Outemu Silent White vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent White and HMX Vintage Citrus each offer unique characteristics tailored to different user preferences. The Silent White switch, while currently lacking notable recognition, is categorized as a linear switch, prized for its smooth keystrokes that ensure a quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office environments or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus, also a linear switch, is specifically engineered for gamers, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm that allows for rapid-fire inputs, complemented by a bright, clacky sound profile and a remarkably smooth push feel. While the Silent White caters to those seeking tranquility, the Vintage Citrus is ideal for gamers looking for speed and auditory feedback. 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
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent White switches and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches showcase notable differences in their top housing materials, contributing to distinct sound profiles. The Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material allows for greater resonance, which is particularly advantageous when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic experience. The divergent use of these materials means that typists will experience differences in the auditory feedback when pressing the keys on these switches.
Interestingly, both the Outemu Silent White and HMX Vintage Citrus switches share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. This commonality creates a baseline sound experience, as the nylon bottom housing in both switches elicits a fuller and deeper sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. The impact on the bottom-out feel and sound will be consistent for both switches, providing a uniform tactile experience at the actuation point. As a result, while the top housings introduce contrasting sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housings ensure a complementary base that enhances consistency in feedback during use.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch creates a unique typing experience that merges the qualities of both top and bottom housings. For the Silent White, the polycarbonate top housing injects brightness into the sound while the nylon bottom rounds out the audio signature. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus leans towards a more subdued yet rich sound experience, primarily owing to its nylon top housing. Users can expect appreciation for different auditory nuances in each switch, informed by how these contrasting materials interact during use. However, the similar nylon bottom housing means both models can maintain a cohesive tactile feedback regardless of their varied top housing compositions.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent White 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 lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Silent White is the lighter option overall, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, while still relatively light, provides a slightly more substantial feel due to its greater actuation force, which may appeal to those seeking a firmer typing experience. Although both switches fall into the medium and medium-light categories respectively, the difference in actuation forces indicates that users looking for a lighter touch should opt for the Silent White, while those wanting slightly more resistance might prefer the Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Silent White has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures at 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter of the two options, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers might appreciate for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Silent White, with its slightly longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial keypress that some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. Thus, if you prioritize quick and responsive actions, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, whereas the Silent White may appeal to those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
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 White 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 Silent White switch does not have a specified sound profile, which leaves its auditory characteristics largely open to interpretation based on the accompanying keyboard and keycap choices. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is known for its bright and clacky sound, which can add an energetic auditory feedback during gaming sessions. The significant difference in their sound profiles means that while using the Vintage Citrus will likely provide a more auditory experience, the Silent White will rely heavily on the specific build used, potentially resulting in a quieter, subtler sound.
Regarding the feel, the Silent White linear switch lacks a detailed description, suggesting that its tactile feedback may not be a standout characteristic. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch excels in feel, featuring a remarkably smooth push that enhances its gaming performance. The low actuation force of just 1mm makes it highly responsive, allowing for quick and effortless key presses, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers who require rapid inputs. The absence of defined characteristics for the Silent White means that achieving a comparable feel may depend on personal preference and specific use cases.
In summary, the overall comparison between the Outemu Silent White and HMX Vintage Citrus switches reveals distinct contrasts. While the Silent White remains ambiguous with no noted sound or feel traits, the Vintage Citrus stands out for its bright sound and smooth feel, tailored specifically for gaming performance with a low actuation force. If you're looking for a switch that provides a pronounced auditory feedback combined with a swift tactile sensation, the Vintage Citrus is the clear choice, while the Silent White might serve better in environments where noise reduction is a priority and personal preference can determine the overall experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch hinges on your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a balanced actuation force and appreciate a quieter environment, the Silent White is an excellent choice, especially in settings where noise reduction is a priority. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a satisfying push without being overly stiff, making it suitable for both casual typing and extended work sessions. On the other hand, if you are a gamer who values speed and responsiveness, the HMX Vintage Citrus shines with its lighter 53-gram force and minimal 1mm actuation distance, allowing for rapid keystrokes with a satisfying clacky sound. The Vintage Citrus switch is designed to enhance your gaming experience with its smooth feel and rapid response, making it ideal for fast-paced gameplay. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or the speed and responsiveness favored in gaming.
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