Durock T1 vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Durock T1 and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and intended use. The Durock T1 is widely celebrated for its comfort, featuring a medium tactile bump that enhances typing feedback, while the soft sound it produces resembles the gentle patter of rain on a window. This tactile switch is great for typists who appreciate a more pronounced response without sacrificing a pleasant auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is engineered specifically for gamers, boasting an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, making it ideal for fast-paced gameplay that requires rapid keystrokes. Its bright, clacky sound profile and remarkably smooth push feel contribute to an engaging and responsive gaming experience. While the T1 excels in comfort and auditory appeal, the Vintage Citrus shines in speed and smoothness, catering to the competitive gaming crowd. 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
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock T1 and the HMX Vintage Citrus, it becomes evident that there are fundamental differences that influence their respective sound profiles. The Durock T1 features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, allowing for a more resonant audio experience that enhances the clarity of the keypress. This is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant backlighting to shine through, creating an aesthetically pleasing visual effect. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, a material revered for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory response. The nylon's softer structure results in a more muted and rounder sound profile, differentiating it from the T1's bright clarity.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches incorporate nylon, which provides a consistent sound experience. This similarity means that both the T1 and Vintage Citrus deliver a deeper and fuller sound directly associated with the bottom housing material. Since the bottom housing has a significant role in the bottom-out sound and the overall tactile feedback when the key is pressed, users can expect a warm and rounded sound signature with either switch when interacting with the keys. The combination of a nylon bottom housing in both cases ensures a muted bottom-out experience that resonates well for typists who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback.
Ultimately, while the Durock T1 and HMX Vintage Citrus differ in their top housing materials, both models leverage the familiar qualities of nylon for their bottom housings, allowing for some commonalities in user experience. The combination of the T1's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom produces a unique sound profile characterized by clarity during release and depth when bottoming out. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus's nylon top combines with its nylon bottom for a more cohesive sound quality that leans towards warmth and fullness. Despite their differences, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that typists can enjoy satisfying acoustics across both switches, albeit through distinct sound profiles generated by their respective top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock T1 tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock T1 does not have a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is labeled as medium-light. This means that while the T1 switch may require unknown effort to initiate a keypress, it ultimately provides a more substantial typing experience upon bottoming out. The Vintage Citrus, being lighter, allows for less fatigue during longer typing sessions, making it more suitable for users who prefer ease and comfort over a forceful feedback. Overall, the Durock T1 is the heavier option, appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced push feel, while the Vintage Citrus caters to those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock T1 tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Durock T1 features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches and providing a more pronounced tactile feedback as you press down. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, which caters to those who favor a quicker, more responsive action, often preferred by gamers. While the T1 offers a traditional depth that some users appreciate for its satisfying feel, the Vintage Citrus might feel too abrupt for those who enjoy a more robust key travel experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prefers deeper key presses or faster actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 Durock T1 tactile switch delivers a low-pitched tone, reminiscent of rain falling against a window. This mellow, bass-heavy sound provides a more subdued auditory experience, making it versatile for various environments, whether it's at home or in an office setting. The acoustic profile is generally neutral, striking a balance that appeals to both beginners and seasoned typists. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch produces a bright, clacky sound, which is more pronounced and energetic, catering specifically to gamers who appreciate the auditory feedback of rapid-fire keystrokes. Although the exact descriptors for the Vintage Citrus's sound profile are not detailed, its design suggests a sound that could enhance the overall gaming experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock T1 tactile switch exhibits a stepped tactile response, providing a clear but mild bump during key presses. This element allows users to engage with their typing or gaming in a nuanced way, feeling both the pre-travel and post-travel stages distinctly. The switch is also polished, ensuring a smooth and refined actuation experience, which reduces friction for a more enjoyable typing journey. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch focuses on speed with a very low actuation force of just 1mm, emphasizing swift key presses suitable for competitive gaming. However, the tactile feedback and smoothness of the Vintage Citrus are not explicitly detailed, making it difficult to compare its feel to that of the T1.
In conclusion, the Durock T1 tactile switch offers a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience characterized by a low-pitched, neutral sound and a well-defined tactile feel, ideal for both everyday use and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch caters specifically to gamers, providing a bright auditory experience and rapid actuation for quick inputs, although its tactile characteristics remain less defined. Each switch presents unique benefits dependent on user preference, highlighting how different qualities can lead to similar satisfaction based on the intended use, whether for productivity or gaming.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock T1 tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a more tactile experience while typing and appreciate a medium-heavy feel, the T1 is a fantastic choice. Its comfort and unique low-pitched sound, reminiscent of rain, make it ideal for a balanced typing experience, whether you're working on lengthy documents or engaged in more casual typing. The pronounced yet gentle tactile bump provides excellent feedback for those who appreciate a classic typing sensation without being overwhelming. Conversely, if gaming is your primary focus, the Vintage Citrus switch may better suit your needs. With its ultra-light actuation force and swift 1mm actuation point, it excels in fast-paced gaming scenarios where rapid keystrokes are essential. Additionally, the bright, clacky sound profile adds an energetic element to your gameplay, while its slick, smooth push feel enhances the overall experience. In essence, choose the T1 for versatile typing comfort and tactile feedback, and go for the Vintage Citrus if immediate responsiveness in gaming is your top priority.
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