HMX Vintage Citrus vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices among gamers and typists alike are the HMX Vintage Citrus and the KTT Wine Red, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct experiences. The Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid-fire inputs and a bright, clacky sound profile that makes every keystroke feel invigorating. In contrast, the Wine Red switches provide a more pillowy typing experience, characterized by a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile that appeals to those who prefer a softer touch and a bassy resonance. While both switches excel in their smooth push feel, the Vintage Citrus leans towards speed and responsiveness, making it ideal for competitive gaming, whereas the Wine Red offers a more relaxed and enjoyable typing experience suitable for long hours of 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
44g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Vintage Citrus and the KTT Wine Red, a significant difference lies in their housing materials, which consequently affects their sound profiles. The Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows it to provide a more resonant tone, making the overall auditory experience distinctly different for the two switches. While both can yield satisfactory sound results when properly tuned, the Vintage Citrus leans more toward a warm, muted tone, whereas the Wine Red offers a brighter auditory experience.
The contrast continues with the bottom housings of the two switches. The Vintage Citrus's nylon bottom housing again emphasizes a deeper sound profile, reinforcing the softer characteristics that define the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Wine Red employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the sharper tonal qualities of its top housing. This divergence in housing material means that when pressing down on the switches, users will notice the Vintage Citrus providing a rounded feedback, while the Wine Red delivers a more pronounced and crisp response. The differences in material and construction influence not only the auditory output but also the tactile feedback during use, ultimately shaping user preferences.
Despite the distinct materials used in the housings of the Vintage Citrus and Wine Red, achieving a similar result is possible through careful consideration of typing style and ambient conditions. For example, players who seek a warmer sound experience may find that using similar typing techniques on both switches can help to balance the individual characteristics, allowing the softer nylon properties of the Vintage Citrus to shine through even in the Wine Red’s polycarbonate construction. On the other hand, those who prefer a brighter sound can manipulate their typing cadence to leverage the inherent qualities of each housing type. Thus, while the materials may be different, user experience remains flexible, offering opportunities for customization and personalization in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The Vintage Citrus has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it feel a bit more substantial compared to the Wine Red, which features a lighter actuation force of 44 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches are classified as medium-light in terms of weight, but the Vintage Citrus is the heavier option due to its higher actuation force. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may lean towards the KTT Wine Red, while those who enjoy a more pronounced feel may find the Vintage Citrus more satisfying. Despite the slight variations in actuation forces, both switches still provide a relatively comfortable typing experience that suits different preferences based on their respective weights.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, the distinctions are clear. The Vintage Citrus features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter of the two options, while the Wine Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and offers a longer keypress experience. For gamers or those who favor responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus may be more appealing due to its shallower depth, allowing for quicker actuation. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red's greater travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a deeper key response. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value speed and rapid actuation or a more substantial feel under your fingertips.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 switch delivers a bright, clacky sound profile that resonates energetically, making it particularly appealing for gamers who thrive on auditory feedback during rapid keystrokes. This lively sound can create an engaging experience as each keypress punctuates gameplay or typing with a distinct, noticeable snap. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch offers a deeper, rich sound profile characterized as bassy and low-pitched. This provides a comforting auditory backdrop that many users find satisfying, creating a sense of depth with each keystroke. While both switches generate unique sounds, the Vintage Citrus leans towards a higher frequency response, whereas the Wine Red is more mellow and substantial.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Vintage Citrus is known for its exceptionally smooth push, effortlessly gliding downwards as you press the keys—a feature that enhances the rapid actuation suited for fast-paced gaming. This smoothness, combined with an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, offers a thrilling experience for those looking for speed and responsiveness. Conversely, the Wine Red switch provides a pillowy light touch, making it feel soft and cushioned upon pressing. This tactile sensation adds an element of comfort, particularly beneficial for longer typing sessions or casual use. Though both switches have distinct characteristics in feel—one leaning towards smoothness for speed and the other offering a softer, more cushioned experience—they can cater to different preferences while still providing a quality typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Vintage Citrus and KTT Wine Red switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Vintage Citrus excels in providing a bright, clacky sound with a remarkably smooth feel that supports rapid input, making it a prime choice for competitive gamers. Meanwhile, the Wine Red stands out with its rich, bassy sound and pillowy light touch, which can deliver comfort and depth for those who prioritize a more leisurely and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, while they differ in various dimensions, each switch will provide quality performance, and users can select one based on their sound and feel preferences to enhance their overall keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch largely hinges on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you're primarily a gamer who thrives on rapid-fire inputs and values quick actuation, the Vintage Citrus switch will likely be your go-to. Its exceptionally low actuation force combined with a smooth push feel enhances your gaming experience, allowing for rapid response times and precise movements, all while delivering a bright, clacky sound that can be quite satisfying during intense gameplay sessions. On the other hand, if you lean more towards typing and enjoy a deeper, richer sound profile, the Wine Red switch could serve you better. Its slightly higher bottom-out force provides a pillowy typing feel that can be more comfortable for extensive writing tasks, along with a bassy and low-pitched sound that adds a unique auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize gaming performance or an enriched typing experience, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard to suit your specific needs.
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