HMX KD200 vs. Cherry MX Silent Red

Overview

When comparing the HMX KD200 and the Cherry MX Silent Red, both of which are linear switches, enthusiasts may find themselves drawn to distinct qualities that each offers. The KD200 stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, delivering a unique auditory experience that appeals to those who enjoy pronounced sound while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red retains the familiar characteristics of the MX Red, providing a slightly heftier feel but with the crucial advantage of operating silently. This makes the Silent Red an excellent choice for users in noise-sensitive environments, combining a satisfying typing experience with a discreet sound profile. While both switches cater to linear switch fans, the HMX KD200 is perfect for those who relish auditory feedback, whereas the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a more subdued yet still engaging experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.

By the numbers

HMX KD200 Linear

Cherry MX Silent Red Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.00

$4.15 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX KD200 and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches are both constructed with nylon housings, which significantly affects the sound profile and tactile feedback experienced during typing. In both switches, the use of nylon as the primary material for both the top and bottom housings delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is a characteristic feature of nylon, known for its relatively softer nature compared to harder plastics. As such, both switches provide a similar auditory experience, wherein the sound produced during typing tends to be more muffled and rounded, resulting in reduced jangling noises that are typical of stiffer switches.

Despite the similarities in housing materials, the characteristics of the switches can still emerge based on the individual design and engineering of each model. For instance, while both switches benefit from the nylon construction, the way the housing interacts with the internal mechanisms could lead to differences in tactile feedback or the bottom-out feel. However, since both switches utilize nylon in both their top and bottom housings, users can expect a comparably serene typing experience, minimizing the distinct sounds typically associated with keystrokes. This commonality also ensures that the feel of actuating the key is dampened, making both switches suitable for environments that demand quiet operation.

Ultimately, even though both the HMX KD200 and Cherry MX Silent Red utilize the same material in their housings, subtle nuances in their design can still influence performance. The interaction of the nylon material with the internal switch mechanism, influenced by manufacturing tolerances and designs, can yield distinct tactile sensations, while maintaining the expected low sound signature. Users looking for a quiet yet satisfying typing experience will likely find that both switches meet their needs effectively, with similar results attributable to the shared housing material of nylon.

Weight

The HMX KD200 linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light and suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming marathons. However, the KD200 has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires slightly more force to fully depress the key compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red, whose bottom out force information is unavailable. This means that while both switches feel similar at the point of actuation, the KD200 provides a more substantial tactile experience when bottoming out due to its higher force requirement. Therefore, individuals who prefer a heavier key feel might lean towards the KD200, while those who prioritize a lighter touch may find satisfaction with either switch, though the MX Silent Red's lack of bottom out data leaves some ambiguity.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, the KD200 features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the HMX KD200 switch offers a more responsive feel, which may particularly appeal to gamers seeking quicker key presses for faster response times. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red, with its slightly longer travel distance, provides a more substantial tactile experience, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus key feel, with the KD200 being the shorter option and the Silent Red being the longer one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX KD200 linear switch stands out as the clackiest member of its family, likely producing a prominent and pronounced acoustic profile that emphasizes the mechanical typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a whole different auditory experience. This switch is characterized by a muted sound that minimizes the clacking often associated with traditional mechanical keyboards. It generates a thocky sound, which is deep and satisfying, yet it maintains a low-pitched tone that makes it ideal for quieter environments. As a result, while the KD200 is designed for those who appreciate an engaging auditory feedback during their typing, the MX Silent Red caters to users who need a more subdued sound profile without sacrificing the rich experience of typing on mechanical switches.

Regarding feel, the KD200’s specific tactile qualities remain unspecified, but one could infer it may be designed for a responsive typing experience that complements its clackiness. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red is known for its textured feel, which introduces a noticeable friction as keys are pressed down. This texture can either enrich the typing sensation or deter users who prefer an ultra-smooth keystroke. The difference in feel highlights the more traditional approach of the KD200, which likely focuses solely on the actuation without any added textures, whereas the Silent Red introduces a tactile element that can enhance the typing experience for some.

In conclusion, both switches serve distinct purposes tailored to different user preferences. The KD200 excels in providing a clacky sound that makes typing feel dynamic and engaging, while the Cherry MX Silent Red is perfect for those who appreciate a quieter typing environment without compromising the depth of feedback. Although the feel of the KD200 is less defined, the comparison underscores the unique tactile nature of the Silent Red. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or the particular typing experience that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a lighter switch with a clackier feedback that provides a more tactile and engaging sound while typing, the KD200 is the way to go. Its 50-gram bottom-out force offers a responsive feel, which can be ideal for those who enjoy pronounced acoustic feedback as they type. However, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive environment—such as an office or shared space—where silence is key, the Cherry MX Silent Red is your best option. It offers a more muted, thocky sound profile that mimics the classic MX Red feel but without the disruptive noise. Additionally, the Silent Red's slightly heftier feel can provide a satisfying typing experience without the distractions of audible clicks. In essence, choose the KD200 for a lively typing experience with audible feedback, and opt for the MX Silent Red if you prioritize a quieter, more subdued atmosphere during your typing sessions.

Mentioned in this article

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Cherry MX Silent Red Linear

$6.00

$4.15 per 10

Learn more