HMX KD200 vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, both the HMX KD200 and the Cherry MX Black stand out as impressive linear options, yet they present unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX KD200 is renowned for its clackiness, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Its distinguished sound profile can provide a satisfying experience for users who enjoy a bit more character in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches have garnered a reputation for their textured smoothness, enhanced by Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, which ensures consistent performance and durability. The MX Black switches are characterized by a low-pitched, stiff feel that offers a solid foundation under your fingers, perfect for gamers and typists alike seeking reliability. While both switches deliver smooth linear action, the KD200 appeals to those who favor a more pronounced sound, whereas the MX Black caters to users who prefer a robust and refined tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX KD200 and Cherry MX Black switches feature nylon as their primary housing material, both for the top and bottom. This shared use of nylon plays a significant role in the characteristic sound profiles these switches produce. Typing on either switch elicits a deeper and fuller auditory experience, attributed to nylon's softer plastic properties, which help absorb sound waves more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, users of both the KD200 and MX Black will find that their typing experience carries a similar tonal richness, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that fosters a pleasant typing environment.
While both switches utilize nylon throughout their constructions, properties associated with the different housings can slightly influence the overall performance. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing is more pertinent to the release sound when a key is lifted. Thus, even though both switches are made from nylon and share akin acoustic qualities, the user experience may vary slightly due to how the two parts of the housing interact during typing. This means that users might perceive subtle differences in the nuances of sound and tactile feedback, depending on their typing style and the specific nuances of the switch configuration.
In conclusion, the shared reliance on nylon in both the HMX KD200 and Cherry MX Black allows for a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Users can expect a rich and muted acoustic profile from both switches, making them excellent choices for typists seeking a more subdued, yet satisfying auditory feedback. However, it's important to recognize that the underlying differences in how each housing interacts may result in slight variations in user experience, reinforcing the idea that even similar materials can lead to distinct typing experiences based on a switch's overall design configuration.
Weight
When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The KD200 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black requires a stronger actuation force of 60 grams, with a bottom out force of 80 grams, classifying it as a heavier switch. This heavier resistance may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel. Ultimately, if you favor lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, the KD200 would be the more suitable choice, whereas the Cherry MX Black may appeal to users seeking a stronger tactile feedback in their keyboard use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, the KD200 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Black features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Black, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, provides a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the KD200 may offer gamers a slight advantage in responsiveness due to the quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance; those looking for a faster response may lean towards the KD200, while those seeking a deeper feel might gravitate toward the MX Black.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the HMX KD200 linear switch stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, creating an audible typing experience that is likely to be expressive and pronounced. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switches are characterized by their low-pitched sound profile, which offers a deeper, bass-heavy tone that is often perceived as mellower. While both switches have distinct auditory characteristics, the KD200 leans towards a more vibrant and resonant sound, whereas the MX Black provides a more subdued and rounded auditory feedback. The final sound experience can also vary based on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
When considering the feel of these switches, the KD200's specific tactile feedback remains unspecified, making it difficult to pinpoint its overall typing experience. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black switches boast a textured feel, which introduces a certain friction during key presses, lending a tactile quality that some users may find enjoyable or reassuring. Additionally, the MX Black switches are noted for being stiff, requiring a greater amount of force to actuate, which can appeal to typists who prefer a firm and deliberate press when typing. The feel of the KD200 is unknown, but if it aligns with the characteristics of the Cherry MX Black, it could provide users with a reliable and consistent experience when typing.
In conclusion, both the HMX KD200 and Cherry MX Black linear switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The KD200 excites with its clacky sound, while the MX Black offers a classic deep tone with a textured, stiff feel. Depending on the user’s preference for sound and typing feedback, both switches can deliver satisfactory results, though their individual traits may lead to distinctly different typing experiences. If you find the characteristics of one appealing, there is a good chance that the other will also provide a pleasurable experience, albeit with some variations.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a clackier sound profile that can enhance your typing experience, the KD200 is an excellent choice, especially for gaming or casual typing where speed is essential. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it easier to actuate keys quickly, which can be particularly beneficial if you find yourself rapidly engaging keys during gameplay or typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more solid, heavier feel in your typing experience, the Cherry MX Black switch, with its substantial 80 grams of actuation force, offers a more deliberate press. This switch might be more suitable for those who appreciate a textured feedback and a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound, providing a sense of sturdiness and durability in your keystrokes that could be beneficial for intensive typing tasks. In essence, your choice should align with your tactile preferences, typing style, and the specific context in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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