HMX Vintage Citrus vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ both offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Vintage Citrus, designed specifically for gamers, features a remarkable actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for swift, rapid-fire inputs that can enhance performance in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Its bright and clacky sound profile, paired with an exceptionally smooth keystroke, makes it an appealing choice for gamers looking for quick response times and engaging auditory feedback. In contrast, the WS POM+ is all about the typing experience, delivering a deep, satisfying "thock" sound that many typists find fulfilling. Its buttery-smooth keystroke caters to those who prioritize a comfortable and enjoyable typing rhythm. While both switches are classified as linear, their distinct sound and feel make them suitable for different users, whether you're gaming or typing. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, the primary distinction lies in the materials used for their housings. The Vintage Citrus employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic choice known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon helps absorb vibrations, resulting in a sound that is notably duller and rounder, which can enhance the tactile feedback and overall experience during typing. In contrast, the WS POM+ opts for polyoxymethylene (POM) for both its top and bottom housings. While POM is known for its durability and rigidity, its unique acoustic properties still craft a sound profile that is deep yet relatively muted, offering a different typing experience.
Both switches showcase similar sound characteristics to some extent due to their respective housing materials; however, the ways in which they achieve these results are fundamentally different. The nylon used in the Vintage Citrus switch is characterized by its softer nature, which contributes to a more pronounced sound dampening effect. This quality is especially notable in the bottom housing, where the material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the POM material used in the WS POM+ combines durability with a distinctive acoustic property that may produce a unique sound but remains subdued compared to the nylon switch. This results in a typing experience that, while different in materials, can yield comparable results in terms of depth and overall enjoyment.
In terms of sound profile when actuating these switches, the differentiation between the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role. For the Vintage Citrus, the nylon across both housings means that the overall sound is consistently warmer and rounder, enhancing its tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the WS POM+, despite its use of a harder material in POM, delivers a sound that remains deep yet slightly muted. This nuanced contrast highlights how, while two switches may aim for similar auditory experiences, the choice of materials significantly influences the tactile and acoustic performance. Ultimately, the selection between nylon and POM for housing materials will largely depend on personal preference, as both are capable of delivering satisfying and rich typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, both exhibit medium-light forces, but there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Vintage Citrus switch has an actuation force of 48 grams, compared to the lighter 45 grams for the WS POM+. This means that users looking for a less demanding typing experience may prefer the WS POM+ for extended use, as it requires less force to actuate each keystroke. However, the bottom out forces tell a different story; the Vintage Citrus has a bottom out force of 53 grams, slightly lower than the WS POM+, which is at 55 grams. While both switches maintain a relatively close feel, the Vintage Citrus is the lighter option overall in terms of actuation force, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, whereas the WS POM+ offers a heavier bottom out feel that some users may appreciate for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches provide similar results in medium-light categories, their differences may appeal to varied preferences among users.
Travel distance
The HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Vintage Citrus offers a shallower press compared to the WS POM+, making it potentially more responsive—an appealing trait for gamers who favor quick keystrokes. Conversely, the WS POM+ provides a deeper travel distance, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience when typing. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and rapid response times, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, while the WS POM+ would be more suitable for anyone who enjoys a more substantial key press. In summary, the Vintage Citrus is the shorter travel option at 3 mm, while the WS POM+ is the longer option at 3.6 mm.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 features a bright, clacky audio profile that can enhance the gaming experience by providing auditory feedback during rapid keystrokes. This lively sound can create an engaging atmosphere, particularly suited for players who enjoy a more enthusiastic auditory response. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ delivers a deeper, satisfying "thock" sound signature that offers a more muted auditory experience that's ideal for those who prefer a rich, resonant feedback while typing or gaming. It is essential to note that the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap materials used, meaning the acoustics may vary depending on the overall setup.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Vintage Citrus is renowned for its remarkably smooth push feel, designed to facilitate effortless keystrokes and rapid inputs—a perfect fit for gamers who require quick response times. This smoothness in action can enhance both gaming and typing efficiency. Conversely, the WS POM+ is engineered to provide a buttery-smooth keystroke, similar in intent to the Vintage Citrus, yet it may deliver a slightly different sensation due to its all-POM construction. This material choice could lend itself to a different level of comfort, potentially appealing to typists who appreciate a smooth experience that feels substantial under their fingers.
In summary, both the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored for specific preferences. While the Vintage Citrus excels with its bright, clacky sound and smooth keystroke ideal for fast-paced gaming, the WS POM+ provides a deep, thocky sound with a buttery feel that caters more to a pleasurable typing experience. Each switch presents unique qualities that can inspire different user experiences, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences around sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you're primarily a gamer seeking swift responsiveness and rapid key registers, the Vintage Citrus is your best bet, thanks to its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm and a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the gaming experience. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams ensures that you can keep the pace without straining your fingers during those fast-paced gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a luxurious typing experience that offers a satisfying acoustic feedback with a deeper thock sound, the WS POM+ would suit you better. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 55 grams and a buttery-smooth keystroke feel, this switch is ideal for long typing sessions or those who appreciate a more tactile engagement with each press. Therefore, consider what activities will dominate your keyboard usage; the Vintage Citrus excels in gaming performance while the WS POM+ shines in typing comfort and auditory pleasure.
Mentioned in this article
