HMX EMO vs. HMX KD200

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and HMX KD200 both offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences, despite both being linear switches. The HMX EMO is celebrated for its lively and clacky feel, featuring a feather-light 46g bottom-out force that ensures a smooth and bouncy typing experience that many users find satisfying, especially for fast typists who appreciate responsiveness. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, delivering an audible and tactile experience that can be delightful for users who enjoy a more pronounced sound with each keystroke. While both switches cater to enthusiasts seeking linear performance, the EMO leans towards effortless typing with its exceptional factory-lubing, while the KD200 appeals to those who love the clack of a well-designed switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

HMX EMO Linear

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX EMO and HMX KD200 switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The HMX EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence. This material contributes to a sharper and crisper sound when typing, making it a popular choice for those who favor clear, resonant auditory feedback. The clear nature of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing users to enjoy vibrant illumination corresponding to their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX KD200 utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and less rigid. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound compared to the EMO’s polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. While both switches provide rich sound, the material differences yield distinctly contrasting auditory results upon keystrokes.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it is clear that both employ nylon material, which eliminates any potential disparities in sound and feel that might arise from housing material variations at that level. The nylon bottom housing in both the HMX EMO and KD200 promotes a rounded, deep sound profile, as it effectively absorbs vibrations and reduces noise, making them well-suited for a quieter typing experience. Here, the impact on sound will be predominantly influenced by the softness of the nylon, leading to a consistent auditory experience when bottoming out, regardless of the top housing material. This shared characteristic means that typing on either switch will provide a largely uniform feel at the actuation point.

Ultimately, the HMX EMO and HMX KD200 exhibit distinct tonal characteristics due to their contrasting top housing materials, while sharing similar attributes in their bottom housings. The EMO’s polycarbonate top leads to a brighter sound when releasing a key, which can appeal to gamers or typists who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. Conversely, the KD200's nylon top offers a softer and more subdued auditory experience, catering to users who prefer a deeper sound signature. Regardless, since both switches employ nylon in their bottom housings, the overall bottoming-out experience in terms of sound and feel remains consistent across both models, allowing users to achieve similar tactile results despite their differences in top housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, we see some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, even though both switches fall into the light category. The EMO requires an actuation force of 40 grams, while the KD200 has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, making the EMO the lighter option of the two. In terms of bottom out force, the EMO also bottoms out at 46 grams, whereas the KD200 reaches a bottom out force of 50 grams. This contrast means that users who appreciate a gentler push feel may prefer the EMO, as it provides a lighter overall experience. Conversely, those who seek a more substantial typing experience might opt for the KD200 due to its heavier forces. Overall, while both switches are designed for lighter use, the EMO offers a slightly softer touch compared to the KD200.

Travel distance

Both the HMX EMO linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that they will produce similar tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. Since both switches have an identical travel distance, users can expect consistent performance in terms of key actuation, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a linear switch experience. Therefore, whether you choose the EMO or the KD200, the feel and responsiveness will be comparable due to their identical specifications.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX EMO switch is characterized by a lively and slightly clacky tonal quality that adds a playful character to every keystroke. Its clackiness is complemented by a smooth return, which enhances the auditory feedback without being excessively loud. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 linear switch takes the clackiness up a notch, being the standout as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family. While the exact sound profile of the EMO is engaging, the KD200 delivers a sharper and more resonant clack, making it particularly appealing for those who prioritize auditory stimulation in their typing or gaming experience. Both switches, however, will produce different sound qualities based on the choice of keyboard frame and keycaps, so individual results may vary.

When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO is renowned for its feather-light actuation force of 46g at the bottom-out, which provides a bouncy and effortless typing experience that feels both satisfying and smooth. This effortless action makes it ideal for those who appreciate rapid typing without the strain of heavier switches. In contrast, the HMX KD200 also boasts a satisfying feel, but it may offer a different tactile response due to its strong clacking sound, which contributes to a distinct typing experience, although its exact feel might not be explicitly mentioned. Given the information available, it's likely that the KD200 still provides a pleasing typing experience, though possibly with a different emphasis on the sound rather than the tactile feedback.

Overall, both the HMX EMO and the HMX KD200 linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The EMO switch excels with its lightweight, bouncy feel and engaging yet moderate clackiness, ideal for those who favor a smooth experience. Conversely, the KD200 switch, favored for its pronounced clackiness, appeals to those who relish a more auditory typing experience. While their feel and sound enhance the typing experience in different ways, both switches ultimately promise satisfying results. Depending on what qualities you value more, either switch could be the right fit for enhancing your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX EMO and HMX KD200 linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a more dynamic and bouncy experience, the EMO, with its light 46g bottom-out force and exceptional factory lube, is a fantastic option. It promises an effortless typing experience that feels smooth and satisfying, making it ideal for long typing sessions or casual use. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback and a slightly firmer feel, the KD200, with its 50g bottom-out force, could be your go-to switch. Not only does it offer a clackier sound signature, but its construction is designed to provide a more pronounced tactile response that some users find to be invigorating during intense gaming or typing sessions. Ultimately, consider the type of sound and feedback you enjoy most, as well as your typing habits, to decide which switch aligns better with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX EMO Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more