Akko Rosewood vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Rosewood and HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as compelling linear options, each catering to distinct user preferences. The Akko Rosewood is renowned for its deep, satisfying "thock" sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that contributes to an overall premium typing experience. This switch delivers a more tactile feedback, ideal for those who appreciate a sound that brings rich auditory satisfaction while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring a remarkably low actuation force of just 1mm that promotes incredibly rapid keystrokes, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming sessions. Its bright, clacky sound profile paired with an exceptionally smooth push feel adds an engaging element for gamers who thrive on speed and efficiency. While both switches offer unique benefits—one focusing on auditory enjoyment and tactile feedback, while the other emphasizes rapid actuation and smoothness—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko Rosewood and HMX Vintage Citrus switches both utilize nylon as the housing material for their tops and bottoms, which positions them in a similar category concerning tactile and auditory feedback. Nylon is recognized as a classic material in switch design due to its softer composition compared to other plastics. This inherent softness allows the switches to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory profile when typing. Consequently, both the Rosewood and Vintage Citrus switches share a unique characteristic: they produce a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances the typing experience, making both variants appealing to users who appreciate muted acoustics in their keyboards.
Despite both housing pairs being made of the same material, the acoustic properties that arise from the combination of top and bottom housings should be considered when discussing user experience. Since nylon is used for both the top and bottom for each switch, the overall sound impact is likely to be consistent across both models. When users press down on the switches, the nylon bottom housing dominates the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing absorbs and influences the sound produced when the key is released. The end result is a cohesive sound signature in both switches, offering users a harmonious and enjoyable typing experience regardless of which model they choose.
Moreover, the impact of the nylon housing on the typing experience highlights a crucial aspect of switch design—how both individual components work together. Although there may be other differences in design elements or additional features between the Akko Rosewood and HMX Vintage Citrus switches, the shared use of nylon ensures that users will appreciate similarly satisfying auditory feedback and touch response. Thus, regardless of whether a typist opts for the Rosewood or Vintage Citrus, they can expect a predictably pleasant approach to typing, underscored by the characteristic properties of nylon switch housings.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, key differences in actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Rosewood switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer less resistance while typing or gaming, enabling longer sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, while both switches offer a smooth linear experience, the Rosewood switch is the lighter option, favoring ease of use, whereas the Vintage Citrus provides a moderate push that may enhance typing satisfaction for users who appreciate a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Rosewood and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, the Akko Rosewood has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus measures 3 mm. This means that the Rosewood offers a more traditional travel experience, providing a deeper keystroke that many users find satisfying. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, especially in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, if a user desires a heartier depth in their typing experience, the Rosewood would be the preferred choice due to its longer travel distance. For those who favor quick, snappy responses without the feel of a deeper press, the Vintage Citrus is the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 Akko Rosewood linear switch is well-regarded for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that contributes to an acoustically pleasing experience right out of the box. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch presents a bright, clacky sound profile, which is particularly tailored for rapid keystrokes, making it an engaging option for gamers. While both switches can deliver different auditory experiences, it's essential to remember that the overall sound may still vary depending on the keyboard build and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Rosewood switch is generally celebrated for its smooth actuation, providing a consistent and enjoyable typing experience. The HMX Vintage Citrus switch offers a remarkably smooth push feel, optimized for quick responses, particularly suited for gaming scenarios. Despite their different applications, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying tactile experience, though the Vintage Citrus focuses more on speed and rapid key presses.
In summary, the Akko Rosewood linear switch delivers a thocky sound and smooth feel, while the HMX Vintage Citrus switch provides a bright, clacky sound with a quick actuation ideal for gaming. Both switches offer satisfying auditory and tactile experiences, though their designs cater to slightly different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between them depends on whether you value a deeper acoustic quality and a steady feel or prefer a snappy sound and rapid actuation.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a lighter actuation with a deeper, satisfying thocky sound for a more tactile experience, the Akko Rosewood switch is an excellent choice, making it ideal for typing and casual gaming. Its 50-gram bottom-out force and factory-applied lubricant provide a delightful typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a softer touch and auditory feedback. Conversely, if you are a gamer who demands speed and rapid response, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is tailored for you. With its low 1mm actuation point and a slightly heavier 53-gram bottom-out force, you will benefit from quick key presses complemented by a bright, clacky sound that enhances the excitement of gameplay. Additionally, the smooth push feel of the Vintage Citrus makes it well-suited for extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you value a classic, rich sound and feel for typing (Akko Rosewood) or a quick, responsive switch designed for gaming (HMX Vintage Citrus).
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