KTT Peach vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach 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 KTT Peach and the HMX Vintage Citrus present two compelling yet distinct options for users. The KTT Peach, a linear switch, is celebrated for its syrupy smooth typing experience, characterized by a deep, thocky sound profile that offers a subtle yet satisfying auditory feedback. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more subdued and neutral typing experience without the distraction of clicks or pops. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm for rapid inputs, complemented by a bright, clacky sound that adds a lively flair to every keystroke. The Vintage Citrus excels in speed and responsiveness, making it particularly appealing to competitive gamers seeking quick reaction times. Both switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, but their underlying design philosophies set them apart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Peach and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housings. The KTT Peach employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications since it allows light to diffuse brilliantly. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer structure that absorbs more sound, resulting in a mellower auditory experience. Thus, while both switches can produce satisfying sounds, the Peach offers a brighter tone, while the Vintage Citrus leans towards a warmer sound.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the KTT Peach and HMX Vintage Citrus feature nylon, which introduces uniformity in their acoustic characteristics. Nylon's softer composition contributes to a deeper bottom-out sound and feel for both switches, promoting a duller and rounder auditory experience. This shared material for the bottom housing means that when the switches are pressed down, users will likely encounter a similar tactile experience regardless of the differences noted in the top housings. The nylon's sound-absorbing qualities remain consistent across both switches, offering a familiar feel in terms of sound and responsiveness when typing.
Ultimately, the interplay between the unique materials used in the top and bottom housings of the KTT Peach and HMX Vintage Citrus influences their overall auditory profiles. While the KTT Peach's polycarbonate top brings a bright clarity to key releases, contrasted with the deeper sonic signature from its nylon bottom, the Vintage Citrus delivers a rounder sound both upon keypress and release due to its nylon top. However, the similar bottom housing ensures a consistent experience in sound depth and typing feel, highlighting how different materials can lead to nuanced auditory experiences while maintaining certain foundational similarities. Users can rely on this to achieve targeted sound profiles that cater to their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Peach linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, both exhibit medium-light characteristics but differ in their actuation forces. The Peach switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier force of 48 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that they provide a similar experience when pressed all the way down. The lighter actuation force of the Peach switch makes it more suitable for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort to actuate, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort during long work or gaming periods. Conversely, those who prefer a stronger push feel may find the Vintage Citrus more appealing, despite its slightly heavier actuation force. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience; the KTT Peach is better for those seeking a lighter touch, while the HMX Vintage Citrus caters to those who enjoy a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
The KTT Peach linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present a clear distinction in their travel distances, with the Peach measuring 4 mm and the Vintage Citrus at 3 mm. The difference in these distances reflects their design philosophies, catering to varying user preferences. While the Peach's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional and offers a substantial feel during key presses, the Vintage Citrus's 3 mm distance aligns with the modern trend of shorter travel, favored by gamers who seek quicker response times. This makes the Peach the longer option, providing a more pronounced feedback that some users may find preferable for a hearty typing or gaming experience, while the Vintage Citrus provides a snappier, more immediate feel that can be appealing to those who prioritize speed. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one values depth and feedback or quick responsiveness.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 KTT Peach linear switch provides a low-pitched and deep thocky sound profile that is favored for its mellow and bass-heavy qualities. This gives the typing experience a satisfying acoustics that is less likely to disturb those around you, making it suitable for both home and office environments due to its neutral sound characteristics. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch presents a bright and clacky sound profile that is much more pronounced and lively. Its crisp, percussive tones can create an engaging auditory experience, particularly appealing for gamers who enjoy the sharp feedback with each keystroke. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference for sound dynamics — low and muted versus bright and sharp.
In terms of feel, the KTT Peach switch is known for its mild and smooth typing experience, offering a gentle feedback that makes it approachable for users of all skill levels. This makes it an excellent option for extended typing sessions, as it strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is characterized by its snappy and invigorating feel. With a lower actuation force and a highly responsive nature, this switch provides pronounced feedback that can heighten the typing experience, allowing for rapid inputs that many gamers appreciate. The difference in feel between the two switches is marked; the Peach leans towards a subtler, more deliberate typing sensation, while the Vintage Citrus encourages fast, engaging interactions.
In conclusion, both the KTT Peach and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences and use cases. The Peach offers a smooth, thocky sound and a mild feel that is comfortable for long periods, appealing to those who value a more subdued typing experience. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus delivers an exciting, clacky sound and a snappy, invigorating feel perfect for gamers looking for rapid responsiveness. Choosing between these two will hinge on whether you prioritize sound profile or tactile feedback, giving each switch its own niche in the mechanical keyboard space.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Peach and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a smooth typing experience with a deeper, thocky sound profile, the Peach switch is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force and mild feel make it suitable for both casual typists and professionals alike, offering an approachable balance that caters to a variety of users. On the other hand, if you’re focused on gaming and require rapid, responsive key presses, then the Vintage Citrus switch may be your best bet. Its exceptionally low actuation force and clacky sound profile offer a lively and engaging typing experience, ideal for fast-paced gameplay. Additionally, the snappy feedback and invigorating feel of the Vintage Citrus make it perfect for those who thrive on quick reflexes and precision. In sum, your intent—whether it’s for leisurely typing or competitive gaming—should guide your choice between these two distinctive linear switches.
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