Outemu Red vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red 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 Red and HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as two popular linear options, each catering to different user preferences. The Outemu Red switches are often favored for their smooth keystrokes, providing a seamless typing experience that can satisfy both casual users and gamers alike looking for reliability. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has been specifically engineered for gamers, featuring a remarkably low actuation force of just 1mm, designed for those who require rapid-fire inputs in fast-paced gaming scenarios. This switch not only delivers a bright, clacky sound profile but also ensures a smooth push feel, enhancing overall gaming performance. While both switches offer unique benefits, from the Outemu Red's reliable consistency to the Vintage Citrus's speed-focused design, choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage habits. 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
46g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, a distinct contrast emerges, particularly in the top housing. The Outemu Red utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its rigidity and tendency to produce a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This quality not only enhances the clarity of the key presses but also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, as polycarbonate is typically translucent and allows for light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus opts for a top housing made from nylon, a material renowned for its softer and more forgiving nature. The use of nylon results in a deeper, fuller sound that tends to absorb more sound energy, generating a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, the contrasting materials provide differing acoustic characters, with the Outemu Red leaning towards clarity and brightness, while the Vintage Citrus emphasizes warmth and softness.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a similar depth and fullness in the sound profile for both models. The nylon material effectively absorbs sound waves, translating into a more muted bottom-out sound and feel characteristically associated with this type of plastic. This shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a consistent experience when bottoming out, highlighting a common element in their performance. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the tactile feel and sound when a key is fully pressed, the similarities in their bottom housing offer a complementary balance to the differing top housing materials.
Overall, while the Outemu Red and HMX Vintage Citrus switches feature contrasting materials in their top housing—which fundamentally affects the sound profile during key release—their shared nylon bottom housing creates a cohesive experience in terms of depth and overall feel. This combination implies that users can expect distinctive sound characteristics from the switches, depending on the top housing, while still enjoying a uniform tactile response due to the nylon bottoms. Therefore, regardless of the differences, enthusiasts can achieve a unique yet consistent typing experience, capitalizing on the nuances provided by each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see some notable differences. The Outemu Red has an actuation force of 46 grams, slightly lighter than the HMX Vintage Citrus, which has an actuation force of 48 grams. This difference means that the Red switch may be preferable for users who favor a lighter touch, facilitating longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In terms of bottom out force, however, the Outemu Red's 62 grams is significantly heavier than the Vintage Citrus's 53 grams, indicating that while the actuation feels lighter, the overall experience of bottoming out is more demanding with the Red switch. Thus, those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience might lean towards the Outemu Red, despite its heavier bottom out force. In summary, the Outemu Red is the heavier switch in terms of bottom out force, while the HMX Vintage Citrus is lighter in actuation force, catering to those who enjoy a medium-light typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Outemu Red features a traditional travel distance of 4 mm, which offers a more substantial feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a deeper key press. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to users who prefer a quicker response time often favored by gamers. While the 3 mm travel distance provides a more shallow and potentially abrupt feel, it can enhance speed and efficiency in gaming scenarios. Therefore, for users seeking a more pronounced tactile experience, the Outemu Red is the better choice, whereas those prioritizing responsiveness might lean towards the HMX Vintage Citrus, which offers a snappier action.
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 Red 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 considering the sound profile of the Outemu Red linear switch compared to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Outemu Red is noted for its subtlety and muted characteristics. It tends to produce a softer thock, which is less pronounced than many other options, making it a quieter choice for those who prefer minimal distraction. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus offers a bright and clacky sound profile that adds a bit of excitement to each keystroke. This noticeable sound can enhance the gaming experience for those who thrive on auditory feedback, solidly distinguishing it from the Outemu Red.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red switch is smooth and linear, allowing for a consistent typing experience without tactile feedback. This can be great for users who appreciate a streamlined and uninterrupted keystroke. The Vintage Citrus, however, is designed with a remarkably smooth push feel along with an exceptionally low actuation force, making it particularly appealing for gamers who require quick and light presses for rapid inputs. This facilitates an effortless typing experience, while the Outemu Red offers a more traditional linear response without the same emphasis on speed.
Overall, while both switches provide linear characteristics, the Outemu Red leans towards a quieter, smoother typing experience more suited for general use or those seeking a subtle sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored for dynamic gaming with its lively sound and quick actuation. Ultimately, whether you prefer the understated nature of the Outemu Red or the vibrant engagement of the Vintage Citrus will depend on your personal preference and intended use. Both can deliver satisfying results, but their unique qualities will appeal to different users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, your specific needs will largely dictate the best option for you. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force that provides a balanced typing experience and do not require any standout features particularly suited for gaming, the Outemu Red might be your go-to choice. However, if you're a gamer looking for speed and rapid input capabilities, the Vintage Citrus is tailored for your needs with its notably low actuation force of just 1mm. Additionally, if you enjoy a keyboard that produces a bright, clacky sound while providing an exceptionally smooth feel, the Vintage Citrus will likely enhance your gaming experience more than the Outemu Red. In essence, if performance and sound profile are essential to you, especially during intense gaming sessions, the Vintage Citrus is the clear winner; but for a more general-purpose linear switch that doesn’t demand such specificity, the Outemu Red would serve you well. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your usage style and whether you prioritize speed and sound or a more traditional linear typing experience.
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