HMX Vintage Citrus vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between HMX Vintage Citrus and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile often boils down to personal preference and specific use cases. The Vintage Citrus, a linear switch designed primarily for gamers, excels in rapid-fire performance with its incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, enabling those quick reflexes during intense gaming sessions. Its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel further enhance the overall gaming experience. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a balanced approach with its noticeable tactile bump, providing both feedback and smoothness without sacrificing typing comfort. Its neutral sound signature makes it versatile enough for both gaming and typing, catering to users who appreciate a tactile feel without overwhelming auditory feedback. While the Vintage Citrus might attract gamers seeking speed and responsiveness, the WS Light Tactile appeals to those looking for a well-rounded switch for various tasks. 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
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Vintage Citrus and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile keyboards differ significantly in their choice of top housing materials, which profoundly influences the auditory experience when typing. The Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer plastic properties, which absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, creating a duller yet warmer auditory signature. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile incorporates a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate’s stiffness enhances resonance, producing cleaner auditory clarity, especially notable when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of bottom housing, both the HMX Vintage Citrus and WS Light Tactile utilize nylon, which provides a consistent auditory experience that focuses on the switch's bottom-out feel and sound. The properties of nylon endow both switches with a deeper, fuller resonance when bottomed out, resulting in a similar tactile experience during typing. This means that while the top housing materials adversely affect how sound behaves during key release, the nylon bottom housing assures a relatable auditory consistency across both switches. Thus, even though the top materials differ significantly, users will still enjoy a comparable depth of sound from the bottom housing on both switches.
Despite the contrasting top housing materials, both keyboards manage to offer a unique yet pleasing typing experience by capitalizing on the classic properties of nylon for their bottom housings. The nylon's sound-dampening qualities mean that users of either keyboard will still experience a similar tactile bottoming-out sensation and warmth in sound, thanks to the nylon's inherent characteristics. Thus, while the Vintage Citrus leans towards a more rich soundscape due to its nylon top and bottom combination, the WS Light Tactile’s polycarbonate top enhances the sharpness of the release sounds, creating a blend of robustness and clarity that is distinctly attractive. Overall, whether one prefers the warmth of the nylon or the brightness of the polycarbonate, both options provide unique yet satisfying auditory experiences rooted in their respective material choices.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, we find some distinct differences. The Vintage Citrus switch has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch is lighter, featuring an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a better option for those who prefer less resistance while typing. This means that users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions might prefer the WS Light Tactile switch, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Vintage Citrus. Overall, the Vintage Citrus is the heavier of the two, providing a slightly stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile's longer 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional and substantial sensation, which some users may prefer for a deeper tactile experience. If you like a switch that allows for a swift actuation, the Vintage Citrus would be the ideal choice; however, if you appreciate a more pronounced depth with each key press, the WS Light Tactile would be better suited for you.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch stands out with its bright and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers who enjoy auditory feedback during intense gameplay. This lively sound can enhance the overall experience, especially in fast-paced scenarios where every keystroke counts. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature. This balance makes it versatile, suitable for both beginner and advanced users, whether they are gaming, typing, or working in quieter environments. While the Vintage Citrus is designed to stand out acoustically, the WS Light Tactile provides a more subdued auditory experience that accommodates a broader range of settings.
In terms of feel, the Vintage Citrus switch delivers an exceptionally smooth push feel, which is a crucial feature for rapid-fire inputs, thus enhancing performance in gaming situations. The low actuation force of 1mm allows for effortless keystrokes, giving users a sense of speed and responsiveness. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile switch features a stepped tactile response that provides a mild yet perceptible bump during key transitions. This tactile feedback creates a more engaging typing experience, allowing users to confidently register key presses without excess force. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile switch is easy to press, which minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions and adds comfort to the overall experience.
In conclusion, while both switches offer unique qualities tailored to different user preferences, the HMX Vintage Citrus is ideal for gamers seeking a bright auditory experience and ultra-responsive feel, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile provides a neutral sound and tactile feedback that may appeal to those who prioritize typing comfort and versatility. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile response, as both can deliver satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, your intended usage is paramount. If you are predominantly a gamer, the HMX Vintage Citrus is an excellent choice due to its exceptionally low actuation force and speedy response time, pairing ideal smoothness with a lively clacky sound. This makes it perfect for rapid-fire inputs in fast-paced gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you seek a balance between typing and casual gaming, or if you're looking for a more versatile keyboard experience, the WS Light Tactile could be the better option. Its light actuation force combined with a gentle tactile bump provides a satisfying feel without sacrificing typing comfort, making it suitable for both work and leisure. With a neutral sound profile, the WS Light Tactile is also more accommodating in shared spaces, ensuring you can type comfortably without being overly disruptive. Therefore, consider the context of your keyboard usage and the specific traits you value in a switch to ultimately make the best choice for your needs.
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