HMX Vintage Citrus vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Outemu Yellow Silver stand out as two compelling options for gamers seeking a linear switch experience. The Vintage Citrus is tailored for rapid gameplay, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which enables swift key presses that are perfect for quick, action-packed sequences. Additionally, it offers a bright, clacky sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a more audible typing experience, coupled with a remarkably smooth push feel that enhances overall comfort during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver delivers a light actuation force and a more neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and typists who value speed and responsiveness while preferring a quieter typing atmosphere. Both switches have their strengths, which cater to different preferences in gaming and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Vintage Citrus and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Vintage Citrus utilizes nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This choice of material results in a sound that is softer and more muted, as nylon absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Yellow Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity and translucency of polycarbonate provide a clearer and crisper auditory experience, making it particularly suitable for those who appreciate RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows for enhanced visibility of the lights.
However, despite these differences in top housings, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, which are made from nylon. This consistency means that the overall sound profile of both switches will exhibit a deeper and fuller characteristic during the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing dampens sound and contributes to a rounded auditory quality, effectively balancing the sharper sounds produced by the Yellow Silver’s polycarbonate top. As a result, while the top housings lend their unique attributes to the actuation sound and feel, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that the typing experience remains grounded in a robust and resonant auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials used in the top housings of the Vintage Citrus and Yellow Silver highlight their respective sound profiles, while their matching nylon bottom housings create some continuity in the overall experience. The nylon in the bottom housing will dominate the bottom-out sound and tactile response, ensuring that both switches maintain a similar foundation. Therefore, while users may enjoy differing top actuation sounds, they can still expect a consistent and satisfying depth in auditory feedback from both switches, particularly during the actuation phase, making each typing experience both distinctive yet familiar.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch to the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces while their bottom out forces are relatively similar. The Vintage Citrus switch has an actuation force of 48 grams, whereas the Yellow Silver is slightly lighter at 45 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter touch may find the Outemu Yellow Silver more suitable, offering an easier keystroke and potentially longer periods of typing comfort. In terms of bottom out forces, the Vintage Citrus has a bottom out of 53 grams, contrasted with the Yellow Silver's 55 grams; thus, the Yellow Silver switch requires a bit more force to fully depress, making it feel slightly heavier overall. Consequently, the HMX Vintage Citrus is the lighter option for actuation, while the Outemu Yellow Silver is heavier at the bottom out stage, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Vintage Citrus measuring 3 mm and the Yellow Silver at 4 mm. This distinction makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter option, providing a more shallow keypress that can cater to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Yellow Silver, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel to their keystrokes, as it offers a traditional depth that some find more satisfying. Thus, individuals who favor responsiveness in gaming might opt for the Vintage Citrus, while those who enjoy a deeper press would likely gravitate towards the Yellow Silver.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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, clacky sound that is particularly appealing for gamers who enjoy an audible response during fast-paced gameplay. This sound profile tends to add a level of excitement and feedback that enhances the overall gaming experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile, which promotes a more subdued experience. This feature makes the Yellow Silver versatile enough for various environments, whether for gaming or typing, as it is less likely to create distractions in quieter settings.
When it comes to feel, the Vintage Citrus offers a remarkably smooth push feel, which contributes to its suitability for rapid-fire inputs, making it an excellent choice for gamers who demand quick and effortless actuation. The light actuation force of just 1mm allows for swift keystrokes, which is particularly beneficial in competitive gaming. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch also features a light actuation force, tailored for speediness and responsiveness as well. However, specific descriptions of the tactile feedback provided by the Yellow Silver are not available, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in terms of the feeling during typing or gaming.
In summary, while both switches are tailored for gaming and offer light actuation forces, they diverge in sound profiles and tactile feel. The Vintage Citrus excels in providing a lively acoustic experience with its clacky sound and smooth feel, making it a favorite among gamers seeking auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Yellow Silver emphasizes a neutral sound profile, appealing to users desiring a more versatile switch without the prominent sound of the Vintage Citrus. Both options will cater well to gamers, but the choice may ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it's essential to consider your primary needs and preferences. The Vintage Citrus, with its exceptionally low actuation force and quick 1mm actuation point, is designed specifically for gamers seeking rapid response times and a clacky sound profile that adds a bit of personality to your gaming experience. If you're a hardcore gamer who prioritizes speed and is drawn to the tactile feedback of smoother key presses, this switch could be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a balanced feel that caters to a combination of gaming and typing, the Outemu Yellow Silver is your best bet. With a slightly higher bottom-out force, it still provides a light touch while offering a versatile experience suitable for both focused work and casual gaming. Therefore, weigh your gaming style, sound preference, and typing habits to decide which switch aligns best with your needs.
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