HMX KD200 vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX KD200 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer distinct performances and characteristics that cater to different preferences. The KD200 is celebrated as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, providing a tactile feedback that draws the attention of typists who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon delivers a smooth and refined typing sensation, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's innovative dry-lube design, which offers a buttery feel that appeals to those who favor a quieter, more subdued experience. The KD200's expressive sound profile may be enticing for gamers and typists who appreciate auditory cues, while the Sea Salt Lemon is ideal for those who prioritize a gentle touch in their keystrokes. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials of the HMX KD200 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon reveals both distinct differences and notable similarities that influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The KD200 features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer characteristics. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound, thereby producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its stiffness and translucence. This material generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, making it especially suitable for users who favor clarity and resonance, particularly in environments where RGB lighting enhances aesthetics. While differing in material composition, both switch designs are tailored to deliver their unique auditory signatures, addressing varying preferences among typists.
Examining the bottom housing, both the KD200 and the Sea Salt Lemon utilize nylon, which yields similar results in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, much like the KD200's top housing. This shared material ensures that regardless of the differences in their upper housings, users of both switches experience a consistent auditory element that softens the sound produced when bottoming out the keys. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing in both switches plays a significant role in the overall typing feel and sound, providing an avenue for connection between the two despite their contrasting top housings.
Ultimately, the synthesis of the different materials in the top and bottom housings creates a unique dynamic in both switch designs. The KD200’s combination of a nylon top housing and nylon bottom housing results in a cohesive, warm sound profile that emphasizes depth. Conversely, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, integrates a sharper sound on key releases while maintaining the fullness from the nylon bottom. This mix allows typists to enjoy a distinct auditory experience, where the transition between the two housing styles delivers a rounded yet crisp output. Users can appreciate the strengths of both designs, creating an engaging typing experience that showcases the versatility of these materials.
Weight
The HMX KD200 linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them relatively light and suitable for prolonged typing sessions, which appeals to users who favor comfort during extended use, whether for work or gaming. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the KD200 has a force of 50 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon requires a slightly heavier push at 53 grams. This means that while both switches provide a similar feel when actuated, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more substantial bottoming out experience due to its higher force. Consequently, those who prefer a firmer feedback may lean toward the Sea Salt Lemon, while anyone seeking a lighter overall feel might prefer the KD200.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, the KD200 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon measures 4 mm. This indicates that the Sea Salt Lemon offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KD200, being shorter at 3.5 mm, aligns with the preferences of gamers and fast typists who seek quicker response times and less travel effort. While 4.0 mm is considered traditional, the KD200 provides a modern, faster option that can enhance performance in fast-paced scenarios. Thus, if you value responsiveness and a snappier feel, you would likely prefer the KD200; conversely, if you enjoy a deeper keystroke, the Sea Salt Lemon would be the better choice.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX KD200 switch stands out with its reputation as the clackiest member of the HMX Film family, suggesting an engaging acoustic presence that is both sharp and pronounced. This clackiness can create a lively typing atmosphere, making it appealing for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches are characterized by their low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched nature provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which might be more soothing and less aggressive than the KD200's clacky sound. This neutrality makes the Sea Salt Lemon suitable for a variety of environments, whether in a home or office setting.
The feel of the KD200 switch is not specifically described, but given its clackiness, one might anticipate a tactile quality that emphasizes a more pronounced actuation, appealing to users who appreciate tactile feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches are known for their mild feel, which offers a gentle and smooth typing experience. This mildness makes them approachable and comfortable for users of all levels, as they provide a balanced experience without overly aggressive characteristics, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue.
In conclusion, while the HMX KD200 offers a notably clackier sound that promotes a lively typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon provides a more subdued and versatile acoustic profile with its low-pitched sounds. In terms of feel, the KD200 may lean towards a more pronounced actuation—an assumption made from its clackiness—while the Sea Salt Lemon guarantees a smooth and mild experience. If you're choosing between these two, your preference for sound and feel will ultimately guide you, knowing that the KD200 will provide energetic feedback versus the comforting, mellow response of the Sea Salt Lemon.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you lean towards a more tactile auditory feedback with a clackier sound profile, the KD200, with its lighter actuation force of 50 grams, could be ideal for you, especially if you enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming where quick response times are vital. However, keep in mind that its sound may not suit quieter environments. On the other hand, if you prioritize a buttery smooth typing experience in a neutral sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, with a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, would be the better choice. The mild feel and low-pitched sound make it versatile for both home and work settings, appealing to a broader audience. Therefore, consider where and how you'll be using your keyboard, along with the type of experience you prefer—whether you want something lively and energetic or smooth and subtle—to make your ideal switch selection.
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