HMX KD200 vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between keyboard switches, the HMX KD200 and Gateron Mountain Top offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The KD200, renowned as the clackiest switch in the HMX Film family, provides a satisfying and audible feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. This switch is perfect for gamers and typists who appreciate a pronounced sound profile, adding an extra layer of engagement during use. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top is engineered specifically for the office environment, prioritizing discretion without sacrificing performance. These switches deliver a quiet yet responsive feel, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions in shared spaces. With a design that balances a subdued sound signature with a comfortably light actuation, the Mountain Top offers an excellent option for professionals seeking an unobtrusive typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX KD200 and the Gateron Mountain Top, both switches showcase similar construction through the use of nylon for their top and bottom housings. The utilization of nylon, a classic material recognized in the keyboard switch community, implies that both switches will likely deliver a comparable auditory experience. The characteristic of nylon being a softer plastic contributes to sound absorption, enabling users to enjoy a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This shared feature suggests that both the KD200 and the Mountain Top switches will perform similarly in terms of sound quality, providing a duller and rounder acoustic feedback that is appealing to many enthusiasts.
Furthermore, because both switches rely on nylon for their top and bottom housings, they will exhibit analogous tactile qualities during use. The bottom housing of each switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel more significantly, while the top housing notably affects the acoustic profile upon releasing the key. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing experience between the two switches, as the properties inherent to nylon will lead to similar sensations when pressed down or released. This makes both the KD200 and Mountain Top suitable choices for those seeking a comfortable and acoustically pleasing typing experience.
However, while the materials used in the housings are the same, individual components like spring tension or stem design may differentiate the overall feel and responsiveness of the switches. These factors could affect more nuanced aspects of a typist's experience, such as actuation force or travel distance. Although sound quality and general feel will be consistent across both models due to the nylon construction, keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize specific feedback characteristics might still find variances based on the overall design of each switch beyond just the housing material. Thus, while they share similar sound profiles and basic tactile feedback owing to their nylon components, other design aspects may influence personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both switches present interesting profiles. The KD200 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Mountain Top offers a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, with the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference in actuation force highlights the Mountain Top as the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, as less force is required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the KD200 provides a marginally heavier actuation feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Despite the difference in actuation forces, both switches bottom out at the same 50 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to press all the way down, ensuring that users won’t feel a significant difference when reaching the key's maximum travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will boil down to personal preference for actuation force—lighter versus slightly heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we find that the KD200 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Mountain Top features a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the KD200 the longer option, while the Mountain Top is the shorter one. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that many gamers prefer for quicker response times. However, users who favor a deeper, more tactile experience may find the KD200's 3.5 mm travel distance to be more satisfying, while those who appreciate a more abrupt and responsive feel may gravitate towards the Mountain Top switch. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize depth or speed in your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 HMX KD200 switch is recognized for being the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, making it a prominent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed for office environments, offering a neutral sound profile that leans towards quietness, perfect for maintaining a subdued atmosphere. While the KD200 will deliver a more pronounced auditory experience, pushing its sound into a realm that may not be suitable for quiet shared spaces, the Mountain Top provides a moderate sound signature, making it versatile for various settings, including homes and offices.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the KD200’s characteristics remain unspecified, leaving it open to interpretation based on personal experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch boasts a range of appealing tactile qualities. It offers a bouncy sensation that gives an elastic feedback, making each keypress lively. The easy-to-press design ensures minimal resistance, promoting a comfortable and fatigue-free typing experience over long sessions. Additionally, it is described as mild, with an approachable typing experience that balances sound and feel, while still providing snappy responsiveness and a subtle tactile sensation. This combination ensures that the Mountain Top is both engaging and user-friendly.
In conclusion, while the HMX KD200 and Gateron Mountain Top switches cater to different preferences and environments, each offers unique qualities that make them suitable for various users. The KD200's clacky sound may appeal to those who enjoy auditory feedback, while the Mountain Top excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience, ideal for office settings. In terms of feel, the KD200 offers undefined characteristics, while the Mountain Top showcases a delightful balance of responsiveness and tactility. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound and auditory feedback or a more subdued typing experience that minimizes disruption in shared spaces.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch ultimately boils down to your specific needs and occasions. If you're looking for a switch that offers a bit of character and a lively typing experience, the KD200 may be your best bet, as it is renowned for its clacky sound profile, which can add a delightful auditory element to your typing sessions. This makes it a great choice for personal setups where sound isn’t a major concern and where you enjoy the tactile feedback and fun sounds that come with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you find yourself typing in a more professional or office-like environment where discretion is key, the Gateron Mountain Top switch stands out as the more suitable option. Its neutral sound profile and bouncy, easy-to-press feel create a comfortable and subdued typing experience, allowing you to type efficiently without drawing unwanted attention or disrupting colleagues. Therefore, the decision should reflect your environment and preferences: opt for the KD200 for a more engaging and audible typing experience at home, and choose the Mountain Top for quiet comfort when in shared spaces.
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