Outemu Peach (V3) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Peach (V3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can dramatically influence your typing experience. The Outemu Peach switch is a standout option for those who appreciate a lightweight and muted touch; renowned for its subtle feedback and silenced operation, it offers a polished feel ideal for extended typing sessions without the distraction of noise. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is engineered specifically for gamers, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, providing lightning-fast responsiveness for rapid-fire inputs. With its clacky sound profile and invigorating tactile response, the Vintage Citrus caters to those who thrive on dynamic gameplay and want to enjoy the auditory feedback of their keystrokes. Both switches cater to distinct preferences in typing and gaming, but whether you're drawn to the Peach's gentle and polished touch or the Vintage Citrus's stimulating and snappy action, choosing the right one ultimately depends on your specific needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Peach and HMX Vintage Citrus switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, featuring nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This design choice emphasizes the use of nylon as a classic switch housing material, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Typing on either of these switches will yield a similar auditory experience, as the nylon's softer properties allow for sound absorption that results in a duller, rounder sound. This commonality in material choice suggests that users can expect comparable acoustic feedback, regardless of which switch they are using.
Both switches are constructed from nylon, which contributes to the tactile experience during typing. With the Peach and Vintage Citrus switches, the impact of the housing material is felt predominantly through the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the release sound when the key is released. Given that both switches utilize nylon throughout, this consistency in material means neither switch will significantly overshadow the other in performance or sound characteristics. The shared nylon construction fosters a typing experience that has a pleasant sonic feedback, making both switches suitable for users seeking rich auditory satisfaction.
While the Outemu Peach and HMX Vintage Citrus offer similar results due to their identical housing materials, the subtle nuances of switch design and actuation can still influence personal preference. For instance, variations in spring tension, actuation force, or even in the switch's overall design can create a distinct feel even when nylon is the common denominator. Therefore, although the core auditory experience may be aligned due to the use of nylon, individual user preferences could lead them to favor one switch over the other for its unique tactile response.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Peach linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal notable differences in typing feel and user preference. The Outemu Peach features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who favor a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a firmer push feel for a more substantial typing experience. While both switches have close bottom out forces, the Peach is lighter overall, which may benefit users seeking comfort in prolonged usage, whereas the Vintage Citrus provides a bit more resistance, suitable for typists wanting substantial feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Peach linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference in travel distance indicates that the Peach switch offers a more pronounced keystroke experience compared to the Vintage Citrus. For those who favor responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus may appeal due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses favored by gamers. Conversely, enthusiasts who appreciate a more engaging and pronounced feel in their typing may prefer the Outemu Peach, as it provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences in terms of feel and responsiveness, the Peach switch is the longer option, and the Vintage Citrus is the shorter one.
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 Peach (V3) comes in at $3.40 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Peach and HMX Vintage Citrus switches, a clear distinction emerges. The Outemu Peach, known for its muted sound, offers a softer and quieter typing experience, making it ideally suited for environments where noise reduction is essential. Its muted nature minimizes typical mechanical keyboard sounds, allowing for a more discreet typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch produces a bright and clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and percussive auditory feedback. This clackiness not only enhances the pleasure of typing for many users but is also designed to support rapid-fire actions, typical in gaming scenarios. Thus, while the Peach excels in quietness, the Vintage Citrus stands out with its lively acoustic profile.
In terms of feel, the differences between the two switches are equally pronounced. The Outemu Peach provides a mild, subtle, and polished tactile experience. Its gentle resistance offers a comfortable typing sensation that is approachable for most users. This switch shines in its refined performance, reducing friction and enhancing smooth key travel, making it ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch presents a snappier and more invigorating feel. Its super responsive design incorporates features that give a pronounced actuation sensation, creating an energetic typing experience perfect for gamers. The actuation is robust and firm, resulting in a more immersive interaction that many gamers might find exhilarating.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Peach and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they can serve distinct audiences effectively. The Peach offers a quieter, smoother typing experience, making it more suitable for shared spaces or prolonged typing tasks, while the Vintage Citrus appeals to gamers seeking responsiveness and an engaging auditory feedback. Depending on your needs, selecting between these two switches will significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience, with each catering to its specific strengths.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Peach and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, consider what your primary use case will be and your personal preferences for sound and tactile feel. If you lean toward typing in a shared environment or simply prefer a light and silent experience, the Outemu Peach is an excellent choice. Their muted sound and polished, subtle feel create a comfortable typing environment, making them suitable for both typing and casual gaming without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you're an avid gamer or someone who enjoys a more pronounced auditory feedback during key presses, the Vintage Citrus would be more fitting. Its clacky sound profile and invigorating snappy response cater to those who require rapid input, making every keypress feel lively and engaging. Ultimately, choosing the right switch boils down to your specific needs: opt for the Peaches for a gentle, quiet experience or the Vintage Citrus for an exciting, responsive gaming setup.
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