HMX KD200 vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX KD200 and the Everglide Sakura Pink both cater to linear switch enthusiasts but deliver distinctly different experiences. The KD200, renowned for being the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during their typing sessions, while retaining the smoothness typical of linear switches. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink stands out with its super light 35g actuation force, designed especially for delicate typists who prefer a breezy, nearly effortless keystroke. With a delightful popping sound reminiscent of bubble wrap, they add a playful element to the typing experience, providing a unique charm. While the KD200 offers a more audible and tactile engagement, the Sakura Pink emphasizes a frictionless and muted operation that some may find more enjoyable for extended typing sessions. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 Everglide Sakura Pink switches utilize differing materials for their housings, leading to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The KD200 features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic characteristics which yield a deeper, fuller sound when typing. This softness allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory feedback. In contrast, the Sakura Pink employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This rigidity enhances resonance and clarity, making keystrokes sound more pronounced. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing's translucence gives it an advantage for users who prioritize RGB lighting effects, as the light passes through more effectively compared to nylon.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the two switches reflect their contrasting sonic attributes. The KD200's nylon bottom housing continues the trend of a deeper sound experience, reinforcing the softer characteristics of the overall switch. Again, this contributes to a rounder auditory output when bottoming out. In contrast, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the crisp sound profile initiated by its top housing, echoing the sharpness and clarity in the typing experience. Thus, the different materials used in both switches culminate in a unique overall sound signature: the KD200's combination fosters a warmer, muffled effect, while the Sakura Pink leans towards a bright and clear sound.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between these switches influence the resultant typing experience, both in feel and sound. If the top and bottom housings in the same switch were made from the same material, one might achieve similar auditory results—where a nylon housing would provide a consistently rounded sound and a polycarbonate housing would yield a consistently sharp sound. However, with the KD200 and Sakura Pink's differing combinations, users may find that each switch provides a distinct character. Therefore, when choosing between these two, enthusiasts must consider their preference for sound profiles and aesthetics, especially in relation to RGB lighting integration for the Sakura Pink.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, both are relatively light overall, but the Sakura Pink is notably lighter. The KD200 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura Pink boasts a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typists seeking a less strenuous experience over extended periods might prefer the Sakura Pink due to its softer touch. In contrast, those who favor a more substantial feel may be drawn to the KD200, which offers a firmer resistance. Both switches have a similar actuation to bottom out force difference; the KD200's difference is 5 grams, while the Sakura Pink's is also 10 grams. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding the feel of the force applied while typing or gaming, with the Sakura Pink providing a lighter option overall.
Travel distance
The HMX KD200 linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the KD200 featuring a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Sakura Pink's 4 mm. This means that the KD200 may be more appealing for gamers or those seeking quicker responses, allowing for faster actuation during key presses. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink offers a more traditional and hearty depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for responsiveness, the KD200's shorter travel distance would be the better choice, while the Sakura Pink caters to those who appreciate a deeper key press.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 linear switch stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, suggesting a relatively loud and bright acoustical profile. This characteristic can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of their typing sessions, creating a satisfying experience often associated with tactile engagement. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches are noted for their muted sound. This means they produce a softer and quieter response compared to other mechanical switches, making them suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. It's important to note that both sound profiles can be influenced by external factors like the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps, so individual experiences may vary.
When considering the feel, the KD200's specific qualities are less defined in the provided information, leaving a gap in understanding how they might compare to other options. However, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches provide a remarkable typing experience characterized by their buttery and creamy sensations. These switches not only facilitate a smooth and effortless keystroke experience but also feature an easy-to-press action that requires minimal force, making them ideal for typists seeking comfort and responsiveness. The frictionless nature of the Sakura Pink enhances the overall performance by ensuring that each keystroke feels fluid and seamless.
In conclusion, the HMX KD200 and Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer distinctive sound and typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The KD200 delivers a clackier auditory experience while the Sakura Pink presents a quieter, more playful sound profile. In terms of feel, the Sakura Pink excels with its buttery, creamy, and frictionless characteristics, whereas the specific qualities of the KD200’s feel remain unclear. Together, these aspects highlight the importance of personal preference when choosing between these two switches, making it essential for newcomers to consider their own typing style and environment.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and the experience you're looking for. If you enjoy a slightly clacky sound that adds character to your typing and prefer a tactile sensation with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the KD200 could be a great match for you. It's particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you're someone who values an ultra-light, buttery feel with a whisper-quiet operation, the Sakura Pink might be the ideal choice. With its feather-light 35g actuation and frictionless experience, it’s perfect for delicate typists looking for effortless keystrokes and a smooth typing sensation. Additionally, the playful sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap adds a fun element to your sessions. In the end, your decision may come down to whether you prioritize sound and a bit of feedback with the KD200 or the silky, quiet efficiency offered by the Sakura Pink.
Mentioned in this article
