HMX KD200 vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX KD200 and Outemu Silent Grey present distinct alternatives that cater to different preferences. The KD200, famous for being the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, offers a purely linear experience that appeals to gamers and typists who enjoy the rapid, uninterrupted key presses often associated with quick gameplay and intense typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey excels as a tactile switch, delivering a soft, pronounced bump that offers feedback without the disruptive noise, making it an ideal choice for users who value a satisfying yet quiet typing experience. While the KD200 might attract those who revel in a loud and lively feel, the Silent Grey is perfect for those seeking discretion coupled with tactile pleasure. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX KD200 and the Outemu Silent Grey differ significantly in their choice of materials for the top housing, creating distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The KD200 utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This softer plastic contributes to a duller and rounder sound, making it a classic choice for those who prefer a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material’s translucency also enhances the visual appeal of RGB lighting, casting vibrant colors that might not be as pronounced with nylon. Hence, while both switches offer unique auditory feedback, their differing top housing materials distinctly shape the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, the KD200 and Silent Grey share a commonality in their bottom housing, both being constructed from nylon. This use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a deep and full sound profile when bottoming out. Because the bottom housing generates much of the sound and tactile feel during this action, the presence of nylon in both models means that users can expect a similar experience when pressing the keys down. Thus, even though the top housings yield contrasting auditory qualities, the nylon bottom housing acts as a stabilizing feature that reinforces a consistent sound characteristic shared between both switches.
Overall, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Silent Grey creates a layered auditory experience. The nylon bottom housing enhances the depth of sound for both switches, while the LD200's nylon top housing creates a cohesive fullness, in stark contrast to the clarity and crispness offered by the polycarbonate top of the Silent Grey. This integration of various materials means that while the two switches produce distinct sound profiles when keys are released, their base experience—rooted in the nylon bottom—remains relatable. Therefore, users can enjoy unique yet parallel auditory experiences in their typing sessions, driven by the thoughtful engineering of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, a noticeable difference emerges in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The KD200 boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Furthermore, the bottom-out forces reflect this disparity, with the KD200 bottoming out at 50 grams, while the Silent Grey reaches a higher 65 grams, underscoring its medium-heavy feel. Thus, the KD200 is generally lighter overall, making it more accommodating for extended use, while the Silent Grey offers a firmer tactile response for those who prefer additional resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we find that the KD200 features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference highlights a key consideration for users: if you prefer more responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the KD200's shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial feel while typing, reminiscent of traditional switches, the Silent Grey's longer travel distance might be preferable. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize speed and response or the tactile depth in your keystrokes.
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 Grey 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 known for being the clackiest option in the HMX Film switch family, producing a loud and distinctive sound on key presses. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy an audible typing experience and don’t mind attracting a bit of attention with their keyboard. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is engineered for a more subdued auditory profile, providing a quiet and highly tactile typing experience. The sound produced by the Silent Grey is minimal, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept in check.
When it comes to feel, the KD200 offers a smooth linear response without any tactile bump, allowing for rapid key presses and smooth slide-through. However, this may lead to a less engaging typing experience for some users who prefer a more dynamic feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch features a pronounced tactile bump, giving a satisfying feedback on activation while still maintaining a smooth keystroke. This tactile feedback makes the Silent Grey more engaging for typists who appreciate a physical response as they type, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Combining these subjective qualities illustrates that the KD200 is a vibrant option for those who relish a loud and clacky keyboard presence, while the Silent Grey stands out as a choice for individuals who prefer a quieter, yet tactile, experience. Depending on what you’re after—auditory stimulation or a silent typing session with pleasant feedback—you'll find both switches cater to different preferences effectively. Recognizing these distinctions can significantly influence your mechanical keyboard experience and help you choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter keystroke and enjoy the pronounced sound of your switches, the KD200, with its clackiness, is an excellent choice for you. It's particularly well-suited for casual gamers and typists who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more subdued yet satisfying typing experience, the Silent Grey would be the way to go. With its medium-heavy actuation force and smooth, tactile feedback, this switch provides a quieter environment, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise may be a concern. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different styles—whether you prefer the lively sound and light touch of the KD200 or the quiet satisfaction of the Silent Grey, your choice will significantly enhance your typing experience.
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