Outemu Silent Green vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options emerge: the Outemu Silent Green and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both linear switches that cater to different user preferences and styles. The Silent Green, while not particularly highlighted for any specific feature, typically offers a straightforward typing experience that emphasizes smooth keystrokes without the distraction of audible feedback. This makes it a solid choice for those seeking a quieter work environment or who prefer a subtle typing sound. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, boasting an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for lightning-fast inputs—a crucial advantage in competitive gaming scenarios. With its bright, clacky sound profile and exceptionally smooth push feel, the Vintage Citrus appeals to users who enjoy an energetic typing experience and a more tactile feedback. Each switch offers unique benefits tailored to different 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the HMX Vintage Citrus, one can observe distinct characteristics that influence the overall performance and auditory feedback of these switches. The Silent Green utilizes polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, which results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate promotes a higher-pitched auditory feedback, where the materials' translucency also enhances the effect of RGB lighting, making it a suitable choice for visually striking keyboards. This uniform use of polycarbonate ensures that users experience consistent sound clarity and response regardless of which housing you are engaging with during use.
In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs nylon for both the top and bottom housings, a material celebrated for its classic qualities in switch design. The softer structure of nylon leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than its polycarbonate counterpart. This results in a duller yet rounder auditory feedback, characteristic of switches that favor a moody typing experience. Users of the Vintage Citrus will notice a pronounced impact on the sound produced when bottoming out the switch, as both the top and bottom housings contribute to this softer auditory signature. The combination of nylon in both the top and bottom effectively houses a cohesive sound experience that resonates differently compared to the sharper sound palette of the Silent Green.
Ultimately, the differing materials lead to unique typing experiences, with the Silent Green's polycarbonate providing clearer and crisper sound profiles ideal for users seeking brightness, whereas the Vintage Citrus's nylon fosters a warmer and fuller typing experience. If both switches were to possess the same housing materials, the result would be a consistent auditory feedback across the keypress. However, due to their differing compositions, users are likely to experience distinctly different sound signatures and tactile sensations, guided by the inherent properties each material lends to the mechanics of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Green has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Vintage Citrus features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Silent Green the lighter option overall, which may appeal to users who prefer a switch that requires less force, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus offers a more substantial feel during the actuation phase but a smoother experience when bottoming out due to its lower bottom out force. Therefore, individuals who enjoy a more tactile feedback with a slightly heavier keystroke should consider the Vintage Citrus, while those who prioritize ease of use may favor the Silent Green.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Silent Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional standard and provides a deeper, more pronounced keypress, making it a preferable choice for those who appreciate a hearty depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to gamers and typists who favor a quicker response time and less travel before actuation. Ultimately, those seeking a more responsive feel will likely gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus, while those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience may opt for the Silent Green. Thus, the Silent Green is the longer switch, while the Vintage Citrus is the shorter 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 Silent Green 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
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have a specific sound profile attributed to it, while the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is recognized for its bright, clacky sound. This means that if you're looking for a quieter typing experience, the Silent Green might be a better choice, given its name suggests a focus on being silent, which could be advantageous in shared spaces. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus’s clacky sound may be more appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming, although the overall sound experience can be influenced by the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Green's properties are not specifically detailed, but we can infer that, like many linear switches, it possibly offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile bumps or clicks. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus is designed for rapid-fire inputs with a remarkably smooth push feel, allowing for quick actuation thanks to its low actuation force of just 1mm. This makes it ideal for gamers looking for speedy reactions, while the Silent Green may offer a more traditional linear experience, potentially catering to those who prefer a smoother but less reactive feel.
In summary, if you are looking for a switch that emphasizes silence and a smoother typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green would likely be more suitable. Conversely, for gamers seeking quick actuation and an engaging, clacky sound, the HMX Vintage Citrus is the clear choice. Both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, albeit with different auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to varying preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Green and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, it's essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a switch that provides a more deliberate typing experience without any audible distractions, the Silent Green is an excellent choice with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams. Its unique design makes it great for environments where noise needs to be minimized. However, if you are a gamer seeking speed and quick key presses, the Vintage Citrus is tailored for you. Its lower actuation force of 53 grams and rapid actuation at just 1mm mean you can perform fast, precise inputs while the clacky sound profile adds a delightful auditory element to your gaming sessions. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value a quieter, more controlled typing feel with the Silent Green or the crisp responsiveness and efficient actuation of the Vintage Citrus for an enhanced gaming experience.
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