HMX Vintage Citrus vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Vintage Citrus and the PH Studio Yoel are two compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Vintage Citrus switch shines particularly in gaming contexts, thanks to its unique design tailored for rapid-fire inputs, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm. This allows gamers to achieve quick responses with ease, complemented by a bright, clacky sound that enhances the audial feedback during gameplay. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch offers a delightfully chewy typing experience that envelops your fingertips, making it a pleasure for typists and gamers alike. While it also boasts a bright and clacky sound profile, its resonance upon bottoming out provides a satisfying feedback that many users find gratifying. While both switches offer enticing characteristics, they cater to slightly different preferences and use-cases. 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
53g
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
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Vintage Citrus and the PH Studio Yoel, it becomes evident that each switch is constructed with different plastics, leading to distinctive sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing that enhances a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yoel features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. This distinction is primarily due to the inherent properties of the materials used: nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a more muted auditory experience, whereas polycarbonate’s stiffer nature contributes to a clearer and more resonant tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Vintage Citrus uses nylon, aligning with its strategy of creating a fuller sound profile. It's characterized as contributing a more pronounced, deeper sound due to its ability to absorb acoustic energy. Conversely, the Yoel's bottom housing is made from POM, which is known for its ability to create a unique sound signature that leans towards a deeper, more muted quality. Despite the differences in materials, both switches share a focus on delivering satisfying auditory feedback, although the manner in which they achieve it diverges due to the properties of the selected materials.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch informs the overall sound experience. The tactile feedback and sound profile when pressing down will be largely influenced by the bottom housing, while the character of the sound experienced upon release will stem from the top housing. Although the Vintage Citrus and the Yoel utilize different materials—nylon and polycarbonate for the tops; nylon and POM for the bottoms—the fundamental goal of both designs remains the same: to deliver a unique and pleasing keyboard experience. Therefore, the result in terms of user satisfaction could be similar, provided that users are aware of and appreciate the nuances brought about by the differing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Vintage Citrus features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Yoel switch has a higher actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, delivering a firmer, more substantial feel that some users might find more satisfying for their typing experience. Overall, the Vintage Citrus is the lighter option, while the Yoel is heavier, catering to different preferences in typing feel. Both switches offer a distinct experience, making them suited for varying user tastes.
Travel distance
The HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Vintage Citrus is the shorter option, allowing for quicker actuation and potentially faster response times, which is often favored by gamers looking for efficiency in their key presses. In contrast, the Yoel's 3.2 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth, which some users may find more satisfying for tactile feedback during typing or gaming. Overall, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, while those who prefer a more robust feel might opt for the Yoel.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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, both the HMX Vintage Citrus and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches offer a bright and clacky auditory experience. The Vintage Citrus is noted for its sharp and percussive profile, ideal for gamers who appreciate a lively sound during intense gaming sessions. Similarly, the Yoel also features a clacky sound that resonates beautifully when keys bottom out, producing a crisp and pronounced auditory feedback. Both switches deliver a high-pitched, marbly quality that ensures a clean sound profile, though the overall auditory experience may vary slightly with different keyboard setups and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Vintage Citrus switch is heralded for its remarkably smooth push, facilitating rapid and effortless key presses, which is essential for fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, the Yoel switch promises a delectably chewy typing experience, characterized by a creamy and polished texture that envelops your fingers with every stroke. The Yoel’s silky sensation is aimed at providing an ease of movement comparable to gliding over the keys, making typing enjoyable. While the Vintage Citrus excels in delivering speed, the Yoel focuses on a luxurious typing feel, appealing to those who prioritize comfort over rapidity.
In conclusion, both the HMX Vintage Citrus and PH Studio Yoel linear switches cater to gamers and typists alike, offering a bright, clacky sound profile while diverging in their tactile experiences. The Vintage Citrus excels with its smooth, swift actuation suited for quick actions, while the Yoel provides a creamy, cushioned touch that envelops the fingers, enhancing the overall typing experience. Depending on your preference for speed versus smoothness, either switch could be an excellent addition to your mechanical keyboard setup, leading to satisfying results in productivity or gaming.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch will ultimately depend on your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you prioritize gaming performance with rapid-fire keystrokes and prefer a medium-light feel, the Vintage Citrus would be your go-to switch. Its exceptionally low actuation force and bright, clacky sound make it ideal for fast-paced gameplay, while the smooth push feels rewarding for quick inputs. On the other hand, if you value a satisfying and chewy typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Yoel switch would be the better option. With its medium bottom-out force, creamy texture, and pronounced resonance at the bottom of each keystroke, the Yoel is well-suited for those who enjoy a more tactile and immersive typing experience. By considering these factors, you can select the switch that best aligns with your needs, whether it's for intense gaming or leisurely typing.
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