Jerrzi Poseidon vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Poseidon and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Poseidon and the HMX Vintage Citrus both present compelling options for enthusiasts and gamers alike, despite their distinct characteristics. The Poseidon, while lacking in widely recognized standout features, offers a dependable linear switch experience that many users appreciate for its smooth keystrokes and consistent actuation. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is specifically designed for gamers, boasting an impressive actuation force of just 1mm, which facilitates rapid-fire inputs crucial in high-paced gaming scenarios. With its bright, clacky sound profile and impressively smooth push feel, the Vintage Citrus can enhance not just performance but also the overall tactile experience. 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
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Poseidon and the HMX Vintage Citrus feature distinct housing materials that contribute uniquely to their overall sound profiles and typing experiences. The Poseidon utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to produce a uniquely appealing sound. This material lends itself to a lower and more muted auditory feedback, providing users with a deeper sound experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing, a classic plastic that delivers a fuller and deeper sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory output compared to POM.
Despite their different materials, the impacts of the Poseidon's POM and the Vintage Citrus's nylon on the overall sound profile share some common ground. Both housing types promote a deeper sound experience, yet the mechanisms behind this similarity diverge. The POM housing achieves this through its rigidity, enhancing characteristics that lead to muted but pleasing tones, while the nylon housing achieves the same effect by virtue of its softer, more sound-absorbing properties. Thus, while both result in a deeper sound profile, the quality and characteristics of that sound profile vary due to the inherent properties of the respective materials.
Moreover, when evaluating the tactile response and sound feedback during usage, the differences between POM and nylon may have specific implications. For the Poseidon, the top housing's POM will influence the sound and feedback upon key release, making it feel more stable and defined, while the bottom POM impacts the bottom-out feedback more subtly. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus with its nylon housing will offer a different sensation. The top nylon will create a smoother and more rounded sound upon release, while the bottom nylon will contribute to a fuller, softer bottom-out effect. Hence, while both switches provide rich sound characteristics, the contributions of each housing material manifest differently, catering to specific preferences in a typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we observe significant distinctions in their actuation forces. The Poseidon requires an actuation force of 40 grams, which makes it the lighter switch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where less resistance can reduce strain. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a higher actuation force of 48 grams, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push feel for a more substantial typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Poseidon is unknown, the Vintage Citrus has a specified bottom out force of 53 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. This means that while the Poseidon offers a lower actuation force, the actual feel of bottoming out remains ambiguous. Overall, users can expect a more effortless key press with the Poseidon, while the Vintage Citrus will provide a heavier and potentially more satisfying keystroke for those seeking additional resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it becomes evident that there is a notable difference. The Poseidon features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Poseidon switch provides a more substantial depth, catering to users who prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter distance, is likely to appeal more to gamers and those seeking faster response times. Thus, if you're looking for a switch with a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Poseidon would be the ideal choice, whereas the Vintage Citrus suits users who favor quick and efficient key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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 Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch does not have a specific sound profile detailed, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat ambiguous. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch is well-regarded for its bright, clacky sound. This sound character can greatly enhance the typing experience for gamers who enjoy auditory feedback while engaging in fast-paced action. However, it's essential to remember that a switch’s sound will ultimately depend on various factors, including the keyboard build and the choice of keycaps, which can play a significant role in how these auditory characteristics manifest in practice.
Regarding the feel, the Poseidon switch does not provide explicit details about its tactile response, so its feel remains unclear. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is noted for its remarkably smooth push feel, which is crucial for a rapid-fire typing or gaming experience. The exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm also contributes to its quick responsiveness, making the switch an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and fluidity during fast inputs.
In summary, while the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch lacks detailed qualitative descriptions for sound and feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a bright, clacky auditory experience paired with a smooth and responsive typing sensation. If the Poseidon delivers a similar overall experience—one potentially muted in both sound and tactile feedback—users might find that the gaming advantages of the Vintage Citrus translate to some extent, albeit with different audible and tactile nuances. Ultimately, both options cater to gamers, but the Vintage Citrus appears to provide a more defined profile tailored for rapid and fluid gaming interactions.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, your preferences in gaming and typing will greatly influence your choice. If you're a gamer seeking quick response times without the need for a specific bottom-out force, the Vintage Citrus is likely your best bet, thanks to its exceptionally low actuation force and rapid-fire capabilities that enhance your gaming experience. The bright and clacky sound profile, combined with a remarkably smooth push feel, also adds to its appeal for those who appreciate auditory feedback while playing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more nuanced experience and have a preference for a switch that is less defined by force requirements, you may want to explore the Poseidon, known for its unique characteristics, which may suit certain typing experiences or gaming styles. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize gaming performance and auditory feedback or a more tailored experience that doesn't focus on bottom-out forces.
Mentioned in this article
