HMX KD200 vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX KD200 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° present two intriguing choices, each catering to different user preferences. The KD200, celebrated as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, offers a tactile typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate for its acoustic feedback and satisfying sound. This switch is ideal for those who revel in the auditory pleasure of their keystrokes, making it a fantastic option for typists and gamers seeking a responsive and engaging experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch brings an innovative twist to the table with its self-padding design and dual-rail structure. It excels in silent typing due to its unique design, which absorbs sound, providing a smoother and more stable performance without the added noise. This makes the Zero Degree 0° an excellent choice for those who prioritize quietness and a soft, elastic feel while typing, particularly in shared or public environments. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX KD200 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, one can immediately identify a notable contrast in their top housing compositions. The KD200 employs nylon, a material celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer, sound-absorbing characteristics. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° utilizes polycarbonate, which contributes a sharper and crisper sound thanks to its stiffness and resonance properties. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials results in distinct auditory experiences: the KD200 offers a more subdued and rounded sound, while the Gateron provides a more vibrant and clear aural feedback, especially advantageous for RGB setups due to the translucency of polycarbonate.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing, leading to similarities in their acoustic profiles in this area. The KD200 and the Zero Degree 0° share the inherited qualities of nylon, which inherently dampens sound and creates a deeper bottom-out feel. In this regard, users can expect a consistent experience when pressing down on both switches due to the shared nylon bottom housing. This similarity in bottom housing material means that while the top housing may differ in sound output, the overall tactile response when bottoming out will evoke similar sensations in both switches, ensuring a degree of familiarity for users exploring either switch.
Ultimately, the unique combination of materials in each switch contributes to a balanced yet contrasting sensory experience. While the KD200’s nylon top provides a deeper and more rounded auditory feedback, the Gateron's polycarbonate top offers a crisper sound profile. Even though both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, an aspect that unifies their tactile feedback, the overall performance remains distinctly influenced by the top housing material. This interplay highlights how the selection of housing materials can shape both the sound and feel of a switch, allowing enthusiasts to select based on their preferred audio and tactile outcomes.
Weight
The HMX KD200 linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch exhibit similarities in actuation force, as both require 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This equivalence suggests that users seeking a lightweight typing experience can expect similar results in responsiveness from both switches, making them suitable for extended use during long work sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the KD200 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which provides a bit more feedback upon fully pressing the key, while the Zero Degree 0° lacks an available bottom out force measurement. This absence means we cannot make a direct comparison regarding the resistance felt when the key is fully pressed down. Therefore, while they share the same actuation force, the KD200 ultimately offers a heavier bottom out experience. Overall, for those who appreciate a lighter switch for comfort, both switches are viable options, but the KD200 delivers a more substantial feel when bottoming out.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX KD200 linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm makes the KD200 the shorter option, which may be more appealing to gamers or users who favor quicker response times. On the other hand, the Zero Degree switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel during key presses, which some users may prefer for a more traditionally tactile experience. Although both switches are relatively close in travel distances, the KD200's shorter design could result in a more immediate actuation, whereas the Gateron Zero Degree offers a marginally deeper engagement with each keystroke.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 linear switch is known for being the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, making it a choice for those who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. The distinct clacky nature creates a more pronounced acoustic experience, which can be especially satisfying in a bustling environment. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is engineered for a much quieter interaction, featuring a self-padding design that minimizes noise during keystrokes. This innovative construction absorbs sound effectively, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience in shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the KD200 offers a tactile and responsive typing experience, allowing users to feel each actuation without any bagginess or wobble. Its linear nature provides a smooth travel from top to bottom, though the emphasis on sound makes it more about the auditory feedback than the tactile sensation. Conversely, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° focuses on unparalleled smoothness and stability, enhanced by its dual-rail structure that contributes to a soft, elastic feel while typing. This combination leads to a cushioned sensation that can be appealing for users looking for comfort during prolonged typing sessions, ensuring that each keystroke feels gentle and controlled.
In summary, while the HMX KD200 linear switch is designed for those who appreciate a loud and clacky auditory feedback, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch caters to users who prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience. The KD200 emphasizes an engaging sound profile, while the Zero Degree focuses on subtlety and comfort. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities, and the choice between them will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback or a serene typing environment.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, your choice should primarily hinge on your typing experience preferences and the environment in which you typically type. If you enjoy a slightly more tactile and responsive typing experience, the KD200, with its 50-gram bottom out force, provides a lively feel and a noticeable clack that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment, especially if sound isn’t a concern. It's ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback and prefer a more dynamic key press. On the other hand, if you're in a noise-sensitive environment or simply prefer a quieter experience, the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, with its innovative self-padding design and completely silent operation, is likely your best bet. This switch offers unparalleled smoothness and stability, making it perfect for long typing sessions without the fatigue of auditory distractions. Therefore, consider what aspects are most important to you—if you value sound and a lively typing feel, go for the KD200; if silence and a smooth, cushioned feel are what you seek, the Zero Degree 0° is the way to go.
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