HMX KD200 vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX KD200 and the Durock Piano both stand out as popular options within the linear switch category, each offering a unique typing experience. The KD200 is celebrated for its distinctive clack, making it the loudest member of the HMX Film switch family, appealing to those who enjoy an audible feedback while typing and a more engaging keystroke. Conversely, the Durock Piano switches are renowned for their smooth, frictionless glide and deep, creamy sound profile, providing a serene and pleasant typing experience. The choice between these two switches often comes down to personal preference: whether one favors a more pronounced sound with the KD200 or the silky, bassy feel of the Piano. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX KD200 and the Durock Piano switches present an interesting comparison between two distinct approaches to achieving acoustic quality in mechanical keyboard switches. The KD200 utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic allows for a more muted and rounder auditory experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a satisfying acoustic feedback when typing. Conversely, the Durock Piano employs a proprietary blend of POM for both its top and bottom housings. While the specific formulation of this blend remains undisclosed, it is touted to provide a uniquely satisfying sound, suggesting that it also aims to offer a rich auditory experience, albeit possibly with different nuances compared to nylon.
Despite the different materials used, both the KD200 and Durock Piano share a common goal of delivering an enriched sound profile. The KD200’s nylon material offers the benefits of sound absorption thanks to its softer composition, which arguably leads to a more subdued typing sound. The Durock Piano’s POM blend, while distinct in material, indicates a focus on sound quality as well. The acoustic performance is inherently tied to the materials used, yet the nature of POM suggests it could produce a clearer or sharper sound profile. Nevertheless, users of either switch can expect a satisfying auditory response that enhances their typing experience, highlighting the importance of the housing material in the overall acoustic performance of the switch.
When considering the top and bottom housing configurations, it becomes clear how these materials interact to influence the typing experience. Since the KD200 employs nylon for all housing components, the deep sound profile created when a key is pressed will be impacted more broadly, balancing the impact of bottoming out and the sound released when the key is let go. In contrast, the Durock Piano's proprietary POM blend introduces variables in acoustics based on its unique formulation, which, while it may create a distinct sound, still retains the depth and satisfaction akin to the KD200. Both switches encapsulate the significance of housing material in achieving desired sound profiles, illustrating how different approaches in material choice can lead to similarly satisfying results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, notable differences emerge. The KD200 features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for users seeking a more comfortable typing experience, particularly for prolonged sessions. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch has a yet-to-be-specified actuation force, but it boasts a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This heavier action can provide a more substantial feel for typists who prefer a firmer push. Overall, the KD200 can be classified as the lighter switch, while the Piano falls into the medium-heavy category, appealing to users who appreciate a stronger tactile response. For those seeking similar results in terms of typing experience, the lighter KD200 may offer more comfort, while the heavier Durock Piano may cater to those who prefer additional feedback in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The HMX KD200 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Durock Piano linear switch, which measures 4.0 mm in travel distance. This difference in travel distance may cater to different user preferences: the KD200's slightly shorter travel can provide a more responsive feel, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the Durock Piano, with its longer 4.0 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced key press that may be preferred by users who enjoy a sense of depth and tactile feedback when typing. Ultimately, those looking for a faster response time may lean towards the KD200, while users who appreciate a more substantial key travel might opt for the Durock Piano.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX KD200 stands out as the clackiest among its peers in the HMX Film switch family, which typically translates to a more pronounced auditory feedback during key presses. This clackiness can provide a satisfying notification of each keystroke, making it an engaging option for those who enjoy a more lively typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch is characterized by its deep, bassy sound profile, offering a richer and more soothing auditory signature. The lower frequency tones produce a satisfying resonance that many typists find pleasant, contributing to a more enjoyable typing environment. Overall, while both switches deliver distinctive sound profiles, they cater to differing preferences, with the KD200 appealing to those who favor a sharper sound and the Piano offering a smoother, deeper auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX KD200 is known for its characteristic typing experience, though specific descriptors for its tactile feedback are not provided. Meanwhile, the Durock Piano linear switch is celebrated for its frictionless and silky smooth feel, which allows for an incredibly effortless typing experience. The minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys enhances fluidity, making it ideal for long typing sessions. Users of the Piano switch often report a luxurious finish to their keystrokes, which can lead to an overall enjoyable and comfortable experience. While the exact feel of the KD200 is unspecified, if it shares characteristics with the Piano, one could expect a smooth typing experience as well, albeit potentially with different feedback dynamics.
In conclusion, both the HMX KD200 and Durock Piano linear switches present unique qualities that can cater to varying typing preferences. The KD200 offers a lively clackiness in sound, perfect for those who enjoy interactive feedback, while the Piano’s deep and creamy sound along with its frictionless, silky feel creates a more luxurious experience. Depending on the user's priorities—whether it's auditory feedback or smoothness—the choice between these switches can significantly impact the overall typing experience. Each switch has its distinct personality, and users can explore these differences based on sound and feel to determine what aligns with their personal typing style.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences in terms of force, sound, and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a clackier sound profile that adds a unique auditory element to your typing experience, the KD200 could be the ideal option for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it easier to press, which can be especially beneficial for fast typists or those who may tire easily with heavier switches. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more robust and satisfying typing sensation with a deeper, bassy sound, the Piano switch is worth considering. With its medium-heavy 63.5 grams of actuation force and an exceptionally smooth, frictionless feel, the Piano is perfect for those who want a delightful blend of tactile feedback and auditory appeal. Ultimately, think about how you type—whether speed or a smooth, rich experience is more important to you—and let that guide your choice between these two excellent options.
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