HMX Vintage Citrus vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Jerrzi Violet offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Vintage Citrus, a linear switch, is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm. This allows for rapid-fire inputs, making it an excellent choice for those who thrive in fast-paced gaming environments. Its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel further enhance the experience, adding a layer of auditory feedback that many gamers find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is a tactile switch that excels in providing a gentle yet satisfying typing experience. With its pleasingly poppy tactility and neutral sound signature, the Violet offers a balanced feel that makes it ideal for both typing and casual gaming. While the Vintage Citrus prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the Violet focuses on a more reassuring tactile feedback during use. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Jerrzi Violet, we find significant differences in the top housing while the bottom housing of both switches is the same. The Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer composition. This material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's ability to absorb sound provides a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, delivering a sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, which can be especially appealing for users aiming for a clear auditory feedback during typing sessions.
Interestingly, while the top housings of the Vintage Citrus and the Violet differ in material, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing. Consequently, when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, the nylon bottom of both switches ensures that users experience a consistent deeper and softer acoustic environment. This shared bottom housing contributes to a uniform tactile experience across both models, allowing the impact of the softer nylon material to shine through regardless of the differences found in the top housing. Thus, while the overall sound profiles may diverge due to the top materials, users can still expect a similar foundational experience when bottoming out on either switch thanks to this compatibility.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials present a clear distinction in the audio feedback of each switch, while the shared nylon bottom housing helps to unify their performance in terms of tactile response. Users who opt for the HMX Vintage Citrus will enjoy a lush, muted sound profile attributed to the softness of nylon, while those who choose the Jerrzi Violet will experience a more pronounced and vibrant auditory feedback owing to the rigidity of polycarbonate. Despite these differences, the foundational sound absorption offered by the nylon bottom alleviates potential discord, ensuring that both switches deliver their unique sound signatures without compromising their overall tactile interaction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, interesting distinctions emerge. The Vintage Citrus features an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and providing a balanced tactile experience suitable for prolonged use. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but it lacks a specified bottom out force. This absence limits our ability to make a complete comparison regarding bottoming out. Given the data, the Vintage Citrus switch is the heavier option due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, while the Violet is the lighter choice, potentially offering a softer touch during typing. Those who prefer a lighter switch for extended periods may gravitate towards the Jerrzi Violet, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience could find the HMX Vintage Citrus more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we see a notable difference. The Vintage Citrus has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shallower option. In contrast, the Violet switch features a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that users of the Vintage Citrus can expect a more responsive experience, as shorter travel distances often yield quicker key actuation—ideal for gamers seeking speed. On the other hand, the Violet switch's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel and a deeper key press, which can provide a satisfying feedback during use. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your personal preferences for responsiveness versus tactile depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback while gaming or typing. This sound can enhance the overall experience, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. Conversely, the Jerrzi Violet switch features a neutral sound signature, which blends seamlessly into both casual and professional settings. The moderate sound profile of the Violet switch makes it versatile, as it can be used comfortably in environments where noise might be a concern, such as an office or shared workspace. While the Vintage Citrus provides an expressive auditory experience, the Violet maintains a more subdued sound that won't disrupt those around you.
Regarding feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch offers a remarkably smooth push, providing a fluid typing experience that can enhance speed and accuracy, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking quick, responsive keystrokes. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch is designed with a gentle tactile bump, delivering a subtle yet noticeable tactile feedback that makes it therapeutic to type on. The Violet's stepped feel allows typists to experience two distinct stages during actuation, adding an element of engagement that can be less intense than the hikes of hypertactile switches but still rewarding. Overall, while the Vintage Citrus feels smooth and rapid, the Violet offers a balanced blend of smoothness and tactile response.
In summary, the HMX Vintage Citrus and Jerrzi Violet switches cater to different user preferences. The Vintage Citrus excels in providing bright sound and a smooth keystroke, making it particularly suited for gamers looking for speed and loud auditory confirmation. In contrast, the Violet switch presents a neutral sound with gentle tactile feedback, appealing to users who prefer a more subtle typing experience that is versatile for any setting. Depending on your specific needs, choosing between the two ultimately hinges on whether sound and speed or a balanced feel and neutrality are more important in your typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, your primary intended use will dictate the best choice for you. If you're a gamer who values speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus is likely your ideal option. Its low actuation point and smooth, clacky sound profile make it perfect for rapid key presses, ensuring that every critical move can be executed without a hitch. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smooth yet tactile typing experience—perhaps for extended writing sessions or general productivity—the Violet switch is the better fit. Its gentle tactile feedback and neutral sound signature create an engaging yet unobtrusive environment, suitable for both home and workplace settings. Thus, whether your focus is on high-speed gaming or a balanced typing experience, choosing the switch that aligns with your specific needs will enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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