KTT Purple Click vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and needs. The Purple Click, recognized for its delightful high-pitched click, strikes a balance between tactile feedback and light keystrokes, making it a satisfying choice for typists who enjoy auditory confirmation without overbearing resistance. Its “crunchy” and “invigorating” feel may appeal to those who appreciate a pronounced tactile response. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring a low actuation force of just 1mm that promotes rapid-fire keystrokes, combined with a bright, clacky sound profile. Its smooth push feel ensures fast, uninterrupted gameplay, making it an excellent option for competitive gaming. Both switches have their unique advantages, depending on whether you prioritize typing comfort or swift gaming performance; 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
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Vintage Citrus, we see a distinct contrast in the choice of materials for their top housings. The Purple Click utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for its clarity and resonance in sound. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications due to its translucent quality. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer, sound-absorbing properties. The differing acoustic characteristics created by these materials significantly influence the typing experience, where the Purple Click may be favored by those seeking bright, clear audio feedback while typing, whereas the Vintage Citrus caters to users preferring a richer, more subdued auditory experience.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, both made from nylon. This choice creates a unified aspect of their sound profile: a deep and full timbre. The nylon material tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a softer bottom-out feel, which appeals to users who enjoy a rounder sound. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in sound produced by the top housings, both the Purple Click and Vintage Citrus will evoke a satisfying deep sound during key presses due to their identical bottom housing materials. Consequently, users may find a level of acoustic consistency in the bottom-out feedback despite the contrasting upper housing materials.
Ultimately, the interaction between the two housing types in these switches illustrates how they influence the overall typing experience. With the Purple Click's polycarbonate top leading to a brighter sound when releasing keys, paired with the softer nylon bottom that promotes a fuller sound at the time of actuation, users can expect an engaging tactile feedback. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus offers an all-nylon experience yielding a consistently mellow auditory profile from top to bottom. While sound profiles may differ depending on housing materials, the nylon bottoms in both designs ensure that users can achieve similar satisfying auditory experiences upon key presses, albeit through differing upper housing characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we can observe some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, requiring less effort to register a keystroke, while the Vintage Citrus requires 48 grams, making it the heavier option in this aspect. However, the bottom out forces tell a different story; the Purple Click has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Vintage Citrus's 53 grams. Both switches are classified as medium-light, making them suitable for users who prefer a balance between typing comfort for long sessions and tactile feedback. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience, the KTT Purple Click might be the better choice due to its lower actuation force, while the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a bit more resistance at the actuation point but remains relatively light overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences. The KTT Purple Click features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered traditional and offers a deeper feel when pressed, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more tactile response. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, aligning with the trend towards shallower switches that many gamers favor for quicker response times. Consequently, if you opt for the KTT Purple Click, you'll experience a more substantial keypress, while the Vintage Citrus delivers a snappier action that may feel more abrupt to some users. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches boils down to personal preference: one enjoying a hearty depth versus the other preferring enhanced responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 Purple Click switch stands out with its crunchy and resonant audio profile, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. These characteristics create a pleasurable auditory experience, delivering a bright, satisfying click that enhances the overall typing experience. The higher-pitched sound adds a layer of clarity that can be both engaging and invigorating. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has no explicit sound profile mentioned, but it is known for its bright and clacky sound, which likely provides a lively auditory experience as well. While the specifics may vary, both switches can contribute to a satisfying soundscape when typing.
The feel of the KTT Purple Click switch is invigorating and stepped, providing pronounced feedback and a mix of tactile sensations without overwhelming users. Its moderate to firm actuation force and snappy responsiveness create an immersive typing sensation that many enthusiasts seek. The stepped nature means that users will feel a distinguishable transition during keystrokes, lending a unique character to the typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed for rapid inputs with an exceptionally low actuation force, which makes it ideal for gamers focused on speed. While the feel profile of the Vintage Citrus isn't explicitly described, the smoothness inherent in linear switches typically creates a fluid typing experience that contrasts with the tactile feedback of the clicky Purple Click switch.
In summary, the KTT Purple Click and HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer distinctly different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Purple Click excels with its pronounced clicky audio and tactile feedback while giving users an invigorating typing sensation. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus promotes rapid inputs through its lightweight actuation and likely smooth operation. While both switches have their unique attributes, either choice can lead to an enjoyable typing experience based on personal preferences, whether one seeks the auditory satisfaction of a clicky switch or the seamless speed of a linear option.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and intended usage. If you’re drawn to a traditional, satisfying sound with a pronounced tactile feel, the Purple Click is an excellent option—especially if you enjoy the auditory feedback that comes from typing. The crispy, resonant sound it produces enhances your experience whether you're typing documents or enjoying a bit of gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and smoothness, particularly in gaming scenarios where rapid-fire keystrokes are essential, the Vintage Citrus switch is tailored for you. With its low actuation point and quick responsiveness, it facilitates faster reactions, making it ideal for competitive gameplay. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most to you in your daily use; choose the Purple Click for a more interactive and audible typing experience, or select the Vintage Citrus for an ultra-responsive, streamlined gaming environment.
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