from nylon. The use of nylon in the bottom housing means that both switches elicit a deep and rich sound when bottoming out, as nylon's acoustic properties allow it to absorb sound effectively. This shared characteristic posits that, while the Milk Blue might deliver a brighter tonal quality on release due to its polycarbonate top, both switches will produce a similar resonant depth when pressed down. As a result, users can expect a somewhat consistent tactile experience from both switches at the bottom-out sound level, despite the variances in upper sound characteristics.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housings of the Outemu Milk Blue and HMX Vintage Citrus will largely dictate their sound profiles during typing. The Milk Blue’s polycarbonate top will generate bright, clear sounds during key release, making it best suited for users who prefer an articulate auditory feedback. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus's nylon top will yield softer, more subdued sound outputs, appealing to those who favor a mellow typing experience. In sum, while both switches share similarities in their nylon bottom housings for deeper sound at bottom-out, the contrasting top materials create distinctive auditory identities that cater to different preferences in gamers and typists alike.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Vintage Citrus, which has an actuation force of 48 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus for more comfortable extended use, while those who desire a more substantial push will appreciate the Milk Blue's slightly heavier actuation. However, the Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown, whereas the Vintage Citrus is specified at 53 grams, indicating that it may provide a more pronounced tactile experience when fully engaging the key. Overall, if someone favors lighter switches, they would likely find the HMX Vintage Citrus to be more suitable, whereas the Outemu Milk Blue may cater to those who appreciate a firmer feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that provides a deeper feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to those who favor quicker actuation and faster response times commonly sought after by gamers. This difference reflects a broader trend in switch design, where shorter distances are increasingly preferred for their responsiveness. For individuals who enjoy a substantial keystroke, the Milk Blue switch is the better choice, while those who appreciate a more immediate feedback may gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus. Thus, while the Milk Blue offers a longer travel experience, the Vintage Citrus presents a quicker actuation, appealing to two different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Milk 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Milk Blue switch provides a characteristic auditory experience that enthusiasts often seek in a tactile clicky switch. While specific sound details are not identified, clicky switches generally produce a sharp, distinct sound with each actuation, creating a satisfying auditory feedback that many find enjoyable. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed for gamers and features a bright, clacky sound profile. This adds an engaging acoustic layer to rapid-fire typing and gaming sessions, though the overall sound experience may still depend on various factors, such as the keyboard construction and keycap material.
Regarding feel, the Milk Blue switch is known for its tactile response, providing a pronounced bump that signals actuation. This tactile feedback is often appreciated by typists who enjoy the sensation of each key press. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch offers a remarkably smooth push feel, enhancing the experience during fast-paced gaming. Its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm makes it easy to actuate quickly, which is particularly beneficial for gamers seeking rapid input without sacrificing smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Milk Blue and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Milk Blue excels in providing tactile feedback and a satisfying click sound, making it a great choice for typists who value auditory and physical responsiveness. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus switch shines in gaming scenarios with its low actuation force and smooth action, complemented by its clacky sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes tactile feedback or smoothness and speed during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, your typing habits and preferences will play a significant role. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory feedback with each keystroke, especially while typing or gaming, the Milk Blue’s clicky action might be the better choice, provided you like the associated sound profile and feedback it offers. However, since we don’t have exact data on its bottom-out force and sound characteristics, it’s essential to test it for yourself if possible. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for rapid response times and prefer a smooth typing experience without the distraction of click sounds, the Vintage Citrus switch is the clear winner. Its low actuation force and medium-light bottom-out force allow for quick and efficient keystrokes, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your choice should align with your individual typing style—whether you lean towards the clicky feedback of the Milk Blue or the speedy, smooth action of the Vintage Citrus.
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