TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and intended use. The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch, known for its medium tactile feedback, offers a satisfying resistance that enhances typing precision and comfort. Its muted design ensures a quieter experience, making it an excellent option for those who work in shared spaces or prefer an unobtrusive keyboard sound. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch caters to the needs of gamers with its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid inputs and quick reactions during gameplay. This switch also delights with its bright, clacky sound profile and velvety smooth push feel, appealing to users who enjoy an invigorating typing experience. While both switches serve distinct purposes—one prioritizing a calm typing environment and the other emphasizing fast-paced gaming—your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. 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
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and HMX Vintage Citrus switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, with the former using polycarbonate and the latter employing nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Bluish White (V2) stands out due to its stiffer composition, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This enhancement in sound clarity is further complemented by the material’s translucency, making it particularly well-suited for showcasing RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. This results in a more muted and rounded auditory experience, contrasting sharply with the crispness of polycarbonate. The choice of materials therefore imparts distinctly different acoustic properties to each switch.
While the top housings differ significantly, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. This commonality means that, regardless of the top housing's impact on the sound profile, both switches will exhibit similar auditory qualities during the bottoming-out phase. The nylon bottom housing in both the Silent Bluish White (V2) and Vintage Citrus contributes to a duller and rounder sound experience due to its ability to absorb more sound. As a result, while users may experience individual tonal differences influenced by the top housing materials, they will still find a consistent foundation of sound quality driven by the nylon used in the bottom casing.
In summary, the primary contrast between the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and HMX Vintage Citrus lies within the materials of their top housing, namely polycarbonate versus nylon, creating distinctly different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The clear, sharp tones of polycarbonate in the Silent Bluish White (V2) are balanced by the deeper tones from the nylon in both switches' bottom housing. Thus, while users may appreciate the unique acoustic signatures of each switch, they will ultimately enjoy a similar experience in terms of the fuller sound produced when pressing down on keys, courtesy of the nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it's evident that their actuation and bottom out forces cater to different preferences. The Silent Bluish White (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who favor a softer touch, resulting in less fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel when engaging their keys. Despite both switches being categorized as medium-light, the Vintage Citrus stands out as the heavier option. Ultimately, users who find comfort in lighter switches may gravitate toward the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), while those who seek more resistance should consider the HMX Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, with the Silent Bluish White measuring 3.5 mm and the Vintage Citrus at 3 mm. This places the Silent Bluish White in a category that offers a more pronounced depth, appealing to users who favor a more tactile experience and a cushioned feel when typing. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prefer quicker actuation, making it particularly appealing to gamers seeking faster response times. While the Silent Bluish White provides a deeper travel experience that may resonate better with individuals who prefer a traditional feel, the Vintage Citrus's shallower travel aligns with modern preferences for speed and efficiency in key presses. Thus, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) exhibits a longer travel distance compared to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, giving users different tactile and responsive experiences based on their preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $5.35.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, there's a stark contrast. The Silent Bluish White (V2) is characterized by a muted sound, designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an ideal option for environments where quiet operation is prioritized, such as in offices or shared living spaces. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch produces a bright and clacky sound profile that is sharp and percussive. This clackiness lends itself well to those who enjoy audible feedback from their keystrokes, especially in gaming situations, enhancing the overall experience with each key press.
In terms of feel, the differences between these switches become even more pronounced. The Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a medium tactile feel with a buttery smoothness, making for a comfortable and precise typing experience. Its stepped tactile profile means you can expect a distinct but not overwhelming feedback during your keystrokes, which is coupled with a polished action that reduces friction for effortless travel. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch delivers a snappier and invigorating typing feel, thanks to its exceptionally low actuation force and responsive design. Gamers particularly benefit from its quick actuation and feedback, making it an exciting choice for rapid input.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios. The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is your go-to choice for a quiet, precise, and tactile experience, making it suitable for professional situations or shared environments. Meanwhile, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed for a lively, responsive, and audibly satisfying gaming experience. Depending on your needs—whether you prioritize sound or feel—you can identify a switch that aligns with your typing or gaming style, but the distinct qualities of each make them suited for very different audiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environments. If you value a quieter, more polished typing experience and often find yourself in shared spaces or office settings, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is an excellent choice. Its light actuation force of 50 grams, combined with its muted sound profile and medium tactile feedback, provides a satisfying yet subtle typing experience that won’t disrupt those around you. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking rapid response times and a more energizing typing feel, the Vintage Citrus linear switch should be your pick. With a slightly firmer actuation force of 53 grams and an exceptionally low actuation distance of just 1mm, it caters perfectly to fast-paced gaming scenarios, offering a bright, clacky sound that enhances the tactile interaction. Ultimately, your decision should align with either your need for tranquility and comfort or your desire for responsiveness and feedback, shaping your keyboard experience to best suit your activities.
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