KTT Purple Star vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Star and HMX Vintage Citrus cater to different preferences while maintaining the versatility of linear switches. The KTT Purple Star is renowned for its all-POM construction, providing users with a buttery smooth typing experience coupled with a neutral sound signature. With a light 45g bottom-out force, it suits light typists perfectly, offering comfort and ease during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored specifically for gamers, featuring a remarkable low actuation point of just 1mm that allows for rapid-fire inputs—ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. With a bright, clacky sound profile and an incredibly smooth push feel, this switch enhances responsiveness and engagement in gameplay. While both switches provide a linear experience, they cater to distinct needs: the Purple Star favors comfort for general typing, while the Vintage Citrus emphasizes speed for gaming. 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
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the HMX Vintage Citrus, it is evident that both switches utilize materials designed to create a deeper and more muted sound profile. The Purple Star features POM (Polyoxymethylene) in both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a unique and pleasing sound characterized by its deep tones. Similarly, the Vintage Citrus employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which also delivers a fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs sound better than harder plastics. While POM and nylon are different materials, they share the commonality of fostering sound profiles that are more muted and rounded, thereby allowing users to achieve similar auditory experiences when typing.
However, the primary distinctions lie in the unique characteristics of POM and nylon as housing materials. POM is noted for its rigidity and resilience, which can lead to a slightly brighter initial sound, albeit still deep and relatively muted overall. Conversely, nylon is inherently softer, resulting in a sound profile that may be perceived as thicker and warmer. These differences impact the subtle nuances of the typing experience. When typing on the Purple Star, the influence of the POM material may yield a more rigid feel during bottoming out, while the Vintage Citrus's nylon housing offers increased absorption, contributing to a rounder bottom-out sound and tactile experience.
Ultimately, if users seek the characteristics of both switches, they will find that despite the differences in material, each switch offers an enjoyment of sound and feel that caters to personal preferences in a typing experience. With both the KTT Purple Star and HMX Vintage Citrus emphasizing deeper sound profiles, users who appreciate these qualities will enjoy either option, as both options fulfill the desire for a muted auditory result while delivering different tactile sensations rooted in their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see a distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces that caters to different preferences among users. The Purple Star features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, particularly during extended use. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option for those who appreciate a bit more resistance while typing. This difference indicates that the Purple Star is the lighter of the two switches, while the Vintage Citrus is heavier. Ultimately, users who desire a softer touch for long typing sessions may gravitate towards the Purple Star, while those seeking a more substantial feel might find the Vintage Citrus preferable.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Star linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly longer than the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3 mm. This difference means that the Purple Star may offer a more substantial feel when pressed, catering to those who appreciate a deeper response while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, provides a quicker actuation, which can be preferable for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, if you lean towards a more responsive experience, the HMX Vintage Citrus is the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more traditional feel might find the KTT Purple Star to be more satisfying.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 Purple Star switches provide a low-pitched tone, characterized by a mellow and bass-heavy quality that can enhance the overall typing experience without being overly noisy. This neutral sound signature makes them suitable for various environments. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch, though not detailed in terms of its sound profile, is noted to possess a bright and clacky sound that is likely to stand out more, especially in gaming scenarios where rapid keystrokes are frequent. This distinction suggests that while both switches can be enjoyable, they cater to different auditory preferences: the Purple Star for a soothing experience and the Vintage Citrus for a more stimulating sound.
Regarding feel, the Purple Star switches offer a mild typing experience that is easy to engage with, providing gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to press down. This quality makes them particularly comfortable for long typing sessions, as they help minimize finger fatigue while delivering a smooth and pleasant tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed for gaming, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for rapid-fire inputs, making it feel incredibly responsive during gameplay. While the Vintage Citrus focuses on quick actuation for efficiency, the Purple Star prioritizes a balanced and gentle typing feel, making them suitable for different use cases.
In summary, the KTT Purple Star and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Purple Star's low-pitched sound and mild, easy-to-press feel make it an excellent choice for typists who value a calm and comfortable experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus aims at gamers with its clacky sound and ultra-responsive actuation, appealing to those who prioritize speed and agility. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on whether you favor a tranquil typing session or a more dynamic gaming experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Purple Star and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches should be guided by your primary usage and personal preferences. If you’re looking for a typing experience that emphasizes comfort and ease, the Purple Star is the way to go. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, combined with a buttery smooth action and a low-pitched, mellow sound, makes these switches perfect for users who spend long hours typing or who may prefer a less taxing keypress. On the other hand, if you are primarily a gamer seeking rapid response times, the Vintage Citrus will serve you better. With a slightly firmer actuation force of 53 grams and a visually appealing clacky sound profile, these switches are designed for those who need performance and precision in fast-paced gaming scenarios. The quick 1mm actuation distance ensures minimal delay between input and action, making it ideal for gamers focused on performance. Ultimately, consider your typing style and what feels most comfortable to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
