HMX Swift vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Swift and the HMX Vintage Citrus can significantly influence your typing experience. The Swift is renowned for its deeper sound profile, a characteristic that results from its full nylon housings, and it offers a silky smoothness paired with a delicate 42g actuation force. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a clacky yet creamy typing experience, making it ideal for both casual use and creating a comfortable atmosphere for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation distance of just 1mm, enabling rapid-fire keyboard inputs that can enhance competitive gameplay. Its bright and clacky sound profile, combined with a remarkably smooth push feel, makes it appealing for gamers looking for speed and responsiveness. While both switches are linear types with their own distinct characteristics, they cater to different preferences and use cases. 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
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Swift and HMX Vintage Citrus feature nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom sections of their switches. This commonality ensures that both models share certain acoustic characteristics, primarily a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound waves, which contributes to a rounder and less sharp auditory experience. This shared material choice means that whether using the Swift or the Vintage Citrus, typists can expect a similarly subdued sound when typing, as the nylon helps dampen potential resonance that might occur with harder plastics.
In terms of the performance and tactile feedback, while both switches utilize nylon in both the top and bottom housings, the overall feel during usage remains consistent across these two models. Since the nylon construction of both the top and bottom housings influences sound in a complementary manner, users will experience comparable feedback as they press the keys. The bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing shapes the auditory experience upon key release. This design synergy means that both switches will generally elicit a satisfying typing sensation, which can be an essential factor for many typists.
However, it is worth noting that even with identical materials, subtle differences in design or construction could result in variations in key feel or sound. Nonetheless, since both the HMX Swift and HMX Vintage Citrus utilize the same nylon materials throughout, users can expect that the qualities derived from the nylon construction will yield a uniform auditory experience across both keyboards. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you're likely to enjoy the same robust, deep sound profile that nylon is known for, making both options appealing choices for those seeking a pleasant and engaging typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Swift linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting user experience based on preferences for weight and feel. The Swift features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions and extended gaming, as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for those who appreciate a firmer response. Therefore, while both switches lead to a satisfying typing experience, the Swift is better suited for users who prioritize lightness and ease of use, whereas the Vintage Citrus caters to those preferring a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
The HMX Swift linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit different travel distances, which can significantly influence the typing experience. The Swift features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it closer to the traditional 4.0 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3.0 mm. This difference means that the Swift switch offers a deeper, more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for its more tactile feedback. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shallower travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those seeking faster response times due to the reduced distance needed to actuate. If you favor quick, responsive typing, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice. However, if you appreciate a more measured and hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Swift would be ideal. Overall, the Swift is the longer option, while the Vintage Citrus is the shorter one, with their respective travel distances catering to different preferences in the typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 HMX Swift and Vintage Citrus linear switches, the differences are readily apparent. The Swift is distinguished by its deeper sound profile, which results from its full nylon housing, producing a more resonant tone. Users often experience a rich auditory feedback that elevates the typing experience, making it suitable for those who appreciate a deeper, more subdued sound. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is characterized by a bright and clacky sound, which caters to gamers seeking a more sharp and crisp auditory response. While both switches can yield satisfying sounds, their tonal qualities cater to different preferences, with the Swift offering a more mellow experience compared to the lively brightness of the Vintage Citrus.
In terms of feel, the HMX Swift excels with its silky smoothness and effortless actuation due to a delicate 42g actuation force. Users appreciate the easy-to-press nature of the Swift, which greatly enhances comfort during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The feathery lightness of the switch minimizes finger fatigue, while its bouncy characteristics provide a palatable feedback that users find rewarding. The Vintage Citrus, designed for rapid-fire inputs, features an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for incredibly swift keypresses that are ideal for gamers. However, specific descriptors of its feel remain unknown, preventing a direct comparison in this category.
In conclusion, both the HMX Swift and Vintage Citrus linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Swift's deeper sound and smooth action provide an enjoyable typing experience that balances comfort with auditory satisfaction, while the Vintage Citrus shines in its bright sound and ultra-responsive actuation designed for gaming. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on whether you prioritize a well-rounded typing experience or a fast, gaming-centric performance. Each switch presents a compelling argument, ensuring that users can find satisfaction in either option depending on their specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Swift and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you favor a lighter typing experience that combines responsive actuation with a deeper sound profile, the Swift switches may be the ideal option for you. Their 50-gram bottom-out force and silky smoothness make them exceptionally comfortable for extended typing sessions, whether for work or leisurely tasks. However, if you are primarily a gamer looking for rapid response times, the Vintage Citrus switches could serve you better. With a low actuation point of just 1mm and a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, these switches are specifically designed for quick, successive inputs, supplemented by a bright, clacky sound that enhances the gaming experience. In essence, consider the HMX Swift for comfort and prolonged use, while the HMX Vintage Citrus is your go-to for speed and gaming performance.
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