HMX Vintage Citrus vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi both offer distinct characteristics that cater to various preferences and use cases. The Vintage Citrus, specifically designed with gamers in mind, features an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid-fire inputs coupled with a clacky, snappy sound profile that can invigorate the gaming experience. Its smooth push feel adds to the appeal for those who thrive on responsiveness. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch is a blend of innovation and aesthetics, featuring a light column to enhance RGB visuals and an all-POM housing that delivers a muted sound profile, making it perfect for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. The UPE stem contributes to a uniquely airy smoothness, appealing to those who prioritize a buttery tactile sensation while typing. Both switches offer compelling reasons to choose them, depending on whether one seeks a lively, auditory experience or a serene, aesthetically pleasing typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, it becomes evident that both models utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which impart distinctive sound profiles to each switch. The Vintage Citrus is characterized by its nylon top and bottom housings, which are known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound. This sound quality results from nylon's relatively softer composition, allowing it to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the WS Morandi employs POM for its housing materials, noted for creating a unique and pleasing sound that is also on the deeper side but predominantly muted. The contrasting qualities of nylon and POM inherently influence how each switch resonates acoustically.
The functional implications of using nylon versus POM are noteworthy, as the choice of housing material affects not just the auditory experience but also the tactile feedback of the switches. The Vintage Citrus's nylon housings yield a sound that is richer and rounder, which can enhance the overall keyboard experience for typists looking for a softer touch. Conversely, the POM materials in the WS Morandi offer a more subdued acoustic profile, ideal for users who prefer a less obtrusive sound while typing. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the WS Morandi may provide a unique typing sensation, while the Vintage Citrus remains consistent in its softer sound due to its full nylon construction.
Ultimately, while the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi utilize different materials—nylon for the former and POM for the latter—their distinct sound profiles share a commonality in their deeper resonance. This indicates that, despite the different compositions, both switches cater to users seeking a muted acoustic experience customized by their unique materials. Achieving similar acoustic characteristics, albeit through different mediums, showcases the complexity and depth that can be attained in keyboard design, allowing enthusiasts to find their preferred balance between sound, feel, and performance.
Weight
The HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Vintage Citrus requires a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, compared to the WS Morandi’s slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This difference in actuation force makes the Vintage Citrus more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions with less fatigue. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Vintage Citrus has a bottom out force of 53 grams, whereas the WS Morandi has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. As a result, users seeking a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the WS Morandi due to its increased resistance at the bottom out stage. In summary, the HMX Vintage Citrus is the lighter option, making it ideal for longer typing sessions, whereas the WS Morandi, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, caters to those who favor a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, the differences are notable. The Vintage Citrus features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shorter option that caters to those who enjoy rapid response times, which is particularly beneficial for gamers. In contrast, the WS Morandi offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, lending a more substantial feel that some users may find preferable for a richer typing experience. While both switches are designed for linear feedback, the Vintage Citrus is ideal for users seeking a snappier engagement, whereas the WS Morandi may appeal to those who value a deeper, more gradual press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a more pronounced key 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 Morandi has an MSRP of $4.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Morandi for $3.90.
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 switch presents a bright and clacky auditory profile that infuses each keystroke with a crisp, percussive character. This sharpness is particularly appealing to those who enjoy the satisfaction of an audible confirmation each time they hit a key, making it excellent for gamers who rely on rapid, accurate inputs. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch is characterized by a muted, low-pitched sound profile that leans towards a thocky resonance. This offers a deeper, softer tone that is less sharp than the Vintage Citrus, appealing to users who prefer a more understated auditory feedback with each keystroke. The difference in sound can greatly influence the typing experience, where the choice largely depends on personal preference for auditory feedback.
When examining the feel of these two switches, the Vintage Citrus excels with its snappy and invigorating experience. This switch is particularly responsive, thanks in part to its lower actuation force and spring design, which makes for a lively typing sensation. This snappiness enhances the gaming experience, providing immediate feedback that can be crucial in fast-paced scenarios. On the other hand, the WS Morandi delivers a uniquely smooth sensation characterized by buttery, creamy, and silky descriptors. This results in a typing experience that feels effortless and fluid, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is key. While both switches provide pleasurable experiences, their tactile responses cater to different types of users—one focusing on responsiveness, while the other emphasizes smoothness.
Overall, both the HMX Vintage Citrus and Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches offer distinctive qualities that will attract different users based on their personal typing or gaming preferences. The Vintage Citrus shines with its clacky sound and snappy feel, targeting gamers who desire audibility and quick response. In contrast, the WS Morandi appeals to those seeking a serene typing environment with its thocky sound and buttery smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on what qualities are most important to the user—whether they appreciate a lively auditory experience with rapid feedback or prefer a tranquil and smooth typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're a gamer looking for a responsive switch that excels in rapid key presses, the Vintage Citrus is an excellent choice with its low actuation force and snappy feedback. Its clacky sound profile can create an engaging auditory experience, enhancing your gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and visually appealing typing experience with a more muted sound profile, the WS Morandi switch is likely to suit you better. Its buttery feel and aesthetic design cater to those who appreciate the subtleties of a refined typing experience, making it ideal for both casual typing and creative work. Thus, consider what activities you primarily engage in—intense gaming or refined typing—and choose the switch that aligns with your priorities to optimize your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
