HMX Vintage Citrus vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, gamers and typists alike have a plethora of options, each designed to cater to specific preferences and needs. The HMX Vintage Citrus switch is a standout choice for gamers, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm which facilitates rapid-fire keystrokes—a critical advantage in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Not only does it deliver a smooth push feel, but it also produces a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the overall gaming experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch presents a more refined option for those who prioritize typing comfort. With its subtle tactile feedback, the White Lotus caters to typists looking for a delicate yet satisfying keystroke, making it ideal for extended work sessions. Additionally, its innovative design allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a visually pleasing element to any keyboard setup. While both switches offer distinct benefits—speed and auditory engagement versus comfort and aesthetic appeal—they ultimately serve different user needs. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Durock White Lotus switches, a clear distinction arises between their top housings. The Vintage Citrus utilizes a pure nylon top housing, a classic material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This attribute stems from the inherent properties of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a somewhat duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. This characteristic fosters a warmer acoustic atmosphere, which can be particularly appealing for users who prioritize sound quality during their typing experience. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus incorporates a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE) in its top housing. This unique combination aims to deliver a premium tactile experience, likely resulting in a sharper sound profile compared to the Vintage Citrus, as the harder plastic may reflect sound rather than absorbing it.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both the Vintage Citrus and the White Lotus share a commonality in their bottom housings, with both switches using nylon material. This unifying aspect brings a sense of consistency in the typing experience concerning the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing contributes similarly to a deeper and more resonant sound profile, absorbing vibrations and echoes effectively. Consequently, users can expect a familiar auditory feedback when bottoming out, irrespective of the top housing material. This ensures that both switches maintain a level of performance and comfort, allowing users to enjoy a cohesive tactile experience even in the presence of different top housing materials.
In terms of overall performance, while the Vintage Citrus prioritizes a softer and deeper sound profile due to its nylon top housing, the Durock White Lotus offers a potentially crisper feedback through its modified PC and UPE blend. However, since both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, both switches will exhibit similar characteristics during the actuation stage. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to individual preferences regarding sound dynamics and tactile sensations, as each switch presents a unique take on the auditory experience created by their respective housings. This suggests that while users may favor certain tonal qualities from either switch, the shared nylon bottom housing guarantees an element of familiarity in tactile feedback for both options.
Weight
The HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch are similar in their medium-light classifications but differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Vintage Citrus switch has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the White Lotus features a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams but a higher bottom out force of 56 grams. This means that while the White Lotus requires less force to register a keystroke, it demands a bit more effort when bottoming out compared to the Vintage Citrus. As a result, those who prefer lighter switches might gravitate towards the White Lotus for initial actuation, but may feel the more pronounced bottom out pressure. Conversely, users who enjoy a heavier typing experience may find the Vintage Citrus more appealing overall, especially considering its marginally heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, both switches provide a balance suitable for extended use, but the choice between them may come down to individual preferences for actuation versus bottom out feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance results in contrasting tactile experiences: while the Vintage Citrus offers a more responsive feel suitable for gamers who favor quick key presses, the White Lotus provides a more pronounced depth that some users may find more satisfying. For those who appreciate a more concise response time without the abruptness, the 3 mm travel distance could be advantageous. Conversely, if a deeper, more robust keystroke is preferred, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the White Lotus would be the better choice. Overall, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference for either a shallower and brisk experience or a deeper and more substantial one.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 Vintage Citrus and the Durock White Lotus switches, distinct characteristics emerge. The Vintage Citrus is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound, which is particularly appealing to gamers who thrive on audible feedback during rapid keystrokes. This lively sound can create an engaging and dynamic atmosphere, especially during intense gaming sessions. In contrast, the White Lotus features a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that is more subdued. This makes it a versatile option suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a shared office space. The muted tones of the White Lotus allow for a more tranquil typing experience, reducing the potential for distraction or disturbance in quieter settings.
Feel-wise, the Vintage Citrus is designed for speed, boasting an exceptionally smooth push that requires a mere 1mm actuation force to register a keystroke. This aspect makes it fantastic for gamers looking for quick and responsive feedback. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a light tactile experience, emphasizing gentleness and ease of activation. The easy-to-press nature of the White Lotus reduces finger fatigue, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions. With its mild characteristics, the White Lotus provides a well-rounded and understated typing feel, catering to a broad range of users irrespective of their typing preferences.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Durock White Lotus switches excel but in different aspects, the choice between them will greatly depend on the user's needs. The Vintage Citrus is perfect for gamers seeking an energetic and responsive experience, while the White Lotus serves those who prefer a more tranquil and fatigue-free typing environment. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences that can cater to different preferences and settings, allowing users to find a switch that best fits their typing and gaming needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you're a gamer or someone who engages in rapid-key inputs, the Vintage Citrus is a fantastic choice due to its low actuation force and smooth, clacky sound profile that enhances the gaming experience. Its medium-light feel allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, making it perfect for those intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you value a more balanced typing experience, particularly for work or long typing sessions, the White Lotus is likely the better option. Its mild, tactile feedback provides a gentle typing feel without overwhelming your fingers, making it suitable for extended use. Moreover, the low-pitched and neutral sound profile, combined with vibrant RGB illumination, creates a visually appealing and comfortable typing environment. In essence, choose the Vintage Citrus for speed and responsiveness in gaming, and opt for the White Lotus for a refined and enjoyable typing experience in professional settings.
Mentioned in this article
