Outemu Purple vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple 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, the Outemu Purple and HMX Vintage Citrus represent two distinct approaches that cater to different user preferences. The Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, offers a satisfying feedback that many typists appreciate, providing a balance of comfort and responsivity for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus, classified as a linear switch, is designed specifically with gamers in mind. With an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, it allows for rapid-fire key presses, coupled with a bright, clacky sound profile and an exceptionally smooth feel that enhances gameplay experience. While the Purple is ideal for users who enjoy tactile feedback during their interactions, the Vintage Citrus is perfect for those who prioritize speed and fluidity. 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
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 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 Purple and the HMX Vintage Citrus, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Outemu Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top, which imparts a sharper and crisper sound profile to the keypress experience. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances resonance and clarity, making it well-suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency. This allows for illumination to shine through effectively, adding an aesthetic advantage alongside its auditory benefits. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound. The softer properties of nylon absorb sound waves, yielding a duller yet more rounded auditory experience. Consequently, each switch provides a distinctive sound signature—one being bright and clear, and the other rich and warm.
Both switches, however, feature nylon for their bottom housings, bridging a notable aspect of their construction. The nylon material common to both models allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out during a keypress. This material choice means that the feel and acoustic performance during the act of pressing down on the switch will share similarities. The fundamental quality of nylon dampens sound and contributes to a more tactile experience, making each keypress feel substantial and cushioned. Therefore, while the top housings diverge in material, their shared nylon bottoms ensure that the overall experience retains a consistent depth in resonance, regardless of the differences in their upper halves.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top housings and the shared nylon bottom housing results in a unique yet somewhat complementary experience across both switch types. Users seeking a precise, bright sound when releasing a key will find the Outemu Purple's polycarbonate housing favorable, while those preferring a warm, rounded sound throughout the keypress may gravitate toward the HMX Vintage Citrus. Regardless of which switch is chosen, the integration of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver substantial, satisfying feedback, showcasing the importance of housing material in defining the sonic and tactile qualities of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Purple has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Vintage Citrus features a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams. This means that the Vintage Citrus is easier to press down initially, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Vintage Citrus is specified at 53 grams, which indicates that it requires a bit more effort to press all the way down, providing a more substantial feedback upon completion of the keystroke. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple is not available, making a direct comparison impossible. Overall, those who prefer a more tactile response with a heavier feel may lean towards the Outemu Purple, while users seeking a lighter touch for longer use might favor the Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference illustrates the contrast between the two switches in terms of tactile feedback and responsiveness. The Purple switch's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional and hearty depth, which some users may find more satisfying, particularly those who appreciate a stronger tactile feel. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference: if you value depth and feedback, the Outemu Purple is preferable; however, if you prioritize swift actions and responsiveness, the HMX Vintage Citrus would be the better option.
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 Purple 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
In terms of sound, while the Outemu Purple switch does not have a notable sound profile associated with it, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is characterized by a bright, clacky sound. This clackiness can be particularly satisfying for gamers who enjoy auditory feedback with each keystroke. It is important to consider that the overall sound experience can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap material, so these switches may resonate differently depending on the setup.
When comparing the feel of both switches, the Outemu Purple does not come with a specific description of its tactile characteristics, leaving its tactile feedback relatively unknown. However, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is explicitly designed for quick response times, boasting an exceptionally smooth push feel and a low actuation force of just 1mm. This design is ideal for gamers who require rapid inputs without any hindrance, enhancing performance during fast-paced gameplay.
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, one must recognize the distinctive sound and feel traits that each offers. The Vintage Citrus clearly stands out with its bright, clacky sound and smooth, responsive feel tailored for gaming, whereas the qualities of the Purple remain less defined. Ultimately, selecting the right switch will align with personal preferences in sound, tactile feedback, and intended use, ensuring a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, your specific needs and preferences should guide your choice. If you find yourself favoring a tactile experience with a satisfying feedback mechanism during typing, the Outemu Purple would be a fitting choice, especially if you appreciate a unique feel and sound profile that enhances your typing experience. However, if you're primarily a gamer looking for speedy, responsive input with a light actuation force, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is the way to go. Its quick actuation at just 1mm and medium-light bottom-out force make it perfect for rapid-fire gaming, while its clacky sound adds an enjoyable auditory element. Ultimately, consider your priorities: opt for the Purple if you value tactile feedback in everyday use, or choose the Vintage Citrus for high-performance gaming scenarios.
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