HMX Canglan V2 vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the nuances that can significantly influence their typing experience. The HMX Canglan V2 and KTT Mannan Pipefish are both linear switches, yet they offer distinct characteristics that cater to varying preferences. The Canglan V2 has quickly gained a reputation for its thocky sound and smooth, light feel, attributed to its carefully engineered materials and advanced molding techniques, making it an enticing choice for those who relish a deeper auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish excels in providing an effortless and enjoyable typing experience, featuring a longer spring and a comfortable 45g actuation force that caters to casual typists seeking a user-friendly, strain-free interaction with their keyboard. While both switches ensure a smooth linear action, their unique sound profiles and tactile responses resonate with different types of users. 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
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, a clear distinction is evident in the materials used for the top housing. The Canglan V2 features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer qualities that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and less piercing auditory experience. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer material that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The inherent characteristics of polycarbonate lend themselves to greater sound resonance, making it particularly effective for applications that benefit from clarity, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both the Canglan V2 and Mannan Pipefish employ nylon. This creates a consistency in the typing experience regarding the bottom-out sound and feel, as nylon's softer nature provides that familiar deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, regardless of the differing top housing materials, users can expect a similar bottom-out experience on both switches, thanks to the nylon used in their construction. This shared material ensures that the overall feel and sound remain cohesive within each switch mechanism, allowing users to enjoy the deep, rounded notes during key presses.
Ultimately, the variation in top housing materials between the Canglan V2 and Mannan Pipefish leads to distinct auditory outcomes while maintaining a unified tactile experience from the nylon bottom. Users who prefer a more subdued sound may gravitate towards the Canglan V2, whereas those seeking a sharper, clearer auditory feedback might opt for the Mannan Pipefish. Nevertheless, the nylon bottom housing guarantees a consistent deeper sound profile irrespective of the top housing choice, ensuring that both switches can offer satisfying results, albeit in different auditory realms.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch to the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions. The Canglan V2 has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This distinction indicates that the Mannan Pipefish is the lighter option, requiring less effort to actuate and bottom out. Both switches provide an overall light tactile experience, making them suitable for users who prioritize comfort during extended use. The lighter actuation forces in both switches may lead to similar typing results, but the Mannan Pipefish will likely feel even easier to press, catering to those who prefer less resistance.
Travel distance
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offer different travel distances, providing distinct tactile experiences for users. The Canglan V2 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mannan Pipefish has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Canglan V2 allows for a slightly shorter keypress, which may be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances tend to facilitate faster actuation. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more pronounced keypress that may be preferred by those who favor a more substantial feel and deeper dive when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference: if you desire rapid actuation and a snappier response, the Canglan V2 is the ideal choice, while the Mannan Pipefish would suit those who appreciate a more robust typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
The KTT Mannan Pipefish has an MSRP of $3.53 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mannan Pipefish for $3.05.
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 Canglan V2 switch is characterized by a satisfyingly deep sound signature, which many enthusiasts find thocky and rich, enhancing the auditory experience of typing. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch features a more neutral sound, characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound profile. This quality makes it versatile enough for casual typing and suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. Overall, while the Canglan V2 offers a more pronounced auditory character, both switches depend on the specific keyboard and keycap setup to further shape their acoustic performance.
When discussing feel, the Canglan V2 provides a smooth and light typing experience, allowing for a fluid keystroke that stands out from other offering in the HMX range. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch is celebrated for its effortlessly easy-to-press action coupled with gentle resistance, contributing to a very comfortable typing experience. With a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, it minimizes finger fatigue, particularly during long typing sessions. The Pipefish's polished nature further enhances its feel by offering reduced friction and a refined keystroke, creating an inviting and effortless typing environment that users appreciate.
In conclusion, the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch present distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Canglan V2 excels in delivering a thocky sound and a smooth feel, appealing to those who prefer a deep auditory feedback with their typing. Meanwhile, the Mannan Pipefish's neutral sound and easy-to-press nature, combined with its polished finish, make it a great choice for casual typists seeking comfort and versatility. Both switches, while offering different qualities, cater to the preferences of users in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch ultimately depends on your individual typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're an enthusiast who enjoys a thocky sound profile and a deep auditory experience while typing, the Canglan V2 is worth considering. Its light 48g bottom-out force, combined with its carefully crafted materials, promises a smooth and satisfying feel that elevates your typing game, making it an excellent choice for users who find joy in auditory feedback and more pronounced keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize a flawless and effortless typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish might be your ideal pick. With its 45g actuation and bottom-out force and easy-to-press design, it's perfect for casual typists and those who value comfort and reduced finger fatigue, especially during long typing sessions. This switch also offers a polished finish that enhances the overall feel, making it versatile enough for both home and work environments. In essence, your choice should align with whether you lean towards tactile sound and deep feedback (Canglan V2) or a super smooth, strain-free typing experience (Mannan Pipefish).
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