HMX KD200 vs. Outemu Tom

Overview

When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style. The HMX KD200 is renowned for its distinctive clackiness, earning its reputation as the loudest member of the HMX Film switch family, making it an appealing option for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a more engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch that emphasizes feel over sound, providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point that many typists and gamers find satisfying without dominating the acoustic landscape. While the KD200’s linear nature allows for smooth keystrokes ideal for rapid typing and gaming, the tactile feedback of the Tom can enhance precision in each keystroke, catering to users who favor a more deliberate typing style. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX KD200 Linear

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Tom, notable differences arise in their top housing compositions, which significantly influence their audible characteristics. The KD200 employs a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic not only absorbs sound more effectively but also contributes to a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Tom features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and thus generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate allows for better diffusion of RGB lighting, appealing to users who prioritize aesthetic enhancements alongside performance.

When it comes to the bottom housings, both the KD200 and the Tom utilize nylon material, resulting in shared acoustic properties between the two switches. With both models featuring nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent sound profile that elicits deeper, fuller tones regardless of which switch they are using. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, the similar use of nylon ensures that both switches maintain a cohesive feel when pressed down. This consistency in material allows users to enjoy a familiar experience across these different switches, particularly in the sound department.

Furthermore, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in these switches illustrates how the sound dynamics can be influenced by material choice. While the KD200's nylon top creates a smooth and muted release sound, the Tom's polycarbonate top introduces a crisper auditory feedback. However, both switches benefit from the harmony offered by their nylon bottom housing, which brings a commonality in the type of tactile experience they deliver. This nuanced interplay between the two components highlights how the unique characteristics of each material can be both contrasted and combined to achieve different overall results in typographical experience and acoustic feedback.

Weight

When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The KD200 has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Tom features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. While the bottom out force for the KD200 is 50 grams, indicating the force required to fully depress the switch, the bottom out force for the Tom switch is unknown, leaving that aspect ambiguous. If both the actuation forces were comparable, one could expect similar tactile feedback and performance; however, the clear difference in actuation weight indicates that the KD200 is the lighter option, while the Tom is designed for those who favor a heavier push force.

Travel distance

The comparison between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch reveals a subtle but notable difference in their travel distances. The KD200 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the longer option, while the Outemu Tom measures at 3.3 mm, which is slightly shorter. This difference means that if you prefer a more responsive feel suitable for quick actions, the Tom might be the better choice due to its shorter travel, which can accelerate response times. In contrast, the KD200, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more traditional typing experience that some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX KD200 linear switch is noted for its clackiness, making it the loudest option in the HMX Film switch family. This characteristic provides a distinctive and prominent auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more vocal switch. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch does not have a well-defined sound profile noted in the available information, which may imply a quieter operation compared to the KD200. However, the overall sound experience will still depend significantly on the keyboard build, the type of keycaps used, and personal preferences in sound level.

When it comes to feel, the KD200 linear switch would offer a smooth actuation without any tactile bump, allowing for consistent key presses without interruptions. This makes it ideal for fast typing and gaming, as users can glide effortlessly from key to key. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch provides a noticeable tactile bump, which gives a sense of feedback at the actuation point, lending itself well to typing for those who prefer to feel their key presses. This difference in feel clearly distinguishes the two switches, catering to varying user preferences.

In conclusion, while the HMX KD200 linear switch stands out for its clackiness and smooth feel, the Outemu Tom switch offers a more subdued sound profile with a tactile feedback. Choosing between these switches hinges on whether you prioritize a more audible and fluid typing experience or a quiet and tactile one. Each switch provides distinct advantages, so personal preference will play a crucial role in the selection process.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy the satisfying sound of a clacky switch, the HMX KD200 is likely the better choice for you. Its bottom-out force of 50 grams means you can type with less effort, making it an excellent option for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where quick key presses are crucial. On the other hand, if you find joy in the tactile feedback that tactile switches provide, you might want to consider the Outemu Tom switch. While it lacks the specific sound and feel descriptions, tactile switches generally offer a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance your typing experience by providing a satisfying physical response with every keystroke. Therefore, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize lightness and sound with the KD200 or tactile feedback with the Tom.

Mentioned in this article

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more