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Jerrzi Coral vs. HMX KD200

An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX KD200 switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When choosing between the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX KD200 mechanical switches, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads, as both are distinguished linear options that cater to different preferences. The Jerrzi Coral switch stands out with its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, offering a uniquely silky experience that balances nuanced sophistication with stellar performance, making every keystroke a delight for users who cherish a smooth and subtle touch. On the other hand, the HMX KD200, recognized as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, delivers a more pronounced auditory feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile connection that complements their typing experience. While both switches excel in delivering a satisfying linear feel, your choice may ultimately depend on whether you lean towards the refined elegance of the Coral or the lively character of the KD200. 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

40g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Bottom-out force

50g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.70 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

Ly

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

22mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX KD200 switches exhibit distinct differences that influence their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Coral's top housing, constructed from polycarbonate, is designed to produce a sharper and clearer sound profile due to its relative stiffness. This quality allows for a more resonant sound, making it particularly suitable for users who prioritize sound clarity and sharpness in their typing experience. Furthermore, its translucency enhances the visual appeal when paired with RGB lighting, making the Coral a favored option among gamers and aesthetic enthusiasts alike.

In contrast, the HMX KD200 features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This characteristic might appeal to users who prefer a warmer, more muted typing sound rather than the crispness offered by polycarbonate. Given that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they effectively share the same sound absorption properties for that particular component, which contributes to a more uniform typing experience through deeper acoustics.

When considering overall performance, the differences in the top housing materials of these switches can lead to varied typing experiences despite the similar bottom housing. The Coral’s polycarbonate top adds brightness and clarity to the sound when releasing a key, while the KD200’s nylon top provides a more reserved impact. The fusion of these properties means that the sound profiles and tactile feedback will be defined by the combination of materials. For users seeking a blend of acoustic feedback from both switches, the specific characteristics of each housing play pivotal roles, allowing them to achieve their desired sound and typing experience regardless of which model they choose.

Weight

The Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch differ notably in their actuation forces. The Coral has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KD200's 45 grams, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force information for the Coral is unavailable, while the KD200 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the switch is fully pressed. This heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In summary, the Coral is the lighter option, while the KD200 is heavier and offers a more defined resistance at the bottom of the keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly in their specifications. The Coral switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KD200 measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the KD200 the shorter option, which could be more appealing to gamers seeking swift response times. On the other hand, the Coral's 3.7 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth, which may be favored by users who prefer a more tactile experience. Therefore, while both switches cater to different user preferences—one focusing on speed and the other on a fuller engagement—they ultimately offer distinct experiences based on their travel distances.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.

The HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.

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, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch delivers a low-pitched resonance that is less jarring and offers a more bass-heavy, mellow tone. This signature sound quality can create a pleasant auditory experience, enhancing the tactile feedback of each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX KD200, heralded as the clackiest member of its switch family, likely leans towards a sharper, more pronounced auditory profile, making it more prominent in terms of sound projection. Given that the sound of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard's design and choice of keycaps, the ultimate auditory experience may vary but will distinctly differ between the two.

In terms of feel, the Coral switch is recognized for its silky smoothness, ensuring an exceptionally fluid typing experience. This smoothness minimizes any sensation of resistance when pressing and releasing keys, creating a delightful and effortless actuation. The KD200's characteristics in this area remain unknown; however, given its clacky sound profile, one might anticipate a different tactile feedback. While there's a chance that the KD200 may not achieve the same level of smoothness as the Coral, personal preference will play a significant role in your typing experience.

In summary, both the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX KD200 switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Coral offers a low-pitched sound and silky feel, making it well-suited for those who appreciate a more subdued and smooth typing experience. Conversely, the KD200's prominent clack suggests it will appeal to users who enjoy a louder typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a unique combination of sound and feel from each switch, leading to distinct yet rewarding typing experiences depending on personal tastes.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch should be guided by your specific typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you prioritize a smooth and silky typing feel coupled with a low-pitched sound quality, the Coral switch is an excellent option. It's perfect for those who enjoy a refined and sophisticated keystroke, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more tactile and lively typing experience, enhanced by a notable clackiness, the KD200 might be the switch for you. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams, it's a good fit for typists who prefer a slightly firmer feedback on their keystrokes, preventing accidental presses. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—be it tranquility and grace with the Coral or a lively and dynamic feel with the KD200—as each switch offers a unique appeal tailored to different typing experiences.

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