Outemu Silver vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver and HMX Vintage Citrus are two intriguing linear options that cater to distinct preferences. The Outemu Silver, although not widely celebrated for any specific hallmark trait, provides a consistent and straightforward typing experience that may appeal to users who prefer simplicity and reliability in their key presses. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is specifically designed for gamers, boasting an extremely low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for quick, responsive inputs — perfect for competitive play. Furthermore, its bright, clacky sound profile enhances the overall experience, while delivering a remarkably smooth keystroke. Both switches offer unique benefits: the Outemu Silver for those seeking a dependable typing experience, and the Vintage Citrus for players who prioritize speed and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Silver Linear

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Silver and HMX Vintage Citrus switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their overall sound profiles. The Outemu Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's translucency is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting applications, as it allows the light to shine through beautifully. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer, more absorbent nature. This makes the typing experience feel rounder and more muted, providing a contrasting aesthetic and auditory experience compared to the Silver's more bright and resonant sound.

When examining the bottom housings, both the Outemu Silver and HMX Vintage Citrus utilize nylon, which shares similar sonic qualities. In this case, the nylon found in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience when bottoming out the keys. Although both switches have nylon as the bottom material, the differences in their top housings will still result in distinctive sound profiles when pressed. The character of the sound will be influenced primarily by their unique top housing materials, enabling users to choose based on their preference for either a bright and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller one.

Ultimately, the blending of materials in the Outemu Silver and HMX Vintage Citrus switches highlights their contrasting designs. While both switches share nylon for the bottom housing, creating a similar bottom-out feel, the differentiation of their top housing materials leads to distinct sound profiles. Users can expect a sharper and clearer key release from the Outemu Silver while enjoying the warmer, muted sound of the HMX Vintage Citrus. Thus, the overall auditory experience will largely depend on the top housing choice, while the bottom housing helps maintain a common foundation for deeper sound characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, distinct differences emerge that cater to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences. The Outemu Silver features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch requires a slightly greater actuation force of 48 grams but boasts a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In this comparison, the Outemu Silver switch is the heavier option when considering the actuation force, while the HMX Vintage Citrus is lighter overall due to its softer bottom out. This variance may appeal to different users: those who favor lighter switches may gravitate toward the Vintage Citrus for longer typing sessions, while those preferring a more substantial feel might appreciate the heavier actuation force of the Outemu Silver.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we observe that the Silver has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures at 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter option, reflecting the trend of using shorter travel distances for faster response times, which is particularly favored by gamers. Conversely, the Outemu Silver's 4 mm travel distance is in line with more traditional preferences that provide a deeper and potentially more satisfying tactile experience for those who appreciate a pronounced key press. For users seeking a balance between speed and key feel, the choice between them will hinge on whether they prefer the quicker response of the Vintage Citrus or the fuller depth offered by the Outemu Silver.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profile of the Outemu Silver linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Outemu Silver’s characteristics are not defined, leaving a gap in our understanding of its auditory experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus is noted for its bright, clacky sound, which is particularly engaging for gamers who appreciate audible feedback during fast-paced action. It’s important to remember that the perceived sound of both switches can vary significantly based on factors like the keyboard’s construction and the materials used for keycaps, making it crucial to consider these elements when evaluating how each switch might sound in practice.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver's tactile qualities have not been specified, so we cannot provide insights about its performance in that regard. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus switch excels in its smooth push feel, designed to optimize quick key presses and enhance responsiveness in gaming scenarios. This smoothness, paired with its low actuation force and short travel distance, makes the Vintage Citrus particularly appealing for users who rely on rapid inputs, ensuring that every keystroke feels effortless.

In conclusion, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch stands out with its distinct features tailored for gamers, particularly its low actuation force and engaging sound profile. The qualities of the Outemu Silver linear switch remain unspecified, making it difficult to compare directly in terms of sound and feel. However, if you seek a switch that offers quick responsiveness and satisfying auditory feedback, the Vintage Citrus provides a compelling option while the Outemu Silver's characteristics await further exploration.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you favor a heavier feel with a more substantial bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Silver switch may be the better option for you, particularly if you prefer a switch that provides more resistance during typing. This can lead to increased tactile feedback, which some typists or programmers appreciate for a more deliberate keystroke. However, if you're a gamer seeking rapid-response capabilities, the Vintage Citrus is designed explicitly for that purpose, with its low actuation force and short 1mm travel distance allowing for incredibly quick inputs. Additionally, the Vintage Citrus offers a bright, clacky sound profile that some users may find enjoyable, along with a smooth push feel that enhances the gaming experience. Hence, if you're engaged in competitive gaming or enjoy the tactile excitement of fast-paced keyboard actions, the Vintage Citrus is the way to go. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prefer a heavier switch for typing comfort (Silver) or a lighter, faster switch for gaming (Vintage Citrus).

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more