HMX KD200 vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Blue Jade offer two distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The KD200, known for being the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, delivers a satisfying linear feel, providing smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps or audible clicks, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking fast and uninterrupted key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade offers a clicky feedback, making every keystroke an audible cue that many typists find satisfying, especially for those who enjoy the nostalgic sound of mechanical keyboards and appreciate tactile feedback during their writing sessions. While both switches have their merits—depending on whether you prioritize speed and silence or tactile and auditory feedback—let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Blue Jade, it is striking to note that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared material choice suggests that users can expect similar sound profiles and tactile experiences from both switches. Nylon, known for its softer properties, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively soft plastic absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that tends to be preferred by those looking for a quieter typing environment. Therefore, a user moving from the KD200 to the Blue Jade will likely experience a comparable auditory sensation.
Moreover, the consistency in the nylon material across both top and bottom housings further reinforces the similarity in performance between these two switches. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing is more responsible for the sound produced on release. Since both the KD200 and the Blue Jade employ nylon throughout, users will find little variation in how the switches feel and sound during typical keystrokes. This cohesion in materials helps maintain a consistent user experience, promoting a familiar engagement whether one is utilizing the KD200 or the Blue Jade.
However, variations might arise in other aspects such as switch construction or internal mechanisms that could subtly influence the overall typing experience between the two switches. Despite the identical housing materials, factors beyond the nylon construction can play a role in defining the character of each switch. For example, if one switch has a different tactile profile or actuation force compared to the other, it can lead to very different user experiences despite the shared nylon housing. Therefore, while sound qualities may align closely, enthusiasts and typists may still discern notable differences in overall performance based on other design elements.
Weight
When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there are notable differences in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The KD200 boasts a lightweight actuation force of 45 grams, while the Blue Jade requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Consequently, the KD200 is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the KD200 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Blue Jade's bottom out force reaches 65 grams, making it feel more substantial under the fingers. This heavier bottom out force in the Blue Jade might cater to users who enjoy a more tactile and pronounced keystroke experience. In summary, the HMX KD200 is the lighter option, ideal for prolonged use, while the Outemu Blue Jade offers a heavier feel that some users might find more satisfying for a robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there's a noticeable difference between the two. The KD200 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Blue Jade has a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, thus providing a more pronounced depth when pressed. This variance can impact user experience significantly; those who prefer a quicker response time may gravitate toward the KD200 for its shorter travel, yielding a more immediate feedback during gaming. On the other hand, users who appreciate a more tactile and deeper feel might choose the Blue Jade, which delivers that satisfying depth associated with longer travel distances.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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 is renowned for being the clackiest within the HMX Film switch family, offering an audible and pronounced acoustic feedback that many users find satisfying. This clackiness adds a unique character to the typing experience, making each keystroke more engaging. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is designed to provide a distinct tactile and audible click, which gives users a sharper, more pronounced sound at actuation. This clicky nature, although different from the clack of the KD200, caters to those who enjoy auditory confirmation of their key presses. Both switches’ sound profiles can be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard frame and keycaps, meaning that both could produce similarly enchanting auditory experiences depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the HMX KD200 linear switch offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bumps, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer an uninterrupted and fluid typing action. This lack of a tactile element can allow for quicker typing speeds, as there’s nothing to hinder the pressing motion. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch features a noticeable tactile bump at the actuation point, providing feedback that helps typists feel when a key has been registered. This tactile response can enhance accuracy for some users, especially those who enjoy the sensation of knowing their keystroke has been confirmed. Overall, the two switches cater to different preferences: the smoothness of the KD200 appeals to fluid typists, while the tactile feedback of the Blue Jade serves those who favor a more engaged typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch offer unique attributes that cater to varying preferences in sound and feel. The clackiness of the KD200 delivers an engaging auditory experience, while the clicky response of the Blue Jade ensures users receive audible confirmation of their key presses. In terms of tactile feedback, the smooth action of the KD200 contrasts with the pronounced actuation of the Blue Jade. Whether you prefer a linear experience for quick typing or the tactile and auditory cues of a clicky switch, both options have their merits and can provide enjoyable typing experiences, depending on your setup and personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, you should consider your typing style, preferences for sound and feel, and the intended use of your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth, linear action without tactile feedback, the KD200 is an excellent choice, especially for gaming or typing where speed and fluidity are paramount. Its 50-gram bottom-out force allows for rapid key presses, making it ideal for extended sessions without finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you thrive on tactile feedback and appreciate the audible click that signals each key press, the Blue Jade will be more suitable for you. With its medium-heavy 65-gram bottom-out force and distinctive clicky sound profile, this switch offers a satisfying and responsive experience, perfect for typists who enjoy the sensation of pronounced tactile feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, quiet typing experience or a clicky, tactile one that provides definitive feedback.
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