HMX Vintage Citrus vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the distinctions between options like the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Brown can significantly influence your typing or gaming experience. The HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored specifically for gamers, featuring an incredibly light actuation force of just 1mm, which facilitates rapid-fire inputs and quick response times that competitive players demand. Its bright, clacky sound profile and ultra-smooth feel further enhance the exhilaration of fast-paced gameplay. In contrast, the WS Brown switches offer a more tactile experience, appealing to typists and gamers alike. With a medium-light actuation force, they deliver a satisfying tactile bump upon activation, ensuring comfort during extended typing sessions while maintaining a familiar auditory feedback that enthusiasts appreciate. While the Vintage Citrus is designed for speed and responsiveness, the WS Brown emphasizes a well-rounded typing experience. 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
N/A
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
3.80 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Vintage Citrus and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches both utilize nylon as their housing material, which is a hallmark of classic switch construction. Notably, both the top and bottom housings of these switches are made from nylon, meaning they share the same fundamental acoustic and tactile characteristics. A defining property of nylon is its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This shared material choice contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience, which can enhance the feel of typing by creating a more muted and satisfying sound when keys are pressed and released.
In terms of functionality, the effects of the nylon housing are evidenced in how these switches perform during use. Since both the Vintage Citrus and WS Brown switches are constructed from identical materials, users can expect similar acoustic results. The nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a cushioned impact when the switch is fully pressed. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound produced as the key is released, smoothly blending the tactile feedback and sound profile for a cohesive typing experience. This consistency means that users of either switch will share a similar sensation and auditory feedback when engaging with their keyboards, contributing to an overall satisfying experience.
By employing nylon for both the top and bottom housings, both the HMX Vintage Citrus and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches reveal how a singular material can yield a unified performance characteristic. The sound dampening properties of nylon allow for a seamless integration of key press feedback, ultimately ensuring that users experience the intended benefits of this housing material regardless of the switch brand they choose. Consequently, the consistent use of nylon in both switch types creates an expectation of performance and sound quality that benefits users looking for a classic yet satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there's a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Vintage Citrus has an actuation force of 48 grams, which contributes to a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for prolonged use during work or intensive gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Brown has an unspecified actuation force but a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Vintage Citrus's 53 grams. This means that while both switches are classified as medium-light, the WS Brown offers a heavier bottoming out experience, which may appeal to users seeking a more tactile feedback in their typing. Overall, the Vintage Citrus is the lighter option, while the WS Brown is heavier at the bottom out stage, suggesting that users may prefer the former for comfort over extended periods and the latter for a more prominent typing sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, a notable difference is evident: the Vintage Citrus features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the WS Brown measures at 3.8 mm. This means that the Vintage Citrus offers a shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for users who prefer faster response times, often favored by gamers. In contrast, the WS Brown, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more deliberate and satisfying feel for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual 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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 linear switch produces a bright and clacky sound that is ideal for gamers looking for auditory feedback during rapid inputs. This sound profile is distinct and attention-grabbing, making it enjoyable for those who like their keystrokes to be pronounced. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a more familiar and refined auditory experience. The WS Brown's sound is less pronounced than that of the Vintage Citrus but still delivers a pleasant tone that many enthusiasts find satisfying. It's important to note that the perceived sound of both switches can be influenced by additional factors such as the choice of keyboard housing and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Vintage Citrus switch is characterized by its exceptionally smooth push feel, allowing for seamless transitions between keystrokes, which is especially advantageous for gamers who require quick and precise tapping. The very low actuation force of 1mm also means that less effort is needed to register a keypress. In comparison, the WS Brown tactile switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort with a medium-light actuation force. This makes it more versatile for prolonged typing sessions while still providing a satisfying tactile feedback, which helps typists know when a key has been actuated without requiring full travel.
In summary, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch is designed for gamers seeking rapid, smooth, and audibly bright performance, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch caters to typists who appreciate a more balanced and familiar typing experience. While both switches are tailored towards distinct preferences—one leaning towards speed and sound, the other towards tactile feedback and comfort—each offers unique qualities that can appeal to different user needs. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and smoothness or tactile response and comfort.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal use case and preference. If you are primarily a gamer, the Vintage Citrus is your best bet, as its low actuation point of just 1mm allows for lightning-fast key presses, giving you an edge in competitive gaming scenarios. Its clacky sound profile and exceptionally smooth feel contribute to a lively gaming experience, making it a great fit for those who revel in rapid-fire inputs. On the other hand, if you frequently engage in typing tasks, especially those that last for hours, the WS Brown offers a more balanced experience. Its medium-light force and tactile feedback provide a comfortable yet responsive typing experience, while its auditory feedback is both pleasing and familiar, helping to minimize fatigue during long typing sessions. Thus, if you need a switch that harmonizes responsiveness with comfort, the WS Brown is the ideal choice. In the end, consider your goals—whether it’s about achieving speed in gaming or enjoying comfort in typing—and choose the switch that aligns best with your needs.
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