HMX KD200 vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The HMX KD200, known as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, delivers a distinct auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate, adding an engaging tactile layer to each keystroke. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience, perfect for creating a lively atmosphere during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for users who prefer a quieter, more subtle approach to typing. With an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g, these switches provide a gentle and serene experience, akin to the soft sound of raindrops, making them an excellent choice for environments where noise is a consideration. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the KD200 emphasizing the joy of sound and the Silent Sakura prioritizing a peaceful typing experience. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX KD200 and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches both feature nylon as the material for their top housing, which leads to similar sound profiles. The nylon material is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience during typing. This characteristic is particularly notable in both switches, as they share the same type of top housing. Therefore, when typing on either switch, users will experience a rounder and more muted sound, contributing to a quieter overall typing experience. As such, the similarities in top housing material underscore the comfort and acoustic qualities that both switches aim to deliver.
However, the housing materials diverge at the bottom, which brings about a significant contrast in their respective sound profiles. The KD200 utilizes a nylon bottom housing, maintaining the deeper sound signature established by the top housing. This uniformity in material across both top and bottom contributes to a cohesive and softer sound, enhancing the overall typing experience with a smoother bottom-out feel. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which is renowned for producing sharper, clearer sounds due to its stiffer nature. This material choice results in a crisper sound profile that emphasizes a more resonant experience, particularly noticeable during the bottoming out of keystrokes.
Ultimately, the differing bottom housing materials of the two switches underscore how sound dynamics can shift based on this particular element. While the KD200 maintains a consistent acoustic profile with its nylon construction, the Silent Sakura - 43g's use of polycarbonate provides a contrasting clarity and resonance. When utilizing these switches, the KD200 will offer a more muffled and rounded typing experience, while the Silent Sakura - 43g introduces a harmonious blend of smooth actuation with a pronounced auditory feedback. Despite the top housings being the same, the overall typing experience can vary significantly due to the sound profile imparted by their bottom materials, leading to distinct user experiences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we see some notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The KD200 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier and providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer more resistance. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, where less force is needed to register key presses. Therefore, the Silent Sakura - 43g is the lighter option, while the KD200 is the heavier switch. Those looking for a switch with less actuation force and a bit more softness when bottoming out would find the Silent Sakura - 43g preferable; however, if you enjoy a stronger push feel, the KD200 would be the better choice. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces cater to diverse user preferences when it comes to typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The HMX KD200 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressed, the Silent Sakura travels 0.5 mm further than the KD200, offering a slightly deeper feel that some users might find more satisfying. For gamers or those seeking quicker response times, the KD200's shorter travel distance may provide a more agile experience, contributing to faster key presses. However, the Silent Sakura's traditional 4 mm travel distance may appeal to users who prefer the satisfaction of a fuller key press, as it can feel more substantial during use. Ultimately, your preference will dictate which switch is more suitable for your typing style, with the KD200 being the shorter option and the Silent Sakura being the longer.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 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 is recognized as the clackiest switch within the HMX Film switch family, which means it produces a pronounced and sharp auditory feedback that many typists enjoy for its enthusiast-level acoustics. This makes it particularly appealing for those who appreciate a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience with a satisfying sound signature. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed with noise reduction in mind, delivering a whisper-quiet typing experience that evokes the soft sound of raindrops. This switch is ideal for users who prefer a more subdued auditory footprint, suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise may be disruptive.
In terms of feel, the KD200 is likely to offer a more tactile and responsive experience, designed for those who enjoy a defined actuation point and a robust typing sensation that can enhance typing feedback. The audible clackiness aligns with a punchy feel, ensuring that every keystroke is not only heard but also felt. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g provides an ultra-light typing experience, with a low actuation force of 43g that makes it suitable for light typists. This switch is engineered to feel smooth and gentle, reducing finger fatigue and allowing for a gliding sensation when typing, appealing to users who prefer softer keystrokes without the distraction of sound.
In conclusion, the HMX KD200 and Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The KD200 offers an engaging and audible typing experience, while the Silent Sakura provides a gentle and quiet alternative, perfect for those in noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference, with both options delivering satisfying results in their respective niches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a more tactile and noisy typing experience—one that allows you to revel in the sound of each keystroke—the KD200 is your best bet. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides satisfying feedback while offering the clackiest acoustics in the HMX Film switch family, making it great for those who appreciate auditory feedback and don’t mind a bit of noise. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, especially in shared spaces or environments where noise control is essential, the Silent Sakura - 43g is an ideal choice. With its ultra-light 43g bottom out force and a design that ensures whisper-quiet operation, it offers a serene typing experience that feels gentle and unobtrusive. Thus, whether you lean towards the lively and clacky feedback of the KD200 or the soft and silent touch of the Silent Sakura, each switch has its unique advantages tailored to different user needs.
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