KTT Pine vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the KTT Pine and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both of which are linear switches but cater to different preferences and usages. The KTT Pine is celebrated for its medium-heavy actuation force and buttery smooth travel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience that’s lush and satisfying. Its factory-lubed design reduces friction, allowing for a seamless keystroke that feels creamy and low-pitched—perfect for individuals who prioritize comfort and an eloquent typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored for gamers seeking speed; with an astonishingly low actuation force of just 1mm, this switch enables rapid inputs and quick responses, essential for high-paced gaming. Its bright, clacky sound profile paired with a smooth push feel makes it an enticing option for players wanting instant feedback and a lively typing experience. While both switches offer unique advantages, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and HMX Vintage Citrus switches demonstrate a stark contrast in their housing materials, which significantly influences their respective sound profiles. The KTT Pine features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer structure, which enhances resonance and clarity. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is equipped with a nylon top housing, a material traditionally associated with a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, when using these switches, users will notice a distinct tonal difference based solely on the material utilized for the top housing.
The bottom housing of each switch follows a similar pattern of divergence. The KTT Pine again employs polycarbonate, mirroring the characteristics of its top housing to further reinforce its sharp and resonant sound. Meanwhile, the HMX Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which continues to promote a deeper and more subdued sound. This division between the top and bottom housings means that the auditory experience of each switch will vary significantly. The KTT Pine’s polycarbonate components contribute to a sharper bottom-out sound, while the HMX Vintage Citrus leans towards a more muted acoustic profile that is less piercing and more rounded.
If both switches were to employ the same housing material across the board, one could expect more uniform results in terms of sound and feel. However, the combination of polycarbonate in the KTT Pine and nylon in the HMX Vintage Citrus introduces a complexity in their acoustic performances. For users seeking a vibrant RGB lighting effect, the translucency of the polycarbonate in the Pine's design would be advantageous. On the other hand, those looking for a classic and mellow typing experience might prefer the Vintage Citrus. Overall, the interaction between both housing materials shapes the nature of each switch, creating a rich tapestry of sound profiles for different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their unique typing experiences. The Pine switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams but a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that while both switches can provide a decent typing experience, the Pine switch requires less force to initiate a keystroke, making it more suitable for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its heavier actuation force, may cater to those who prefer a more substantial feel, but with a lighter bottoming out force that could enhance comfort at the end of the keystroke. Therefore, for users who favor a lighter switch, the KTT Pine would be the preferred choice, while those who appreciate a slightly firmer actuation may lean towards the HMX Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Pine linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The KTT Pine has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with traditional preferences for a deeper, more tactile keypress. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a shallower travel distance of 3 mm, catering to users who appreciate the speed and responsiveness that shorter distances provide. For gaming enthusiasts, the 3 mm travel distance of the Vintage Citrus may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. However, for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Pine is a better choice. Thus, while both switches serve their purposes well, the KTT Pine is the longer option, providing a more substantial depth, whereas the HMX Vintage Citrus is shorter and potentially more suited for swift actions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
The sound profile of the KTT Pine Linear switch is characterized by its bassy and low-pitched qualities, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. This creates a mellower sound that is pleasing and less intrusive, making it suitable for both typing and gaming environments without annoying others nearby. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch does not have a defined sound profile to compare, but with its design optimized for gaming, it may produce a different auditory experience, likely one that complements rapid key inputs. However, since specifics on the sound have not been provided, a clear comparison remains elusive.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine Linear switch excels in delivering a buttery and creamy typing sensation. This results in an incredibly smooth and effortless keystroke experience, enabling users to glide over the keys with ease. The factory-lubed finish minimizes friction and enhances the overall tactile sensation, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Without details on the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch, it’s challenging to determine how it compares in this regard. However, considering its low actuation force tailored for rapid-fire input suggests it may provide a different feel, potentially emphasizing speed over overall smoothness.
In summary, while the KTT Pine Linear switch stands out for its deep, rich sound profile and smooth, effortless tactile experience, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch remains a bit of an unknown with its auditory characteristics and tactile feel. If you're looking for a buttery smooth typing experience, the Pine is your go-to, while the Vintage Citrus may appeal to those prioritizing quick actuation. Since the sound qualities of the Citrus have not been defined, both switches may deliver satisfactory results depending on individual preferences and keyboard setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Pine linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, consider your primary use and personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth, buttery feel with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 58 grams, the KTT Pine is an excellent choice, especially for typing scenarios where comfort and typing accuracy are paramount. Its rich, bassy sound profile enhances the overall typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a deeper acoustic feedback. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking rapid response times, the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailor-made for you. With its lower actuation force of 53 grams and quick 1mm actuation, it allows for faster key presses, making it suitable for high-speed gameplay. The Vintage Citrus switch also features a bright, clacky sound profile, which can add an energetic feel to your gaming sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value typing comfort and sound depth (KTT Pine) or quick response and a lively sound (Vintage Citrus).
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