HMX Vintage Citrus vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, gamers and typists often find themselves navigating a diverse landscape of options. The HMX Vintage Citrus is specifically tailored for gaming enthusiasts, offering an ultra-light actuation force of just 1mm that allows for lightning-fast inputs. Its bright, clacky sound profile and butter-smooth push feel further enhance rapid-fire gaming sessions, making it an excellent choice for those who thrive on speed and responsiveness. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai presents a more laid-back typing experience, characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and an equally light actuation force. This switch caters to typists who favor a gentle, comfortable keypress, allowing for long hours of typing without fatigue. Both switches excel in their respective domains, making them compelling options depending on your primary use—intense gaming or extensive typing. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Vintage Citrus and the TTC Yunhai keyboards reveal a remarkable similarity, as both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This common choice of material significantly impacts the acoustic profile and tactile experience of typing on these switches. Nylon's inherent properties, being a softer plastic, contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a pleasant and round auditory experience. As users type, they will likely notice an enriched sound signature that is a hallmark of nylon construction, thereby delivering a satisfying typing experience across both models.
In terms of performance, both the Vintage Citrus and Yunhai switches will provide a relatively similar typing feel due to the identical material composition of the housings. The nylon top and bottom housings ensure that the switches produce a muted sound profile, enhancing the typing experience by absorbing more sound than harder materials would. This shared design choice means that regardless of the specific model, users can expect to enjoy similar acoustic properties when bottoming out or releasing the keys since each switch's sound is predominantly shaped by the nylon used in both housings.
However, if any differences were present in the top and bottom housing designs in a hypothetical scenario, each material would play a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, for example, influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, while the top housing would primarily affect the sound produced when a key is released. In such cases, the interaction of different materials could introduce variations in sound quality and tactile sensations. Nevertheless, given that both the Vintage Citrus and Yunhai employ nylon, users can expect a cohesive and harmonious typing experience that prioritizes sound absorption and a comfortable feel, regardless of the specific model they choose.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it's clear that the Yunhai is the lighter option overall. The Vintage Citrus requires an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Yunhai features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which aligns with its classification as light. This difference means that the Yunhai switch may be more suited for prolonged use in typing and gaming scenarios due to its lower force requirements, making it easier on the fingers over extended periods. The Vintage Citrus, while slightly heavier, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel during key presses. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences regarding weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Vintage Citrus features a travel distance of 3 mm, which is on the shallower side of the scale, making it more responsive and potentially ideal for gamers who value quick key presses. In contrast, the Yunhai boasts a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, providing a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a satisfying depth when typing. While both switches have their unique benefits depending on user preference, the Vintage Citrus is shorter by 0.6 mm, which may appeal to those seeking a faster response time, while the Yunhai caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced key press experience.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 sound profile of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is noted for its bright, clacky quality, which can capture the attention of both gamers and typists alike, enhancing the overall auditory experience of each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch is characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile that offers a more subdued and mellow auditory feedback. While both switches provide distinctive sound characteristics, each contributes uniquely to the typing environment; however, the perception of these sounds can also be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Vintage Citrus switch is renowned for its remarkably smooth push sensation that facilitates rapid actuation, making it particularly well-suited for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Its low actuation force allows for quick and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Yunhai switch offers an incredibly light actuation force as well, providing a gentle and effortless typing experience which is ideal for those who engage in extended writing or typing sessions. Both switches excel in providing a light touch, but the Vintage Citrus may lend itself more to speedy gaming tasks, while the Yunhai is tailored for comfort during prolonged use.
In summary, while both the HMX Vintage Citrus and TTC Yunhai switches share similarities in actuation force and light touch feel, they differ significantly in their auditory feedback and tactile experience. The Vintage Citrus offers a bright and clacky sound with a smooth feel tailored for gamers, while the Yunhai provides a deeper sound and a gentle ergonomic experience suited for typists. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize the lively audio feedback or a more subdued, comfortable typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, consider your primary use case and personal preferences. If you're primarily a gamer seeking swift, precise inputs, the Vintage Citrus is likely your best bet, thanks to its exceptionally low actuation force and medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams. This allows for rapid key presses with a clacky sound profile that is both satisfying and effective in fast-paced scenarios. On the other hand, if you're a typist who values a gentle and effortless typing experience, the TTC Yunhai with its light bottom out force of 50 grams is ideal. Its deep, rounded sound profile offers a warm auditory feedback that many find pleasing, while the light actuation makes long typing sessions less tiring. Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness for gaming or a softer, more comfortable experience for typing tasks.
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