HMX KD200 vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can dramatically affect your typing experience, and two notable contenders are the HMX KD200 and the Cherry MX Orange. The HMX KD200 stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, making it a great choice for users who appreciate an audible typing experience and tactile feedback that enhances the sensation of typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange is a revival of the original MX Orange switches, enriched with MX2A generation enhancements to cater to the increasing demand for a switch that combines stability with a pleasant, quiet operation. Both switches offer linear action that enables smooth keystrokes, catering to different preferences—whether you are seeking the satisfying sound of the KD200 or the refined experience of the MX Orange. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX KD200 Linear

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the HMX KD200 and the Cherry MX Orange utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, which provides them with distinct yet similar auditory and tactile experiences. Nylon is recognized for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic is pivotal in creating an engaging typing experience, as the material efficiently absorbs sound, resulting in a more muted and rounder acoustic output. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a satisfying typing noise that is consistent across both models, thanks to the uniform use of nylon throughout their constructions.

The bottom housing of these switches is equally made from nylon, further ensuring that the overall sound quality remains cohesive. Typing on either the KD200 or MX Orange will offer a similar tactile feedback and sound experience due to the shared material characteristics. This uniformity in construction is essential; the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel while the user is typing. As a result, both the KD200 and the MX Orange allow for a distinctive experience, combining the weight of the keypress with the softer qualities of the nylon that contribute to the overall feedback of the switch.

However, even with the same material being used, variations in switch design, such as actuation force and spring characteristics, can lead to differences in the overall typing experience. While users will enjoy the signature deeper sound profile associated with nylon in both switches, the specific feel of each switch may vary slightly due to other factors. In contrast, the sound produced when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing, allowing the user to relish the rounded mellowness of the nylon sound regardless of which switch is being employed. Ultimately, while both switches share similarities in their material composition, they can still present distinct typing experiences rooted in their unique designs and configurations.

Weight

Comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch highlights distinct differences in their actuation forces, which can significantly impact the typing experience. The KD200 features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer lighter keys for extended periods of typing or gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience favored by those who enjoy a firmer push feel. The bottom out force for the MX Orange is not specified, leaving that aspect unknown. Consequently, the KD200 is the lighter option, while the MX Orange is heavier, potentially leading to different user preferences depending on individual typing styles and comfort needs. If actuated similarly, typists could expect a different tactile experience based on these force variations.

Travel distance

The HMX KD200 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the KD200 offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for users who prefer quicker key presses, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a deeper feel that some users might find more satisfying and substantial. Consequently, if you lean towards a snappier response, the KD200 would be the ideal choice, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced depth might favor the MX Orange. Overall, these differences mean that users can choose between a faster response or a more tactile experience based on their personal preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX KD200 linear switch stands out as the clackiest option within the HMX Film switch family, suggesting that it produces a pronounced auditory feedback that some users may prefer for its engaging and lively character. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch, which is a revival of a previously well-regarded model, may offer a more subdued acoustic profile with enhancements that cater to modern preferences, but specific sound characteristics are less emphasized. This means that while both switches can deliver enjoyable auditory cues, the KD200 leans towards a sharper soundscape compared to the more refined tone of the MX Orange.

In terms of feel, the KD200 is expected to provide a unique tactile experience that caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a robust and perhaps more pronounced key response. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange is likely optimized for a smooth and consistent actuation, tailored for comfort during long typing sessions and gaming. While both switches share a linear design that focuses on a smooth key press without tactile bumps or clicks, the KD200 may impart a more distinctive sensation throughout its travel, compared to the MX Orange's more straightforward action.

In summary, while both the HMX KD200 and Cherry MX Orange switches share common ground in their linear nature, they diverge significantly in sound and feel. The KD200's clackiness makes it a more lively option for those who enjoy pronounced acoustic feedback, whereas the MX Orange emphasizes a smoother experience with its modern enhancements. Depending on personal preference, a newcomer may find value in either switch, as both can lead to satisfying typing results, albeit through different auditory and tactile experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you are someone who enjoys a lighter feel and appreciates auditory feedback, the KD200, with its 50-gram actuation force and clackier sound profile, may provide a more engaging typing experience, especially if you enjoy the tactile sensation of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that is likely more refined and smooth without the pronounced sound, the Cherry MX Orange could be the better fit for you, offering a classic typing feel that many gamers and typists have come to love due to its balanced properties. In summary, let your typing style and the environment in which you use your keyboard guide your decision—whether you lean towards the lively and expressive KD200 or the understated yet dependable MX Orange.

Mentioned in this article

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more