HMX KD200 vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Silent Green offer unique experiences despite being classified as linear switches. The KD200, renowned for its clackiness, provides a distinctive auditory feedback that some typists and gamers may find satisfying, enhancing the overall typing experience and adding a tactile dimension to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is designed for those who prefer a quieter operation without sacrificing performance. Ideal for shared or office environments, this switch minimizes noise while still delivering a smooth keystroke, allowing users to type or game without disturbing others. Each switch appeals to different preferences, drawing a line between auditory feedback and a more discreet typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX KD200 and the Outemu Silent Green demonstrate significantly different characteristics in their housing materials, which impact their overall sound profiles. The KD200 utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, fosters a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing vibrations more effectively which results in a more subdued auditory experience. This creates a round sound profile that many typists find pleasing, particularly for those who prefer a quieter environment. In contrast, the Silent Green employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its rigidity and transparency. This choice leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile; the clear nature of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting setups, allowing for striking visual effects while typing.
When comparing the bottom housings of the two switches, the differences are equally pronounced. The KD200’s nylon bottom housing, much like its top counterpart, prioritizes warmth and depth in sound. The softer material here significantly dampens noise and results in a plush typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a more resonant and clear sound upon bottoming out. Its stiffer nature accentuates the auditory feedback during key presses, providing a more tactile experience integral for typists who enjoy sound cues while typing. Ultimately, the use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom positions in the Silent Green intensifies its overall clarity, while the KD200 stays grounded in softness and warmth.
Despite their contrasting materials, the impact of each housing type, whether nylon or polycarbonate, results in a divided influence on typing performance. The KD200’s all-nylon design offers a cohesive and subdued typing experience, beneficial for those who value noise management and a softer feel. On the other hand, the Silent Green’s dual polycarbonate construction promotes a brighter auditory experience, which can be quite invigorating for typists who enjoy pronounced feedback. Even though each switch appeals to different preferences, both can deliver satisfying results depending on the typist's desires. In essence, the choice between them will ultimately hinge on whether one favors the muffled warmth of nylon or the sharp crispness of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they will provide a similarly light feel when triggering a keystroke, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly: the KD200 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Silent Green reaches a higher 60 grams. This distinction means that the KD200 provides a lighter overall experience, as users will encounter less resistance when fully pressing the key. In contrast, the heavier Silent Green switch offers a more substantial typing feedback at the bottom out point, which might appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel during use. Therefore, if you favor a lighter touch for comfort, the HMX KD200 is the better choice; however, if you seek more resistance and feedback, the Outemu Silent Green would be more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The KD200 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Silent Green's 4 mm. This means that users who prefer a more responsive typing experience may find the KD200 preferable, as its shorter travel distance facilitates quicker key presses. In contrast, the Silent Green's longer travel distance may cater to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing, offering a greater depth that some users find more satisfying. Hence, if you prioritize a swift response time, the KD200 would be the better choice, while the Silent Green would be ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.
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 Silent Green 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, the KD200 stands out as the clackiest option within the HMX Film switch family. This switch is likely to produce a more pronounced auditory feedback when pressed, creating an engaging typing experience for those who appreciate acoustic responses from their keyboard. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch is known for its quieter operation, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise levels matter, such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. While the KD200 offers a more prominent sound, the Silent Green caters to those seeking a more subdued auditory presence, ensuring a blend of typing satisfaction and discretion.
In terms of feel, the KD200 is characterized by a smooth action that provides a pleasant gliding sensation throughout the keypress, contributing to a satisfying and confident typing experience. The switch's design amplifies the tactile experience, making each keystroke both enjoyable and responsive. Conversely, the Silent Green linear switch is designed for a similar smoothness but may have nuances in responsiveness that can vary. This experience could lead to a softer touch that prioritizes comfort over tactile feedback during extended use. While both switches promise a smooth keystroke, the KD200 leans more towards a tactile engagement, while Silent Green offers a buttery linear feel.
Overall, while both the HMX KD200 and Outemu Silent Green linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they each provide unique benefits. The KD200 gives users a lively acoustic experience combined with a gratifying typing sensation, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic keyboard interaction. In contrast, the Silent Green is better suited for users who prioritize a quieter operation while still enjoying a smooth keystroke. Depending on your priorities—be it sound or a more subdued experience—you can choose accordingly, knowing that each switch has distinct qualities that can greatly enhance your typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a lighter touch for a more effortless typing experience, the KD200 with its 50-gram bottom-out force may be the better option for you. Known for its pronounced sound profile, the KD200 will delight those who enjoy a satisfying "clack" while typing, making it an ideal choice for gaming or casual use where feedback is appreciated. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more subdued experience with a medium tactile feel, the Silent Green’s 60-gram bottom-out force could be preferable. This switch is designed to minimize noise, making it a suitable option for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions where you want to avoid disturbing others. Ultimately, consider whether you value acoustic feedback or quieter operation in your mechanical keyboard experience, as each switch caters to distinct preferences.
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