KTT Rose vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Rose and the HMX Vintage Citrus both offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences and needs. The KTT Rose switch is celebrated not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its innovative progressive springs, which provide a typing experience that is substantial yet light. This results in a low-pitched, mildly polished sound reminiscent of bassy raindrops—a delightful auditory backdrop for both casual typing and work tasks. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch, designed with gamers in mind, showcases an exceptional low actuation force of just 1mm, facilitating rapid-fire inputs that can enhance gaming performance. The Vintage Citrus also delivers a bright, clacky sound profile paired with a smooth push feel, making it perfect for those who relish auditory feedback during intense gaming sessions. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, their unique characteristics speak to different uses—be it gaming or typing. 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
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Rose and HMX Vintage Citrus switches showcase distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Rose's polycarbonate top housing is engineered to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's inherent stiffness. This quality allows for greater resonance and clarity, particularly beneficial when the switch is outfitted with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate can enhance visual effects. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike the sharper attack of polycarbonate, the softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, creating a rounder auditory experience. This difference in sound characteristics makes each switch appealing for diverse user preferences, with the Rose favoring a heightened audio clarity while the Vintage Citrus offers a more robust and mellow sound.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals an interesting similarity, as they both feature nylon materials. This commonality results in a consistent deep and full sound profile across both the KTT Rose and HMX Vintage Citrus, regardless of their varying top housings. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the sound when bottoming out, typing on either switch will elicit a similar experience regarding that feel. The absorption qualities of the nylon in both switches create a duller yet pleasing tactile response when pressed, layering the sound signature of both switches with depth. This commonality in bottom housing serves as an equalizer, allowing users to appreciate the full-bodied sound characteristics while typing.
Ultimately, the differences and similarities in housing materials between the KTT Rose and HMX Vintage Citrus foster distinct sound profiles influenced by their construction. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Rose leads to a brighter auditory experience, the nylon top housing of the Vintage Citrus provides warmth and depth. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to their sound profile in a similar manner, ensuring that the resultant typing experience remains satisfying and rich. Whether one prefers the sharpy tones of the Rose or the warm sounds of the Vintage Citrus, the interplay of housing materials creates a well-rounded auditory and tactile typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Rose linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we can see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Rose has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has a defined actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This indicates that the Vintage Citrus requires a lighter touch to register keystrokes, which may be advantageous for those who prefer comfortable typing over extended periods. Meanwhile, the Rose's heavier bottom out force may appeal to typists seeking a more substantial and tactile experience. Overall, the HMX Vintage Citrus is lighter, making it suitable for lengthy work sessions or gaming, while the KTT Rose is heavier, catering to those who enjoy a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Rose linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The KTT Rose has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, traditionally favored for its substantial feel, providing a more pronounced keystroke experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, which aligns with the modern trend towards quicker, more responsive switches that many gamers prefer. While the shorter distance can facilitate faster inputs, some users may find it to feel too abrupt compared to the heavier feedback offered by the Rose. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for either a more responsive experience with the Vintage Citrus or a deeper, more tactile feel with the Rose.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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
The KTT Rose switches produce a low-pitched sound profile characterized by a bassy raindrop effect, which lends a soothing and mellow auditory experience. Their sound is described as neutral, making them versatile and suitable for various environments, whether at home or in work settings. This combination of low tones is appealing for those who prefer a less distracting typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches are designed with a bright, clacky sound that complements their rapid actuation designed for gaming. This clackiness may provide a more pronounced auditory feedback during frantic key presses, perfect for gaming scenarios but potentially less suitable for quieter office environments.
When it comes to feel, the Rose switches offer a mild typing experience, which makes them approachable for users of all levels. The polished nature of these switches results in smooth key travel, reducing friction through either high-quality materials or factory lubrication. This ensures that typists and gamers alike enjoy a refined and comfortable experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the specifics of the feel for the Vintage Citrus switches remain unspecified, but their low actuation force suggests they would be easy to press and may encourage quick, decisive inputs. However, without further details, their tactile feedback in comparison remains unclear.
In summary, while the KTT Rose linear switches stand out for their soothing low-pitched sound and mild, polished feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches shine in rapid actuation and a bright, clacky sound tailored for gaming. Each switch caters to different preferences and uses, with the Rose providing a more generalized and refined typing experience while the Vintage Citrus is laser-focused on fast-paced gaming input. Depending on your typing needs and sound preferences, both switches can deliver satisfactory performance, but they do cater to different audiological and tactile expectations.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Rose linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you find enjoyment in a typing experience that feels substantial yet approachable, the KTT Rose is an excellent choice. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams and low-pitched sound profile, it provides a gentle yet satisfying tactile feedback while maintaining a refined and smooth key travel. This makes it suitable for both casual and professional environments where a comfortable typing experience is essential. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking speed and rapid inputs, the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored for you. Its light actuation force of 53 grams and exceptionally low actuation distance of just 1mm allow for quick reactions, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming sessions. Moreover, the bright and clacky sound adds an enjoyable auditory element that many gamers appreciate. In summary, if you prioritize a balance of typing comfort and versatility, go for the KTT Rose; however, if speed and responsiveness are your focus, the HMX Vintage Citrus will likely serve you better.
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