HMX KD200 vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads, especially when comparing options like the HMX KD200 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, both notable linear switches. The KD200 stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, appealing to those who value a distinctive sound signature while enjoying smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches are celebrated for their engaging sound profile that evokes the rich tones of mahjong tiles colliding, making each keystroke feel like a treat. With a medium weight, they cater to a broad spectrum of users and boast a unique gliding feel thanks to their Ly stem and proprietary factory lube method, offering a highly responsive typing experience. While the KD200 is ideal for users who appreciate a more prominent acoustic feedback, the Sunset Yellow is perfect for those who desire a luxurious tactile sensation combined with a smooth sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX KD200 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow illustrate a key difference in composition and sound characteristics. The KD200 employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic switch material known for its softer, more absorbent properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The nuanced resonance produced by the soft nylon contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke. The unifying material across both housings ensures a consistent sound and typing experience.
In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings, a material known for its unique sound qualities that also lean towards a muted, deeper sound profile. While POM is harder than nylon, it still offers an appealing auditory experience, albeit with a distinctly sharper character. The unique acoustics of POM tend to create a more pronounced bottom-out sound, contributing to a different typing feel compared to the KD200. The different material used in both housings of the Sunset Yellow enhances the overall typing experience, suggesting a tactile difference that typists might appreciate differently than the nylon housing of the KD200.
Despite the contrasting materials, both the KD200 and Sunset Yellow can deliver similar sound profiles, albeit through different means. While the KD200's nylon lends to a fuller, more absorbed sound, the POM of the Sunset Yellow achieves a similar muted, deep resonance through its own properties. Each switch's top and bottom housing shapes the overall sound and feel during the typing experience, ensuring that while the mechanisms differ in material composition, the resulting auditory and tactile feedback can be comparably satisfying. Therefore, typists looking for a rich sound profile will find compatibility in both options, depending on their preference for nylon's softness versus POM's distinct crispness.
Weight
When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces can influence user preference. The KD200 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who favor prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow is slightly lighter in actuation at 43 grams but has a marginally higher bottom out force of 51 grams, classified as medium-light. Consequently, while both switches maintain a relatively light feel, the KD200 offers a slightly more substantial bottom out experience. Therefore, the KD200 can be considered the heavier option due to its bottom out force, even though both switches provide a gentle typing experience suitable for extended use. Users seeking a lighter touch may prefer the Sunset Yellow, while those desiring a more defined keystroke can lean towards the HMX KD200.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, the KD200 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the longer option between the two. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference in travel distances will influence the feel and responsiveness of each switch; the KD200 might provide a more pronounced tactile experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keystroke, while the Sunset Yellow’s shorter travel distance caters to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for either a more substantial keypress or a quicker, more responsive gaming experience.
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 Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
In terms of sound, the HMX KD200 switch is recognized as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, producing a bright and pronounced auditory feedback that stands out among its peers. Its sound profile is likely sharper and more aggressive, appealing to those who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is characterized by its deep and rich tones, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, which creates a unique auditory experience. This switch offers a bassy and thocky sound, providing a softer, yet satisfying auditory feedback during use. While the KD200 may appeal to those seeking a loud and distinct typing experience, the Sunset Yellow caters to users looking for a more subdued but impactful sound.
When it comes to feel, the KD200 switch's characteristics remain unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is well-known for its buttery smooth and creamy feel, which allows for easy and effortless typing. Its combination of a frictionless glide and polished finish results in a sleek and refined typing experience, enabling typists to glide effortlessly across the keys. The unique Ly stem and the factory lube application contribute to this exceptional smoothness, setting it apart from typical linear switches. In this respect, while the KD200's feel is unknown, users who favor a smooth and frictionless typing experience may gravitate more towards the Sunset Yellow.
In conclusion, while the HMX KD200 and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches offer distinct auditory experiences with the KD200 providing a sharp, pronounced sound and the Sunset Yellow delivering a deep, thocky tone, the KD200's tactile feel remains unspecified. The Sunset Yellow excels in providing a creamy and polished typing experience, making it a favorite among those who prioritize a smooth keystroke. Although both switches cater to different auditory preferences, if the feel of the KD200 becomes known and is equivalent to Sunset Yellow’s already established fluid and frictionless characteristics, typists in search of either unique attributes or a creamy typing experience may find satisfaction in choosing among these switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, the choice largely depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you enjoy a lighter switch with a more pronounced clack, the KD200 could be your go-to option, as it is known for its clacky sound profile that provides an auditory satisfaction reminiscent of some traditional mechanical switches. This makes it ideal for typists who appreciate the audible feedback while tapping away on their keyboards. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly heavier switch that offers a luxurious sound and feel, the Sunset Yellow is the standout choice. With its bassy thock and creamy glide, this switch creates an indulgent typing experience that balances both auditory enjoyment and smooth key actuation. The polished and frictionless nature of the Sunset Yellow also appeals to those who prioritize a refined typing sensation and responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, so consider whether you lean towards the clack of the KD200 or the rich, satisfying feedback of the Sunset Yellow to find the switch that best enhances your keyboard experience.
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