HMX KD200 vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Yellow Silver 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 Outemu Yellow Silver each offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The HMX KD200, renowned for being the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, delivers a tactile experience that some users find enjoyable, particularly those who appreciate the audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver boasts a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it a top choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness during intense gaming sessions or long typing marathons. While the KD200 provides a satisfying auditory alert, the Yellow Silver is favored for its smoothness and quiet operation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 Outemu Yellow Silver switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The KD200 features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer nature, which helps absorb sound waves, resulting in a rounded audio experience when typing. In contrast, the Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material also has a translucent quality, making it particularly appealing for setups with RGB lighting, as it enhances the aesthetic elements of the keyboard.
When it comes to their bottom housings, both the KD200 and the Yellow Silver utilize nylon, offering a consistent auditory experience despite the differences in their top materials. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, characterized by its acoustic absorption, which helps create a duller and rounder bottom-out sound. Consequently, both switches will deliver a similar tactile and auditory feedback when bottoming out, as the bottom housing's qualities are fundamental to how users perceive the experience. This shared material ensures that despite the variation in the top housing, the essential bottom-out feel remains somewhat consistent.
Ultimately, the contrast between the housings allows for distinct typing experiences between the two switches. The KD200's nylon top likely emphasizes a more subdued and rounded sound, ideally suited for those who prefer a quieter workspace, while the Yellow Silver’s polycarbonate top delivers a brighter, more resonant sound profile, catering to individuals who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feedback. However, because both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, users can still expect similar end results in terms of depth of sound and tactility, allowing for distinct yet complementary auditory profiles when used in conjunction with their respective top materials.
Weight
The HMX KD200 and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches have comparable actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, which yields similar typing experiences in terms of initial activation. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the KD200 reaching 50 grams while the Yellow Silver requires a slightly heftier 55 grams to fully depress the switch. This difference in bottom out force indicates that the Yellow Silver provides a firmer feel at the end of travel, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the KD200 is the lighter option overall, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort during longer typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Yellow Silver, being the heavier switch, caters to those who enjoy a stronger push feel when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we find a notable difference. The KD200 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yellow Silver features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the KD200 offers a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key actuation and a more immediate response. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's longer 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper, more tactile experience that may be preferred by those who enjoy a more traditional typing sensation. Overall, if responsiveness is your priority, the KD200 would be the better choice, while the Yellow Silver caters to those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke depth.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The sound profile of the HMX KD200 linear switch can be characterized by its clackiness, making it the loudest member of the HMX Film switch family. This distinctive sound may appeal to those who enjoy a tactile auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver features a neutral sound profile. This neutrality allows it to blend seamlessly into various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and typing. The contrast between the clackiness of the KD200 and the subdued characteristics of the Yellow Silver highlights their intended audiences, with the former appealing to those who prefer audible feedback and the latter catering to users looking for a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the KD200 is reputed for its unique tactile response—though details are lacking, such switches typically offer a smooth travel without any resistance points, enhancing user satisfaction. Conversely, the Yellow Silver is known for its light actuation force, making it feel more responsive and speedy, particularly favored by gamers. This combination of a low actuation force and fluid travel can create an effortless typing experience, allowing for rapid key presses. The distinct feel of each switch contributes to their individual strengths, with the KD200 potentially offering more character while the Yellow Silver emphasizes speed and efficiency.
In summary, the HMX KD200 and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches cater to different preferences through their sound and feel characteristics. The KD200’s clackiness provides a robust auditory feedback for enthusiasts, while the Yellow Silver’s neutral sound profile and lighter actuation force foster a more subdued yet responsive typing experience. Users looking for a loud, expressive switch may gravitate towards the KD200, whereas those desiring a faster, quieter option will likely prefer the Yellow Silver. Ultimately, both switches can serve their respective audiences well, delivering unique experiences tailored to specific use cases.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the decision between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing or gaming style. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a clacky sound that adds some auditory feedback to your keystrokes, the KD200 could be the Switch for you, especially with its lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it feel quick and responsive. This switch is particularly enjoyable for typists who appreciate a bit of character in their keystrokes and gamers looking for that satisfying sound during intense sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted experience and a slight increase in bottom-out force at 55 grams, the Yellow Silver switch stands out with its neutral sound profile and balanced feel, which caters well to both gaming and typing without being overly distracting. This makes the Yellow Silver an excellent choice for those who want versatility, whether you’re in a quiet office setting or gaming at home. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize the auditory feedback and lighter actuation of the HMX KD200 or the balanced responsiveness and subtlety of the Outemu Yellow Silver.
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