TTC Brother vs. HMX KD200

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing between the TTC Brother, a clicky switch, and the HMX KD200, a linear switch, can significantly impact your typing experience. The TTC Brother shines with a lightweight actuation of just 37g, offering an engaging tactile feedback that is both pronounced and satisfying, making it an irresistible option for those who enjoy the audible click associated with typing. Clicky switch enthusiasts will appreciate its crunchy sound signature, which delivers a crisp auditory cue with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX KD200, recognized as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, delivers an entirely different experience with its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, ideal for users who favor a quieter, linear feel. While the Brother is perfect for those who crave tactile feedback and a satisfying sound profile, the KD200 appeals to those who prefer a more fluid typing experience without the distraction of clicks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Brother Clicky

HMX KD200 Linear

$5.50

$3.30 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the TTC Brother and the HMX KD200, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housing materials. The TTC Brother utilizes polycarbonate for its upper housing, a choice that results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's audio feedback, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX KD200 opts for nylon as its top housing material, which lends a deeper, fuller sound profile to the typing experience. This is attributed to nylon's characteristic softness, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more subdued and rounded auditory response. While both switches serve the fundamental purpose of providing tactile feedback, the tonal qualities they project during use differ significantly due to their contrasting top housing materials.

On the other hand, both the TTC Brother and HMX KD200 feature nylon in their bottom housing, which introduces a layer of similarity to their overall sound profiles. Nylon, as a classic switch housing material, contributes to deeper and fuller sounds in both switches. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing means that users can expect a generally softer audio response, which is especially noticeable during the "bottom-out" phase of key presses. This commonality between the two models highlights the significant role that bottom housing materials play in defining the impact and overall auditory character of each switch, leading to a consistent experience in that aspect despite the variation in their top housing.

Ultimately, the combination of different materials creates a nuanced interplay of sound characteristics in the TTC Brother and HMX KD200. By utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing of the Brother, a crisp and bright note accompanies the deeper, fuller sounds emitted from the nylon bottom housing—resulting in a dynamic typing experience. The KD200, with its uniform nylon construction, elicits a more muted and rounded sound throughout, providing a consistent feel and feedback. While both switches may achieve satisfactory results in terms of tactile response and overall auditory quality, the manner in which they arrive at these results reflects the distinct attributes of their housing materials. Thus, users can choose a model based on their preference for sound profile and aesthetic qualities, knowing that the bottom housing's impact will provide a similar foundation of deep resonance across both designs.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, the actuation forces highlight a notable difference in feel and typing experience. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the HMX KD200 features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer. The KD200 also has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires even more force to press the switch all the way down, which adds a tactile feedback that may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer key feel. The bottom out force for the Brother switch remains unknown, but without it, we cannot draw direct comparisons regarding the overall key feel when pressed fully. In summary, for those who favor lighter switches, the Brother is the better choice, while the KD200 is recommended for users seeking a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch share the same travel distance, measuring at 3.5 mm from the top to the bottom. This equal distance means that when pressing down on the keys equipped with these switches, users can expect a similar tactile experience and key actuation depth. Since both switches exhibit this identical travel distance, this results in comparable feedback and feel during typing or gaming. Regardless of their differing designs—clicky versus linear—the consistent travel distance suggests they will deliver similar results in terms of key responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is revered for its crunchy auditory feedback, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crispy autumn leaves. This distinct sound enhances the typing experience, appealing to fans of clicky switches who enjoy clear and sharp audio cues with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX KD200, noted as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, likely produces a sound signature that leans toward a more pronounced and perhaps echoing quality, although specifics on its sound characteristics are not provided. Given the Brother's defined sound parameters, it can be anticipated that the KD200 offers a unique auditory experience that differs from the crisp click of the Brother.

In terms of feel, the TTC Brother switch excels with an actuation force of just 37g, providing an easy-to-press experience that minimizes finger fatigue. Its tactile bump is designed to be distinctly felt yet subtle enough not to disrupt fluid typing. The Brother also features a stepped tactile response, which introduces a nuanced two-stage feel to the keystroke, further enhancing typing precision. The HMX KD200's feel is not described, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares in terms of resistance and tactile feedback. That said, the KD200 likely offers a different typing sensation, especially given its placement as a linear switch, which typically emphasizes smoothness over the tactile responsiveness seen in the Brother.

Overall, both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX KD200 possess unique qualities suited to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Brother offers a satisfying crunch with a lightweight feel that makes typing both enjoyable and efficient, appealing to those who relish tactile and auditory feedback. In contrast, while the specifics of the KD200's sound and feel remain less well-documented, its classification hints at a smoother typing experience characteristic of linear switches. Depending on individual preference for sound and tactile feedback, either switch can provide a rewarding experience, but they cater to distinctly different tastes in the mechanical keyboard realm.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and the primary use of your keyboard. If you enjoy a spirited and tactile typing experience, filled with satisfying auditory feedback, the TTC Brother clicky switch is an excellent choice. Its lightweight actuation and crunchy sound signature make it an ideal option for both typing and gaming, especially if you’re prone to extended use, as the easy-to-press nature of the switch minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes with no audible clicks, the HMX KD200 linear switch may be more suited to your needs. Its heavier bottom-out force provides a designed weightiness that some users find satisfying for gaming or fast-paced typing without the distraction of sound, catering well to a more minimalist typing style. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preferences for tactile feedback and sound, allowing you to enhance your overall keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Brother Clicky

$5.50

$3.30 per 10

Learn more

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more