HMX KD200 vs. KTT Purple Click

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX KD200 and the KTT Purple Click can greatly influence your typing or gaming experience. The KD200, renowned as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, offers a smooth linear feel that is ideal for those who prefer a seamless typing experience without any tactile bumps or audible feedback. Its silent operation allows for uninterrupted focus, making it a great choice for office environments or late-night coding sessions. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch, affectionately referred to as Purple Sauce, is celebrated for its crisp, high-pitched click that adds a delightful auditory feedback with each keystroke. This switch strikes an impressive balance with light keystrokes and a pronounced tactility, creating an engaging typing experience that many users find invigorating and satisfying. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal preference for sound and feel; 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

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX KD200 and the KTT Purple Click switches showcase distinct housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The KD200 is equipped with a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softness and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing, as the nylon dampens sound vibrations. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity. This choice leads to a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile, making the typing experience feel more resonant. The aesthetic appeal of the Purple Click, bolstered by its translucent polycarbonate housing, further enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting setups, offering a visually striking display in addition to a unique auditory feedback.

When examining the bottom housings, both the KD200 and the Purple Click utilize nylon, which creates consistency in the sound characteristics produced during keystrokes. The nylon bottom housing is instrumental in achieving a rounded and muted sound when the key is bottomed out, contributing to a deeper auditory feedback in both switches. This shared material in the lower housing allows both models to provide a similar tactile feel and sound quality when the key is pressed down, despite differences in their top housings. The uniformity in the bottom housing ensures that both switches still maintain a familiar auditory experience in that respect, offering users a comforting sense of continuity.

The differing top housings of the KD200 and the Purple Click highlight how the combination of materials affects the overall typing experience. While the KD200’s nylon top lends itself to a more subdued sound profile, the Purple Click shines with its sharper acoustics driven by its polycarbonate structure. However, as the bottom housings are the same, this similarity guarantees that both switches will deliver a satisfying, deep sound at the point of actuation. This contrast demonstrates how the physical properties of the materials contribute to the final sound experience, offering users the choice between a more muted, fuller sound or a brighter, clearer typing feedback, while still preserving some foundational characteristics that are shared between the two models.

Weight

When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch with the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The KD200 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter overall and suitable for those who prefer a softer typing experience for extended use, such as in work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Purple Click switch has a slightly lower actuation force of 40 grams, but it bottoms out at a heavier 55 grams. This heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial feel for users who favor a stronger tactile sensation while typing. Consequently, while the Purple Click requires slightly less force to initiate a keystroke, it necessitates a greater force to fully depress. Overall, the KD200 can be considered the heavier in terms of bottom out pressure, making it more appealing for users seeking a less resilient switch while providing a reasonable actuation effort.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we observe that the KD200 features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Purple Click comes in with a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the KD200 will provide a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for quicker key presses. Conversely, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Purple Click may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience when typing, as it allows for a greater depth with each press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference: if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the KD200 is the better option, but if you enjoy a more deliberate and deeper keystroke, you may prefer the KTT Purple Click.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX KD200 linear switch is known for producing a distinct, crisp clack that makes it the loudest in the HMX Film switch lineup. This auditory characteristic might resonate well with users who prefer an aggressive and pronounced acoustic feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch produces a high-pitched, satisfying click that many find enjoyable. Its sound can be described as crunchy, akin to stepping on autumn leaves, and resonant, delivering a sharp, clean auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the KD200 appealing to those who favor a robust sound and the Purple Click attracting users searching for an engaging click.

When it comes to feel, the KD200's specifics are not provided, leaving it quite ambiguous compared to the well-defined sensation of the KTT Purple Click. The Purple Click switch delivers an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback, characterized by a moderate to firm actuation force that feels snappy and responsive. Additionally, the step-like sensation of this switch offers a sense of progression through the keystroke, creating a satisfying and immersive typing experience. The absence of detailed tactile feedback for the KD200 makes it difficult to compare it directly with the Purple Click, but each switch likely appeals to different typing satisfaction paradigms.

In summary, while the HMX KD200 is recognized for its loud clacking sound, the KTT Purple Click switch stands out with its high-pitched clicks and invigorating tactile feedback. Users seeking an immersive auditory experience might prefer the KD200, while those in search of a balanced, tactile sensation could find the Purple Click more aligned with their preferences. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize sound or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and what you prioritize in your keyboard experience. If you favor a lighter keystroke that glides smoothly and prefer a quieter atmosphere, the KD200 may be your go-to option. Its soft 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for fast typing sessions or for use in shared spaces where noise might be a concern, all while delivering a clacky sound that stands out for its exuberant character. On the other hand, if you relish a tactile experience combined with an audible feedback that enhances your typing, the KTT Purple Click switch would be a better fit. With its slightly firmer 55-gram force and a delightful crunch reminiscent of crunching leaves, it presents an invigorating typing sensation thanks to its pronounced feedback and clear auditory cues. Ultimately, consider what suits your environment and typing style best—whether it's the smoothness of the KD200 or the engaging tactility and sound of the Purple Click—to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more