HMX KD200 vs. Jerrzi Violet

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX KD200 and the Jerrzi Violet present two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The KD200, a linear switch, is best known for being the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, offering a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of noise. Its smooth actuation makes it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who prefer rapid and uninterrupted key presses. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet, categorized as a tactile switch, features gentle tactile feedback coupled with a smooth actuation, providing a pleasing pop that caters to those who appreciate a more nuanced typing experience. With a neutral sound signature, the Violet strikes a balance that can be enjoyable in both quiet and busy environments. While the KD200 leans towards a more dynamic and audible typing experience, the Violet offers a subtler approach, appealing to users who value tactile feedback without excessive sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX KD200 Linear

Jerrzi Violet Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX KD200 and the Jerrzi Violet, a notable contrast emerges between their top housings. The KD200 features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition. This material absorbs more sound than its harder counterparts, leading to a rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a clearer resonance, making it an ideal choice for users who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially when employing RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual effects.

Despite the differences in their top housings, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which aligns them in terms of tactile experience and sound characteristics. Nylon’s classic reputation as a switch housing material means that both the KD200 and Violet will create a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out. As both switches utilize this softer plastic for their bottom housing, typists can expect a similar auditory experience when pressing down on their keys. This shared material retains the essence of a rounded sound profile, providing a consistent feel across both products when engaged.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housings with the same nylon bottom housing yields a unique interaction within each switch. For the KD200, the softer nylon top housing enhances the overall depth and warmth of sound, while for the Jerrzi Violet, the clarity and brightness of the polycarbonate top housing create an engaging contrast. However, both switches leverage the nylon bottom housing to anchor the typing experience, ensuring that while the sound profiles may diverge upon key release, the bottoming out effect remains pleasantly similar in texture and tone. This harmonious blend allows typists a spectrum of auditory preferences while still experiencing the benefits of nylon's classic properties.

Weight

The HMX KD200 linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that both switches will require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity allows users to expect a comparable typing experience in terms of actuation feedback. However, the contrast arises with the bottom out force; the KD200 has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, which means users will experience a firmer resistance when pressing the switch all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Jerrzi Violet is unknown, making it difficult to draw comparisons in that regard. Overall, both switches are lightweight, making them suitable for extended typing sessions, but the KD200 provides a more definitive tactile feedback with its measurable bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we find that the KD200 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Violet measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This makes the KD200 the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker key presses. In contrast, the Violet, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and substantial feel for users who favor deeper key presses and a tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX KD200 linear switch is renowned for being the clackiest member of its family, which suggests it produces a pronounced and loud sound profile, making it particularly noticeable during typing. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch features a neutral sound signature that provides a more subdued auditory experience. This neutrality makes the Violet suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting, as it avoids distractions caused by excessive noise. While the KD200 may appeal to users who enjoy an audible click and a more aggressive sound, the Violet caters to those who prefer a balanced sound that's less intrusive.

When it comes to feel, the KD200, being a linear switch, is likely to provide a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, allowing for uninterrupted travel from the top to the bottom of the keypress. On the other hand, the Violet switch is described as a stepped tactile switch, which means it offers a distinct tactile bump during the actuation point, providing users with a noticeable physical response that enhances typing precision. This stepping action allows for a more engaging typing experience compared to the KD200, which focuses solely on linear smoothness. As a result, users seeking feedback and a more interactive feel may gravitate towards the Violet switch.

In summary, the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The KD200’s clackiness appeals to those who enjoy an audible typing experience, while the Violet’s neutral sound and gentle tactile feedback offer a balanced and pleasant option for users looking for a more discreet typing sound with tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it's essential to consider your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch that provides a more pronounced auditory feedback and enjoy the clacky sounds associated with keystrokes, the KD200, with its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, will likely enhance your typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively soundscape while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother typing experience with a pleasant, mild tactile bump, the Jerrzi Violet switch is an excellent choice. Its gentle tactile feedback offers a balanced typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions whether you're working or gaming. Additionally, since the Violet switch has a neutral sound signature, it is more versatile and appropriate for quieter environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities—whether it's sound and feedback or smooth operation and subtle tactility—ensuring that you enjoy every keystroke on your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Violet Tactile

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more