HMX KD200 vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The HMX KD200, a linear switch, is known as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, providing a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that appeals to gamers and typists who prefer a swift and fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a delightful tactile feedback with its medium tactile bump, ensuring that each keypress is met with a satisfying resistance. These switches are designed to be quiet, making them an excellent choice for those working in office environments or shared living spaces where noise can be a concern. While the KD200 excels in providing a loud and expressive typing experience ideal for gaming, the Silent Bluish White (V2) caters to the need for a more subdued yet engaging tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX KD200 and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences the sound profiles they produce during typing. The KD200 features a nylon top housing known for its softness, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that resonates with a dull and rounded tone. This quality is beneficial for users seeking a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and leads to a sharper, more defined sound profile. This contrast in materials reflects a fundamental difference in acoustic characteristics. While both switches can provide satisfying experiences, the KD200 is likely to cater to those who favor a subdued ambiance in their typing, whereas the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) appeals to individuals desiring clarity and brightness in their sound.
Interestingly, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which lends a similar quality to their bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon construction in both switches results in a pronounced, deeper sound profile that is characteristic of many popular mechanical switches. This shared material helps ensure that, regardless of the discrepancies present in the top housing, users will experience a consistent and familiar tactile feedback when bottoming out the keys on either switch. This commonality in the bottom housing allows both switches to maintain a certain level of uniformity in terms of sound during the actuation, bridging some auditory differences that arise from their contrasting top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the HMX KD200 and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) means that their overall acoustic properties can be considered quite complementary. The nylon bottom housing in both switches provides a robust foundation that ensures a fuller sound upon keypress, while the contrasting top housing materials create distinct sound profiles when releasing a key. Users might find that although their typing experiences differ, the foundational typing feel provided by the nylon bottom is consistent across both models. This interplay of materials showcases the nuanced relationship between construction and user experience, allowing enthusiasts to choose a switch that best aligns with their sound preference without sacrificing the tactile satisfaction derived from the nylon bottom housing found in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, both provide a relatively light experience. The KD200 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that both switches require the same force to bottom out, but the Silent Bluish White (V2) is the lighter option when it comes to the initial actuation, making it potentially more suitable for users seeking comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may gravitate toward the HMX KD200 due to its slightly heftier feel at actuation. Overall, while both switches share the same bottom out force, the difference in actuation force provides a notable distinction for users based on their preferences for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the HMX KD200 linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing the keys for both switches, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch type. Since both switches offer the same travel distance, tactile feedback and linear smoothness could be the distinguishing factors when choosing between them. However, when it comes to the mechanics of pressing the key down, both switches will yield similar results due to their matching travel specifications.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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
The sound profile of the HMX KD200 linear switch is characterized by its notable loudness, making it the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is designed to be muted, producing a softer, quieter sound that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Silent Bluish White particularly suitable for those in office settings or shared environments where noise reduction is a priority. Overall, if sound is a key factor for you, the KD200 provides expressive auditory feedback while the Silent Bluish White offers a subtle typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the KD200 linear switch’s specific characteristics are unknown, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a medium tactile response that feels buttery and smooth during use. This switch provides a gentle and mild typing experience, coupled with a stepped tactile feedback that indicates the actuation point. Users can expect a polished feel, thanks to materials and production quality, allowing for a seamless keystroke. In essence, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience, you may find the Silent Bluish White more appealing; however, the KD200 is likely to deliver a different sensation typical of linear switches.
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for sound and feel. The KD200 offers a louder, expressive typing experience, while the Silent Bluish White balances a subdued auditory profile with a smooth, tactile feedback, ideal for a quiet workspace. By evaluating these qualities, you can better determine which switch aligns with your needs and enhances your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch should be guided by your personal preferences and your intended use case. If you thrive in environments where a lively acoustic feedback elevates your typing experience, and you appreciate the clacky sound associated with the KD200, this switch would be an excellent choice for you, especially for gaming or personal projects in a space where noise isn’t a concern. However, if you require a more subdued and muted switch, perhaps due to working in an office or sharing your living space with others, the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a more refined tactile experience without the noise. This switch provides a buttery and polished feel, while its subtle tactile feedback ensures you can type comfortably without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, consider where you'll be using your keyboard and how much sound or tactile feedback you enjoy; this will help steer you toward the switch that best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
