KTT Phalaenopsis vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Phalaenopsis and HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its beautiful translucent design and lightweight actuation force of just 37g, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. With a tactile force of 50g, it provides a satisfying bump that enhances the typing experience, characterized by a deep "thocky" sound profile that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus, categorized as a linear switch, caters specifically to gamers seeking speed and responsiveness. With an incredibly low actuation distance of 1mm, it allows for rapid-fire inputs, complemented by a bright, clacky sound and an exceptionally smooth keystroke. While the Phalaenopsis is ideal for those who cherish tactile feedback and a comfortable typing experience, the Vintage Citrus excels for gamers looking for quick and fluid action. 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
37g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Phalaenopsis and the HMX Vintage Citrus starkly contrast in both composition and resultant acoustic properties. The Phalaenopsis utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate is characterized by its rigidity, which leads to more resonance and clarity when typing. This material is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency, allowing for vibrant illumination effects. The consistency of polycarbonate in both housings ensures that the switch produces a uniform sound when pressed and released, making it an attractive option for users seeking a precise auditory feedback experience.
Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus features nylon for its top and bottom housings, which creates a distinctly deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. This material choice contributes to a depth that can be particularly pleasing for users who prefer a warmer typing sound. The nylon construction of both housings produces a consistent tone throughout the switch's operation, providing a seamless auditory response that diverges sharply from the high-pitched clarity delivered by the Phalaenopsis. In essence, the Vintage Citrus is geared toward users who appreciate a more subdued sound quality during typing.
When comparing the two switches, it's essential to note how the different materials influence the overall typing experience. The KTT Phalaenopsis leverages polycarbonate for a bright and resonant sound, while the HMX Vintage Citrus opts for nylon to create a softer audio profile. Should a switch use different materials for the top and bottom housings, the acoustic qualities would meld to create a hybrid sound profile: the more rigid top might emit higher frequencies while the softer bottom absorbs some sound, leading to a blended auditory experience. Therefore, if both switches are expected to achieve specific performance goals, such as enhancing RGB visibility or delivering unique auditory feedback, understanding how each material contributes to the typing experience is crucial for users tailoring their setup to their auditory preferences.
Weight
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Phalaenopsis has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use such as long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch features a higher actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might find more satisfying. Consequently, if you prioritize a lighter switch for ease of use, the Phalaenopsis would be the preferred option. However, if you enjoy a firmer push with a touch of resistance, the Vintage Citrus would better suit your preferences. Overall, the two switches cater to different typists, with the Phalaenopsis offering a lighter feel compared to the medium-light resistance of the Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. In this comparison, the Phalaenopsis offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a sturdier keypress. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, caters to users who favor a quicker response, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming environments. While both switches serve different preferences, the choice between them ultimately depends on your desired typing experience: opt for the Phalaenopsis for a fuller depth or choose the Vintage Citrus for a more rapid response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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.
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 Phalaenopsis tactile switch delivers a rich and deep auditory experience characterized by its bassy and thocky qualities. The sound profile during keystrokes is marked by a lower frequency that offers a satisfying thud, creating a pleasing acoustic feedback that enhances the typing experience. This depth of sound can resonate well with those who prefer an ambient noise that underpins their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically for rapid inputs, showcasing a bright and clacky sound profile. While the specifics of the Vintage Citrus’s sound aren’t fully defined in the given context, its emphasis on a quick response suggest a more percussive quality that can stimulate an energetic gaming atmosphere. Given that sound can greatly vary based on the keyboard assembly and keycap choices, users may find that a suitable setup for either switch can accomplish similar engaging results.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Phalaenopsis tactile switch boasts a stepped tactile feedback that features an identifiable tactile bump, rendering each keystroke a nuanced experience. This character provides a deliberate engagement with each keystroke, allowing typists to appreciate the subtle stages of pressing the key. In sharp contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus focuses on an exceptionally smooth push feel, designed for frictionless actuation—ideal for intense gaming scenarios where speed is essential. Unlike the tactile feedback offered by the Phalaenopsis, the Vintage Citrus delivers a more uniform feel throughout the keypress, catering to a preference for fluid motion over tactile engagement.
In summary, both the KTT Phalaenopsis and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to distinct user preferences—whether one values the rich, bassy sound coupled with tactile feedback or opts for the swift response and clacky sound ideal for gaming. The choice comes down to the intended use case: If you lean towards typing with a satisfying tactile experience and a deeper sound, the Phalaenopsis will serve you well. Conversely, if rapid gaming input is your priority, the Vintage Citrus provides a seamless experience. Each switch embodies unique characteristics that will resonate with different users based on their typing or gaming needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, your specific needs and preferences will guide the decision. If you prioritize a lighter typing experience with swift actuation, particularly for extended writing sessions, the Phalaenopsis will likely be your ideal choice. Its light actuation force, combined with a tactile bump, not only minimizes finger fatigue but also enhances the typing experience with its rich, bassy sound profile. On the other hand, if you're geared towards gaming or quick, responsive input, the Vintage Citrus is designed for you. Its low actuation distance and smooth feel make it perfect for rapid-fire keystrokes, while the clackier sound adds an engaging auditory dimension. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard: for typing and a satisfying tactile experience, reach for the Phalaenopsis; for gaming and swift actions, go for the Vintage Citrus.
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