HMX Vintage Citrus vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Vintage Citrus and Gateron Weightlessness stand out as compelling options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Vintage Citrus, designed specifically for gamers, offers an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, making it ideal for rapid-fire inputs. Its bright, clacky sound profile and remarkably smooth push feel enhance the gaming experience, allowing for quick reactions and playful engagement. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness provides a tactile sensation that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, featuring a subtle to moderate tactile feel that many typists appreciate. This balanced sound profile complements its characteristics, making it an excellent choice for those who value a satisfying typing experience both in gaming and general 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
50g
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
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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 single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Gateron Weightlessness switches are notably similar, as both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This shared material choice underlines a universal preference for nylon in the design of mechanical switches. With nylon being recognized as a classic switch housing material, both switches benefit from its inherent properties, which contribute significantly to their auditory and tactile experiences. The result is a deeper and fuller sound profile from both switches, as the softer nature of nylon absorbs sound effectively, producing a duller and rounder acoustic signature.
In regards to the performance attributes of the Vintage Citrus and the Weightlessness, the identical use of nylon in both top and bottom housings implies a consistency in sound dampening and overall key feel. When typing on either switch, users will appreciate a very similar experience, characterized by the soft and muted sounds that nylon provides upon key presses and releases. The bottom housing plays a pivotal role in affecting the bottom-out sound, while the top housing influences the sound profile during key release. Consequently, the designed acoustic qualities of both switches manifest in a distinctly comparable typing experience, even if other non-housing elements differ.
It is important to consider that while the material characteristics of both the HMX Vintage Citrus and Gateron Weightlessness switches lead to a similar auditory and tactile feel, any unique engineering aspects or internal components could still differentiate their overall typing experiences. However, given that the housing materials are the same, users can anticipate that their interactions with both switches will yield nearly indistinguishable sound and feel profiles. This results in a harmonious typing experience across both models, which is compelling for enthusiasts seeking consistency in their mechanical switch choices.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see distinct differences in actuation force. The Vintage Citrus has an actuation force of 48 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Gateron Weightlessness, which requires 50 grams of force to actuate. This means that the Vintage Citrus may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, such as those engaging in long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown, making it difficult to assess how it compares to the Vintage Citrus, which has a bottom out force of 53 grams. Therefore, while the Vintage Citrus offers a clear advantage in terms of actuation weight, we cannot draw a complete comparison regarding bottoming out. Overall, if users seek a lighter feel for prolonged use, the Vintage Citrus provides that benefit, whereas the Weightlessness may cater to those who enjoy a slightly firmer typing experience, albeit without conclusive bottom-out details.
Travel distance
The HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch exhibit distinct travel distances, influencing the feel and responsive nature of each switch. The Vintage Citrus has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it one of the shorter options available, which is often preferred by gamers for quicker response times. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch features a longer travel distance of 3.4 mm, providing a more pronounced feedback that some users find appealing for its depth and tactile experience. While both switches fall within the range of modern preferences for shorter travel distances, the Vintage Citrus offers a more immediate response, while the Weightlessness caters to those who appreciate a bit more movement in their keystrokes. Therefore, if you value responsiveness, the HMX Vintage Citrus is the better choice, whereas the Gateron Weightlessness will satisfy those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch stands out with its bright and clacky sound profile, which can energize an otherwise muted gaming environment. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a more balanced sound, allowing for a subtle auditory feedback that complements its tactile characteristics. It's important to note that the sound of any switch can be influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, so both switches can ultimately produce pleasant acoustic experiences depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Vintage Citrus provides an exceptionally smooth push, making it feel effortless during rapid-fire inputs, ideal for gamers who need to execute precise commands quickly. Meanwhile, the Weightlessness switch features a subtle to moderate tactile bump, adding a layer of feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and comfort without being overly assertive. Both switches are designed to offer unique tactile experiences, but they cater to different preferences: one for fluidity and agility, and the other for a supportive tactile sensation.
In summary, the Vintage Citrus excels in producing a clacky sound and delivering a smooth experience, making it perfect for gamers seeking fast and responsive performance. Conversely, the Weightlessness balances sound and tactile feedback, which can be more appealing for those who appreciate a gentle tactile sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference in sound and feel, allowing newcomers to select based on their own typing or gaming styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're a gamer who thrives on the speed and responsiveness of your keyboard, the Vintage Citrus would be an excellent option due to its incredibly low actuation force and smooth push feel, allowing for rapid-fire inputs and a lively clacky sound profile that enhances your gaming experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback while typing, the Gateron Weightlessness switch would cater to your needs with its subtle to moderate tactile feel, which can make typing more satisfying and engaging, all while maintaining a balanced sound profile that’s pleasant without being overly loud. Ultimately, if your focus is on gaming performance and you enjoy an auditory feedback that spices up your play, go for the Vintage Citrus. Conversely, if you’re after a tactile experience with typing comfort and a nuanced sound, the Weightlessness should be your switch of choice.
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