Outemu Tom vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Tom, known for its tactile feedback, offers a satisfying bump that provides clear tactile confirmation with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who appreciate the sensory feedback during long writing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus, designed specifically for gamers, features an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid-fire inputs that can enhance performance in fast-paced gaming scenarios. The Vintage Citrus also boasts a bright, clacky sound profile and an exceptionally smooth push feel, catering to users who want both speed and auditory feedback. Ultimately, while both switches have their distinctive features, understanding their nuanced characteristics will help you select the best switch for your 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
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Tom and HMX Vintage Citrus switches, one major distinction arises from the choice of material for the top housing. The Outemu Tom features a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its rigidity and clarity. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is more resonant, especially suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a vastly different acoustic experience. The nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, while the Tom offers a clearer auditory experience with the potential for enhanced RGB illumination, the Vintage Citrus caters to those who prefer a rounder and more subdued typing sound.
In contrast, both the Outemu Tom and HMX Vintage Citrus share similarities in the bottom housing, where both switches employ the same nylon material. This unity means that the bottom-out sound and feel will be consistent across both models. Since nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, the bottom housing in each switch contributes to the deeper and fuller sound signature, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. This shared nylon material in the bottom housing promotes uniformity in acoustic performance when the switch is fully depressed, despite the differences in their top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Outemu Tom and HMX Vintage Citrus switches leads to unique sound profiles, depending on whether the focus is on the top or bottom housing. The differences in the top housing create distinct auditory responses when a key is released—sharper and brighter for the Tom versus a deeper and rounder sound for the Citrus. However, the nylon bottoms ensure that both switches provide a similar bump in consistency, making them appealing to various typings styles. Thus, while there are clear contrasts between how the top material affects auditory clarity, the shared nylon in the bottoms guarantees that enthusiasts can enjoy a reliable and full typing experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Tom switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier compared to the Vintage Citrus, which has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Vintage Citrus more comfortable. However, information regarding the bottom out force of the Tom switch is unavailable, while the Vintage Citrus has a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorized as medium-light. Consequently, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience might opt for the heavier actuation of the Tom, while users favoring ease of keystrokes would benefit from the lighter Vintage Citrus. Overall, the Tom switch is heavier based on its actuation force, whereas the Vintage Citrus is a lighter option suitable for longer use.
Travel distance
The Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Tom switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vintage Citrus, making it potentially more suited for users who prefer a deeper key press for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter 3 mm travel, can provide quicker response times which is often favored by gamers looking for efficiency and speed. Hence, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Outemu Tom stands out with its greater travel distance, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.
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 Tom 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 Tom switch's sound profile is currently unknown, while the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is characterized by its bright and clacky sound. This auditory experience is especially appealing to gamers, as the distinctive sound can enhance the excitement during gameplay. However, it is essential to remember that the overall sound a switch produces can also be significantly influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, which means that users can achieve similar sound characteristics across different switches if the right combinations are chosen.
When it comes to feel, the specifics of the Tom switch remain unspecified, but the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed for an exceptionally smooth push feel, facilitating fast and responsive keystrokes. This smoothness, combined with a low actuation force of just 1mm, makes the Vintage Citrus particularly suited for rapid gaming inputs, allowing for seamless and efficient typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, if the Tom switch has a robust tactile response, it may offer a contrasting feel, while both switches cater to different preferences.
In summary, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch boasts a bright, clacky sound and a smooth press with very low actuation force, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Tom switch remain unknown in terms of both sound and feel. This means that while the Vintage Citrus is tailored for gaming with its speed and audio feedback, the characteristics of the Tom switch could present an entirely different experience based on user preference. Consequently, potential users may need to try both types of switches to determine which aligns best with their typing and gaming habits.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage needs. If you are a gamer who prioritizes speed and quick responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus is likely your best option, thanks to its exceptionally low actuation force and swift 1mm keystroke. This makes it ideal for rapid-fire inputs, ensuring that you can make those split-second decisions in fast-paced games. Additionally, if you enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile and a smooth push feel, the Vintage Citrus will enhance your gaming experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback in your typing or gaming and require a switch that provides that satisfying bump along with a potentially different sound and feel, the Tom may be a better fit—especially if you prefer a more subdued auditory experience. Considering these factors will guide you toward the switch that best aligns with your typing habits and gaming requirements.
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