Outemu Ocean vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the tactile feel of the Outemu Ocean and the swift precision of the HMX Vintage Citrus. The Outemu Ocean, known for its tactile feedback, offers a satisfying bump that many typists and gamers appreciate, enhancing the overall typing experience without sacrificing speed. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is specifically designed for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for rapid-fire inputs—ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. With its bright, clacky sound profile and ultra-smooth push feel, the Vintage Citrus switch caters to those who prioritize speed and audibility. Each switch offers distinct advantages based on your preferences, making it essential to consider what aspects matter most to you in your typing or gaming experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Ocean and HMX Vintage Citrus switches utilize different materials for their top housings, with the Ocean featuring a polycarbonate top and the Vintage Citrus employing nylon. Polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper and more resonant sound due to its stiffer properties, which can create a crisp auditory experience especially beneficial under RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Vintage Citrus generates a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and leading to a rounder audio output. This contrast in materials indicates that users can expect significantly different acoustic experiences from the two switches depending on their design choices—those preferring a bright, vivid response may lean towards the Outemu Ocean, while those desiring a mellower sound may gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus.
Interestingly, both switches share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This commonality means that when it comes to the overall sound profile and feel during key presses, both switches will elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the sound-absorbing nature of nylon. The shared nylon bottom housing suggests that regardless of the differing top materials, the characteristics produced when bottoming out will be smooth and rounded in both options. This results in an interesting blend; while the top housing largely defines the aural nuances during key release, the bottom housing will firmly anchor the overall acoustic experience to a plush, cushioned sensation.
In summary, while the Outemu Ocean and HMX Vintage Citrus switches differ in their top housing materials, both share a common bottom housing made of nylon, offering consistency in the lower-frequency sound profile. The Ocean's polycarbonate top adds brightness, making it ideal for users who favor a sharp response, while the Vintage Citrus’s nylon top ensures a softer touch with a more subdued auditory experience. Thus, the interaction between the two different top materials and the shared bottom material creates a complex soundscape in both switches, offering enthusiasts the ability to choose based on their individual sound preference without compromising on the tactile qualities typical of nylon housing.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Outemu Ocean has an actuation force of 55 grams, which makes it heavier than the HMX Vintage Citrus, which has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams. This means that users of the Ocean switch may experience a more substantial typing feel, potentially benefiting those who prefer a stronger push. However, the bottom out force for the Ocean switch is unavailable, while the Vintage Citrus has a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that it completes its travel with a medium-light feel. Consequently, if you favor a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the HMX Vintage Citrus would be the better choice. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a stronger resistance may prefer the Outemu Ocean for its heavier actuation, but the lack of a specified bottom out force leaves some uncertainty compared to the more defined characteristics of the Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Outemu Ocean has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional switch depth, providing a more pronounced feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker response times, particularly beneficial for gamers. This shorter distance offers a more rapid action but can feel abrupt to some users. Therefore, if you're looking for a more tactile experience and a greater depth during typing, the Outemu Ocean would be the better choice, while the HMX Vintage Citrus would appeal to those seeking speed and responsiveness.
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 Ocean 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 Ocean tactile switch’s characteristics are unfortunately unspecified. However, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is notable for its bright, clacky sound profile, which can enhance the gaming experience by providing auditory feedback with each keystroke. It's important to remember that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by various factors, including the specific keyboard, keycap material, and the acoustics of the room, so the sound signatures can vary from one setup to another.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Ocean's tactile qualities are not detailed, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is celebrated for its remarkably smooth push feel, enhanced by its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm. This design caters to gamers who need a swift and responsive typing experience, allowing for quick input during gameplay. Whether typing or gaming, the feel of a switch can be a highly personal preference, so trying out both types would be beneficial for any newcomer.
Overall, while the HMX Vintage Citrus switch stands out with its low actuation force, clacky sound, and smooth feel tailored for rapid gaming, the Outemu Ocean’s qualities remain unknown. Newcomers should consider that mechanical keyboard experiences can vary significantly based on individual preference and ergonomic needs. If the goal is to find a switch that meets one's personal taste in tactile feedback and sound, exploring both options could lead to satisfying results tailored to specific usage scenarios, whether for gaming or typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch should be guided by your primary use case and personal preference. If you’re a gamer looking for rapid response times and a smooth keystroke, the Vintage Citrus is an excellent choice with its exceptionally low actuation force and 1mm actuation for quick inputs. Its bright, clacky sound profile also adds a level of auditory feedback that can enhance your gaming experience. Conversely, if you prefer a tactile switch that may be more suited for typing or if you enjoy a switch with a unique feel—though details are lacking for the Ocean—typically, tactile switches offer better feedback for typing, which some might find more satisfying for general use. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you: the speed and sound of the Vintage Citrus or the tactile experience of the Ocean. Your keyboard experience should align with your activities to provide you with the greatest enjoyment and efficiency.
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