I'm thinking about switching to Shimano chains for my 10 speed Shimano road cassette, which is made of a mix of CS-4600 and CS-HG500 cogs, and RD-4700 and SRAM YAW FD, and TA double chainrings. I've used the KMC X10-93 (new name X10 silver/black) but it only lasted around 2000km until it reached almost 0.5% pure stretch (excluding roller wear). I'm now using the cheaper KMC X10-73 (new name X10 gray) which has inferior plating, but cheaper price.

I was wondering if the Shimano CN-HG95 and CN-6701 chains might possibly last longer than the 2 KMC chains that I've used. Both Shimano chains are around the same price of $20, similarly priced to the KMC X10-93 (silver/black).

Will both CN-HG95 and CN-6701 work on my road drivetrain? Which would last longer and run more efficiently?

The product info for CN-HG95 says not compatible with road components. Wiggle QA says no. Chainreactioncycles QA says yes. But the road compatibility chart says both chains work for CS-4600 and CS-HG500 cassettes and RD-4700, which are mostly road components. The cassettes show up on the MTB compatibility chart too. So I'm not sure why the CN-HG95 product info says no to road.

Both chains are directional. CN-HG95 has the HG-X feature with solid plates and sil tec mud shedding coating, says for 2x and 3x. While CN-6701 has slotted plates without the coating, says for 2x (CN-6600 for 3x).

Whichever of the 2 chains, are there any problems with using KMC quick links with them instead of the Shimano pins? I read on other forums that people do this just fine. Or is it more efficient or wear resistant when using the Shimano pins?