TTC Speed Silver vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Speed Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Speed Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Speed Silver is renowned for its quick and precise typing characteristics, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who appreciate a balance of speed and tactile feedback. With a light-medium resistance and a pristine sound profile, this switch provides a satisfying typing experience without being too noisy. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch stands out for its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, catering specifically to gamers who prioritize rapid-fire inputs. Its bright, clacky sound adds a layer of auditory feedback that some users may find appealing, while its smooth push feel enhances overall performance during intense gaming sessions. Both switches have their unique merits; while the Speed Silver leans towards a more polished typing experience, the Vintage Citrus emphasizes quick responsiveness and tactile excitement. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Speed Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus, notable distinctions arise primarily within their top housings. The Speed Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributable to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, enhancing resonance and clarity when typing. Additionally, its translucence makes polycarbonate especially advantageous for setups utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively, creating a vibrant display. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus boasts a nylon top housing that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition. This material absorbs sound more than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is more rounded and less piercing. Therefore, while both switches cater to different auditory preferences, the differences in the sound profiles derived from their top housings highlight a key contrast.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, present a uniform similarity as they are both constructed from nylon. This shared material contributes to a deeper, fuller sound characteristic of switches that utilize nylon. The softer quality of nylon tends to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. Because both the Speed Silver and Vintage Citrus employ nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent and rich sound profile when pressing down on either switch. This similarity underscores how the bottom housing can significantly influence the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound, regardless of the variations presented in the top housing.
In summary, the primary differences between the TTC Speed Silver and the HMX Vintage Citrus lie in their top housing materials, which result in distinct sound profiles. While the polycarbonate top of the Speed Silver offers a clear and resonant experience, the nylon top of the Vintage Citrus provides a more subdued and rounded auditory quality. Yet, the use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures a shared depth in the typing experience, illustrating that despite the variations in their upper portions, both switches can deliver satisfying results in sound and feel when pressed down. Users seeking specific auditory characteristics may choose between the two based on their preference for the top housing sound profiles, while still appreciating the consistent benefits of nylon's performance in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, both switches fall into the medium-light category, but with slight variations in their specifications. The Speed Silver requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the Vintage Citrus has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Speed Silver switch is the lighter option, providing a more effortless keystroke for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, while still relatively light, offers a marginally firmer push, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience without being overly heavy. Despite their differences, users of both switches can expect to enjoy a comfortable typing experience, as neither requires a significantly high force, making both suitable for extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a notable difference is evident. The Speed Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the more shallow option, appealing to those who favor quick and responsive key presses, particularly gamers seeking faster reaction times. Conversely, the Speed Silver offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel and depth for users who appreciate a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 Speed Silver switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile. This makes it a versatile option, suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Its moderate actuation force requirement contributes to this balanced audio experience, allowing for a typing sound that won't be overly distracting. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is known for its bright and clacky sound. This clackiness, often preferred by gamers seeking auditory feedback, adds an engaging element to each keystroke, although it might not be as universally accepted in quieter environments.
In terms of feel, the Speed Silver offers a mild typing experience, which strikes a balance between being approachable for newcomers and satisfying for seasoned users. This mildness, along with its polished nature, results in a smooth and refined typing experience, characterized by reduced friction during key travel. The Vintage Citrus, designed for rapid-fire inputs, features an exceptionally low actuation distance of just 1mm, making it particularly responsive for gamers. However, the specific feel attributes of the Vintage Citrus switch remain unspecified.
In summary, while both the TTC Speed Silver and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches cater to speed, they do so with distinct sound and feel characteristics. The Speed Silver provides a neutral sound and a smooth, mild typing experience, making it suitable for a variety of users. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus delivers a bright, clacky sound and superior responsiveness for gamers, albeit with less information available about its tactile experience. Ultimately, while they may deliver similar speed due to their design intent, the choice between them will largely depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you prioritize speed and precision in your typing experience, especially for fast-paced activities like gaming or coding, the TTC Speed Silver is an excellent option. With its reduced travel distance and mild, polished feel, it excels in providing a smooth and quick actuation, making it suitable for users who need to maximize their efficiency and responsiveness without sacrificing comfort. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more expressive typing experience with lively sound and a sharper actuation, the HMX Vintage Citrus might be more to your liking. Its remarkably low actuation force and bright, clacky sound profile make it ideal for gamers looking to achieve rapid-fire inputs. The Vintage Citrus also provides a smooth push feel that can enhance your overall gaming experience. In summary, consider the Speed Silver for a balanced, fast, and neutral typing feel, and opt for the Vintage Citrus if you want to embrace a more exhilarating, dynamic typing experience that caters particularly well to gaming.
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