TTC Iron vs. HMX KD200

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Iron and the HMX KD200 both present appealing options for enthusiasts and everyday users alike, though each has its unique attributes. The TTC Iron, renowned for its lightweight actuation and pronounced clacky sound signature, offers a satisfying auditory experience alongside buttery smooth travel, making it a delightful choice for those who value both precision and pleasure in their typing. In contrast, the HMX KD200 takes the clacky sensation to a new level as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, delivering a robust sound that can enhance the tactile experience for users who enjoy an auditory feedback. While the Iron’s mild and neutral characteristics cater to a versatile audience—perfect for long typing sessions—the KD200’s distinct auditory qualities may resonate more with those seeking a vibrant acoustic environment. 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

TTC Iron Linear

HMX KD200 Linear

$5.40

$4.30 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Iron and HMX KD200 both utilize soft plastic materials for their switch housings, which contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. The Iron features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings, which is renowned for creating a unique and pleasing sound that leans on the deeper and more muted end of the spectrum. In contrast, the KD200 utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material that is celebrated as a classic in the keyboard community. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a fuller and rounder auditory experience. While both materials aim for a deeper sound profile, the POM of the Iron may produce a sound that is slightly more muted compared to the mellow resonance of the nylon used in the KD200.

When focusing on how these materials impact the typing experience, the characteristics of each housing come into play differently. In the TTC Iron, the POM housings contribute to both the sound and feel of the switch, particularly affecting the bottoming out experience due to the bottom housing. Users may find that the muted quality of the POM creates a more subdued sound when the switch is pressed down, whereas the top housing influences the sound release when the key is lifted. Conversely, the KD200’s nylon construction similarly splits its impact between the top and bottom housings, but the nylon's inherent softness allows for a more pronounced full-bodied sound during both pressing and releasing actions, thereby offering a different tactile experience.

Ultimately, while the TTC Iron and HMX KD200 employ different materials, they aim to create similar auditory effects through their respective properties. The POM of the Iron, while creating a sound that may be marginally more muted, does not detract from the overall depth it achieves, paralleling the fuller resonance of the nylon in the KD200. Both housing types offer ways to elicit rich sound profiles, with variations in sound characteristics coming from the material properties themselves. When used in combination with their switch designs, both the TTC Iron and KD200 can achieve a satisfying depth of sound, emphasizing how the choice of housing material significantly contributes to the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, we see some notable similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Iron features an actuation force of 41 grams, while the HMX KD200 has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that the Iron requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, which means that once fully pressed, they provide a consistent resistance level. In terms of weight, the TTC Iron is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long working hours or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, the HMX KD200, being slightly heavier, may appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, while both switches offer a light bottoming out experience, the actuation force difference means that users seeking a lighter touch might lean towards the TTC Iron, whereas those desiring a tad more resistance could opt for the HMX KD200.

Travel distance

The TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX KD200 linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Iron switch the longer option, providing users with a deeper keypress that some may prefer for a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the KD200's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its slightly reduced actuation depth. In general, shorter travel distances are increasingly favored in modern designs for their rapid feedback during intense gaming sessions, but they can feel abrupt to some users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for tactile feedback and responsiveness, with the TTC Iron offering a more pronounced keypress experience compared to the HMX KD200.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound characteristics of the TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, the Iron is well-regarded for its pronounced clacky sound signature, delivering a crisp and bright audio feedback with each keystroke. This sharp, percussive quality adds a layer of satisfaction that many typists appreciate, making each press feel more engaging. On the other hand, the KD200 is noted as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, suggesting an impactful auditory presence as well. Although the specifics of its sound profile are less detailed, both switches are likely to provide an enjoyable and sonorous typing experience that resonates with enthusiasts who value auditory feedback.

In terms of feel, the TTC Iron excels with its easy-to-press design and buttery smooth travel, offering a typing experience that feels effortless. The light actuation force promotes a comfortable and responsive feel, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. It strikes a balance with a mild resistance, ensuring that users can type quickly without excessive strain. The specifics of the KD200's tactile feedback are not provided, but it can be surmised that its clacky nature may contribute to a distinctive feeling during use. Nevertheless, the lighter feel of the Iron likely offers an immediate advantage for users favoring a low-impact typing experience.

In conclusion, both the TTC Iron and the HMX KD200 linear switches provide noteworthy auditory and tactile features that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Iron boasts a distinctive clacky sound and an effortlessly smooth typing feel, making it attractive for users seeking an engaging experience. While the KD200's sound is characterized by its clackiness, details about its feel remain unspecified. However, it's clear that both switches can deliver satisfying results, especially for those who appreciate well-engineered mechanical keyboard switches for daily use or extended typing tasks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a switch that not only delivers a light typing experience with a wonderfully crisp and clacky sound, the TTC Iron is an excellent choice. Its user-friendly design, featuring an easy-to-press mechanism and smooth travel, makes it ideal for long typing sessions without fatigue, particularly appealing to those who enjoy the nuanced auditory feedback from their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize an even more pronounced clacky sound that can stand out while typing or gaming, the HMX KD200 would be the switch for you. Its reputation as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family suggests a distinct auditory signature that enhances the overall experience, especially for those who appreciate a more vibrant sound while they type. Ultimately, both switches provide a light actuation force, making them suitable for a range of users, but your decision should hinge on whether you prefer a pronounced auditory feedback with the Iron or a more vibrant clacking experience with the KD200.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Iron Linear

$5.40

$4.30 per 10

Learn more

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more