TTC Silent Red vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The TTC Silent Red switch stands out for those seeking a minimalist and tranquil environment, boasting a muted sound profile that is perfect for office spaces or shared living situations. Its smooth and consistent feel, combined with a padded bottom-out for additional comfort, makes it a wonderful choice for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, offering an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid-fire inputs that can enhance performance in fast-paced gaming scenarios. This switch's bright, clacky sound adds an invigorating auditory feedback that many gamers crave. While the Silent Red emphasizes a serene and polished typing experience, the Vintage Citrus caters to those who thrive on responsiveness and energetic feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red switch features a polycarbonate top housing, while the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is equipped with a nylon top housing. This distinction between materials significantly influences the sound profiles produced by each switch. The polycarbonate top of the Silent Red is engineered to generate a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer structure. In contrast, the nylon top of the Vintage Citrus yields a deeper and fuller sound, as the softer plastic absorbs more resonance, resulting in a duller tone. Thus, the top housing material directly affects the auditory experience, making the Silent Red and Vintage Citrus distinct in their sound profiles when typing or gaming.
Both switches possess nylon for their bottom housings, which further aligns some of their acoustic characteristics. The nylon material, known for its sound-absorbing qualities, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches at the bottom-out stage. Despite differences in the top housings, the similar usage of nylon in the bottom part means that when pressed, both switches tend to produce a comparable sound when bottoming out. This shared feature may lead to a somewhat consistent experience in terms of feel and sound during that initial keypress impact across both options.
While the Silent Red and Vintage Citrus switches demonstrate notable contrasts in their top housing materials influencing the sound on release, their similar nylon bottom housings create a cohesive element in their sound signature. When considering switch choices, the decision might rest on whether a user prefers a sharper response (as offered by the Silent Red) or a fuller, deeper tone (as provided by the Vintage Citrus). Ultimately, if both switches are employed within the same keyboard, users can achieve distinct results based on typing dynamics while simultaneously enjoying a consistent and reliable depth of sound at the key bottom-out.
Weight
The TTC Silent Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch offer distinct characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to different user preferences. The Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, which provides a more substantial typing experience for users who appreciate a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a notably lower bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Consequently, the Silent Red is the heavier option overall, making it better suited for users who enjoy a firmer feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus caters to those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions with less fatigue. Both switches deliver unique user experiences based on their force specifications, catering to various typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find that the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter option, offering a more responsive experience that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Silent Red’s 3.7 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper feel, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback when typing. For individuals who value a balance between speed and comfort, the Silent Red may deliver a more satisfying tactile experience overall due to its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 TTC Silent Red switches stand out with their muted profile, producing a softer and quieter typing experience. This makes them an excellent option for environments where noise is a concern, such as offices or shared living spaces. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches deliver a bright, clacky sound that is sharp and percussive, ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing or gaming. While the Silent Reds provide a discreet auditory experience, the Vintage Citrus switches offer an engaging and stimulating sound, appealing primarily to gamers and those who favor a lively typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Silent Red switches are known for their mild and polished characteristics, resulting in a gentle yet refined typing experience. The smooth key travel provides a comfortable session without being overwhelming, making them approachable for users across the board. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switches feature a snappy and invigorating feel, designed to facilitate rapid keystrokes with minimal resistance, thanks to their low actuation force and responsive mechanics. This creates a more dynamic and lively experience that can enhance gaming or typing speed. While both types have their merits, the overall response dramatically differs, catering to distinct preferences among users.
In summary, choosing between the TTC Silent Red and HMX Vintage Citrus switches primarily revolves around your personal sound and feel preferences. If you favor a softer, quieter experience, the Silent Reds are the way to go, while the Vintage Citrus switches deliver a more vibrant sound and a snappy feel that enhances quick input. Depending on your needs—whether it's a serene typing environment or a stimulating gaming session—both switches can provide satisfying results, although their characteristics differ considerably.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a quiet, smooth typing experience, especially in environments like offices or shared living spaces, the Silent Red is the ideal option. Its muted sound profile and plush bottom-out feel make it exceptionally comfortable for extended typing sessions without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking speed and precision, the Vintage Citrus switch should be your go-to. Its lightweight actuation and clacky sound provide an invigorating experience, making it perfect for rapid-fire inputs and enhancing your gaming performance. Both switches excel in their respective areas, so it’s essential to consider your typical usage scenarios when making your decision. You’ll find that aligning your choice with how you intend to use your keyboard will lead to a satisfying tactile experience.
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