HMX KD200 vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Crystal Brown present distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX KD200, celebrated as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, offers a linear action that ensures a smooth keypress without tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking rapid response and fluid keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch designed to provide subtle resistance and a noticeable bump at the actuation point, catering to typists who enjoy the sensory feedback of their keystrokes while minimizing accidental presses. While both switches have their strengths—smoothness in the KD200 for uninterrupted gameplay and tactile satisfaction in the Crystal Brown for precise typing—understanding their nuances is essential for making an informed decision. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Outemu Crystal Brown switches, a notable distinction lies in the choice of materials for the top housing. The KD200 employs nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material’s stiffer nature hones in on a clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly adept at enhancing the auditory effects associated with typing, especially for users who prefer a more pronounced feedback, especially in RGB lighting scenarios.
Interestingly, both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which provides a consistent auditory experience despite their differing top materials. The nylon bottom housing in both the KD200 and Crystal Brown contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs sound rather than reflecting it. This property reinforces that while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key—creating a noticeable contrast—the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the feel and bottom-out sound when a key reaches its end. Thus, even with differing top materials, the nylon bottoms ensure that both switches share a similar foundational audio characteristic, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches guarantees a unified feel, while the contrasting top materials create distinct audial results. If a player or typist seeks a more rounded sound profile, they might lean toward the KD200 due to its nylon top. However, if clarity and crispness are desired, the Outemu Crystal Brown with its polycarbonate top housing would be the go-to choice. Regardless of the selection, the usage of nylon in the bottom housing creates comparable performance in aspects like sound absorption and tactile feedback, ensuring that users can still achieve satisfactory results with both options, albeit through different auditory pathways.
Weight
Both the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch showcase similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates that they will provide a similar ease of triggering keystrokes, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the KD200 requires 50 grams to bottom out, while the Crystal Brown has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This difference means that the KD200 offers a lighter overall feel, while the Crystal Brown might appeal more to users who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Consequently, those looking for a lighter typing experience would gravitate towards the KD200, while those who favor a more substantial feel in their keystrokes might opt for the heavier Crystal Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it's clear that they differ notably. The KD200 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Crystal Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the KD200 the shorter option, which could appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation and potentially better performance in fast-paced scenarios. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth and tactile feel that some users prefer for typing or gaming experiences that require more deliberate keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Crystal Brown 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 member of the HMX Film switch family, suggesting that it produces a pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback when keys are pressed. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience while typing or gaming. In stark contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have a specific sound profile noted, which may suggest a more subdued or less prominent sound when compared to the KD200. However, it’s essential to recognize that the final sound experience for both switches can be influenced significantly by the keyboard's construction, such as the type of plate, case, and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the KD200 switch is characterized by its linear design, which typically provides a smooth and consistent typing experience without any tactile bump. This makes the KD200 particularly appealing for those who prefer a seamless keypress without interruption. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch has a tactile bump, which provides noticeable feedback when the switch is actuated. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and offer a more engaging experience for users who favor a more responsive feel from their switches.
In conclusion, while the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches differ significantly in sound and feel, they cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The KD200's clackiness and smooth linear action will attract those who enjoy an auditory and fluid typing experience. In contrast, the tactile feedback of the Crystal Brown switch will appeal to users looking for a more responsive and engaging typing sensation. Both switches offer unique qualities that can contribute to a satisfying typing or gaming experience, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a light and smooth keypress with a pronounced acoustic feedback, the KD200 may be the ideal switch for you; its clackiness adds an engaging element to your typing experience, making it a great option for those who want an enjoyable auditory feedback while gaming or typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance with tactile feedback, the Crystal Brown's slightly heavier bottom-out force provides a satisfying bump that can enhance typing accuracy, making it suitable for more serious typing tasks where you value the sensation of a deliberate press. Furthermore, if you favor a quieter environment, the KD200's clackiness may not suit your needs, and in that case, the more subdued sound profile of the Crystal Brown would be a better fit. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most significant to you—be it sound, feel, or overall typing experience—before making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
