KTT Cream Yellow vs. HMX KD200

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX KD200 both serve as enticing options for enthusiasts, particularly for those who prefer linear switches. The Cream Yellow stands out with its distinctively clacky sound, owing to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which not only enhances acoustic feedback but also offers a uniquely bouncy typing experience thanks to its lengthened spring. This switch is perfect for users seeking a lively and engaging feel while typing. In contrast, the HMX KD200, known as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, offers its own version of satisfying auditory feedback while maintaining a smooth, linear action. It is an excellent choice for gamers or typists who appreciate a louder keystroke without sacrificing performance. While both switches boast remarkable characteristics that cater to different preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

HMX KD200 Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX KD200 switches present an interesting contrast that influences their sound profiles and overall performance. The KTT Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, prized for its stiffness which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This unique quality makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for applications featuring RGB lighting, as its translucency allows light to pass through beautifully, enhancing the visual experience alongside the acoustics. In contrast, the HMX KD200 is equipped with a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer properties, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, which results in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials significantly shapes the user experience of both switches when typing.

Both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housing, which creates a unifying element in terms of sound characteristics. The nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb sound and contribute to a deeper, fuller acoustic signature, regardless of the varying materials in the top housings. Consequently, even with the top housing differences, users can expect a consistent bottom-out sound and feel due to the nylon's impact on the key switch's performance. This shared bottom housing quality will provide a sense of familiarity among users who may switch between the two models, as they will experience a similar tactile feedback and deeper sound when typing.

The combination of these varied top housing materials with matching bottom housings illustrates how both switches can cater to different preferences while still delivering an enjoyable typing experience. Users seeking a more vibrant sound may favor the KTT Cream Yellow due to its polycarbonate top, while those who appreciate a more subdued and rounded sound may lean towards the HMX KD200’s nylon top. Ultimately, the overall sound and feel during use will be influenced by the specific configuration of each switch, with the qualities of the materials harmoniously working together to create distinct user experiences. This intricate interplay between housing materials highlights the importance of design choices in shaping both sound and tactile feedback in keyboard switches.

Weight

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the KD200 offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the KD200 is not only lighter overall but also requires less effort to actuate, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. While both switches provide a satisfying keystroke, the heavier force of the Cream Yellow may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding weight and typing experience.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that they will provide a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys. This equal travel distance means that users can expect consistent feedback and responsiveness from both switches, making them well-suited for those who prefer a similar key feel in their typing or gaming sessions. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users looking for a smooth and linear switch can confidently choose either option without worrying about differing key depths impacting their experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its distinctively clacky auditory feedback, characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. This is achieved through its shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, which enhances the resonance as the key is pressed. In contrast, the HMX KD200 is noted for being the clackiest switch in the HMX Film family, suggesting a similarly sharp and pronounced auditory experience. While each switch has its unique construction, the clackiness can be expected to deliver a similarly satisfying auditory feedback during use, although the specific tonal qualities may vary based on factors like the keyboard build and keycap choice.

Regarding the tactile feel of these switches, the Cream Yellow offers a notable bouncy sensation due to its lengthened spring and design. This elasticity provides a spring-like response that adds to the typing experience, giving users a lively feel with noticeable rebound as keys are pressed. Information on the feel of the HMX KD200 isn’t specified; therefore, its tactile characteristics remain unknown. However, given that both switches are linear, one might still expect a smooth actuation without any tactile bump, similar to the Cream Yellow, but the exact nature of the KD200's feedback is unclear.

In summary, both the KTT Cream Yellow and HMX KD200 switches provide an engaging auditory experience, with the former being specifically described as clacky and resonant. The Cream Yellow's bouncy feel is another distinguishing feature, although the feel of the KD200 is not detailed. Overall, if you appreciate the characteristics of a clacky sound, both switches may suit your needs, but for that delightful bouncy sensation, the Cream Yellow stands out in known qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX KD200 linear switches, consider your typing preferences and sound preferences. If you're looking for a switch that offers a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams and a bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow is an excellent choice. Its distinctively clacky sound and lively typing experience make it ideal for users who enjoy tactile feedback and a resonant audio experience as they type—perfect for those who appreciate a bit of joy with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you're inclined towards a lighter typing experience with a lower bottom-out force of 50 grams, the KD200 might be more suited to your needs. It's the clackiest in the HMX Film family, making it appealing for users who prioritize a crisp, bright auditory feedback without the extra bounciness. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prefer a more tactile and dynamic experience with the Cream Yellow or a straightforward, light, and engaging sound profile with the KD200.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more