HMX Vintage Citrus vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, each type offers its unique advantages, catering to different user preferences and needs. The HMX Vintage Citrus, a linear switch distinguished by its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, is specifically designed for gamers seeking rapid-fire inputs and boasts a bright, clacky sound profile alongside a remarkably smooth push feel. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and effortless key presses during gaming sessions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a profound tactile experience characterized by a robust 70g bump, offering immersive resistance and a captivating "thocky" sound thanks to its nylon housing. This switch appeals to users who enjoy a more tactile feedback while typing, making each keystroke feel both engaging and satisfying. While the Vintage Citrus excels in speed and smoothness, the WS Heavy Tactile entices with its tactile richness and auditory 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, it is notable that both models utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Using nylon, a classic switch housing material, provides both switches with similar foundational acoustic properties. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, as it is inherently more effective at sound absorption compared to harder plastics. This shared characteristic is likely to yield comparable auditory experiences when typing on both models, producing a duller and rounder sound that enhances overall typing satisfaction.
While the material used for the top and bottom housings is identical in both switches, their contributions to the typing experience differ slightly depending on their respective positions. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed down, while the top housing impacts the sound produced upon releasing a key. In both the Vintage Citrus and WS Heavy Tactile, the nylon construction ensures that this dynamic is consistent—users can expect a cohesive auditory profile, driven by the housing materials' inherent qualities, regardless of the overall design differences each switch may possess.
Ultimately, the use of nylon in both the Vintage Citrus and WS Heavy Tactile allows for a seamless comparison in terms of acoustic performance. As both models utilize the same material for their housings, they are well-positioned to deliver a similar end result: a robust sound profile marked by softness and depth. Consequently, individuals seeking a pleasing auditory typing experience would find satisfaction in either option, thanks to the shared properties of nylon in both switches’ constructions. Whether one prefers the specific tactile feel or design of one switch over the other, the foundational auditory qualities are maintained, showcasing the effectiveness of nylon as a housing material in both products.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Vintage Citrus offers an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which is ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed typing experience during extended use. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams but has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, marking it as medium-heavy. This difference indicates that while the initial push is easier on the WS Heavy Tactile switch, the final bottoming out presents a more forceful resistance. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch overall, the Vintage Citrus would be the better option, while the WS Heavy Tactile provides a heavier typing feel once bottomed out, perfect for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile response.
Travel distance
The HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Vintage Citrus offers a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Heavy Tactile, making it potentially more responsive for users who prioritize quick key presses, such as gamers. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile, with its additional 0.2 mm of travel, may provide a more substantial and satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper press. Thus, while both switches can deliver a satisfactory experience depending on personal preferences, the Vintage Citrus is the better choice for those seeking quick response times, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch is recognized for its bright, clacky sound profile. This gives it a sharp and lively auditory experience that enhances rapid key presses, making it especially suitable for gaming. The high-pitched characteristics contribute to a crisp and clear sound, which can energize the typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch produces a captivating "thocky" sound, often described as resonant and immersive. The nylon housing lends a clean and sharp auditory quality that is rich and satisfying, providing a bassy undertone that many users find appealing. While both switches create distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, they collectively enrich the tactile keyboard experience.
Regarding feel, the Vintage Citrus offers a remarkably smooth push feel, making it ideal for gamers seeking rapid and effortless key actuations. However, specific descriptors for the feel are absent, leading to an open-ended interpretation regarding its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is characterized by a prominent tactile bump at about 70g of actuation force, creating a strong sensual pushback that delivers a distinct response with each keystroke. It is described as sharp, snappy, and invigorating, creating a feel that is both reactive and engaging. The overall tactile experience is enhanced by its bouncy nature, giving users a lively and responsive typing sensation, markedly different from the smooth linearity of the Vintage Citrus switch.
In conclusion, the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different user preferences. While the Vintage Citrus shines in providing a rapid, bright sound with a smooth key feel ideal for gaming, the Wuque Studio switch offers a more pronounced tactile response and a satisfying "thocky" sound that many find immersive for typing. Each has its distinct identity, yet both can provide an engaging experience depending on whether one prefers speed and smoothness or tactile feedback and weight.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you're primarily a gamer or someone who values speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus is likely your best bet. Its low actuation force and quick response time make it ideal for rapid-fire inputs, allowing for swift gaming actions without unnecessary fatigue. You can also enjoy its bright, clacky sound profile, which adds an engaging auditory element to your gaming experience. In contrast, if you appreciate a more tactile feedback experience while typing or gaming, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is more suitable for you. Its medium-heavy force and pronounced tactile bump provide an invigorating feel that enhances typing satisfaction, making each keystroke feel rewarding. Plus, the captivating "thocky" sound adds a satisfying dimension to your interactions, perfect for those who enjoy a rich auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities—speed and smoothness or tactile feedback and auditory enjoyment.
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