HMX Caramel Pudding vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek a blend of sound and feel to enhance their typing experience. The HMX Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, appealing to those who appreciate auditory feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches offer a different yet enticing experience with their effortless and enjoyable typing characteristics; featuring a light 45g actuation force and a lengthened spring, they provide a comfortable and strain-free experience ideal for casual typists. While the Caramel Pudding emphasizes a delightful auditory component along with smoothness, the Mannan Pipefish focuses on ease of use and polished performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Caramel Pudding and the KTT Mannan Pipefish feature distinct materials for their top housings, specifically nylon for the Caramel Pudding and polycarbonate for the Mannan Pipefish. The nylon top housing of the Caramel Pudding is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound and produces a rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Mannan Pipefish delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile because its stiffer nature allows for more clarity and resonance. This fundamental difference signifies that while both switches can create engaging auditory feedback, the overall experience will vary significantly based on the material choice for the top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Caramel Pudding and the Mannan Pipefish use nylon, which results in a shared characteristic regarding the auditory feedback during typing. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as it similarly absorbs sound, ensuring that the bottoming-out experience is consistent. Since the bottom housing plays a substantial role in the feel and sound when pressing down a key, the shared use of nylon in this component means that both switches will present a comparable tactile response and auditory experience during key presses. This consistency in the bottom housing material bridges the difference observed in their top housings.
When considering the combined impact of both the top and bottom housings, it becomes evident that the overall typing experience will be influenced by the interaction of the two materials. The nylon bottom housing will enhance the depth of sound during key presses, while the differing top materials will shape the sound profile upon release, creating a nuanced experience that reflects the switch's design goals. Therefore, while the Caramel Pudding delivers a rounded auditory experience with its nylon top housing, the Mannan Pipefish provides clarity with its polycarbonate top. Nevertheless, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings assures that the foundational auditory quality remains similar, allowing for a diverse yet cohesive typing experience across both products.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch each offer distinct actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Caramel Pudding has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light in terms of feel. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which classifies it as light. This means that users seeking a lighter typing experience will find the Mannan Pipefish more suitable, especially for extended use in work or gaming environments, while those who prefer a slightly more substantial push feel may gravitate towards the Caramel Pudding. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches reflect the variation in tactile feedback and user experience they offer.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, we find that they differ significantly. The Caramel Pudding has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mannan Pipefish extends to 4 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding switch is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that appeals to gamers who prefer quick key presses. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish, with its longer travel distance, allows for a more pronounced feedback that some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, if you're looking for snappier feedback, the Caramel Pudding is the better choice, whereas the Mannan Pipefish caters to those who enjoy a deeper key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Caramel Pudding has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Pudding 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding switch is characterized by a resonant, clacky sound signature that can be quite satisfying for those who appreciate auditory feedback during typing. This sound adds a layer of engagement to the typing experience, making it enjoyable for users who like their keyboard to make a little noise with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it neither leans toward being overly loud nor excessively muted. This quality makes the Mannan Pipefish versatile for various environments, whether at home or in a workplace, appealing to those who prefer a quieter auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Pudding switch is known for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, allowing for swift and seamless key presses. This smoothness can enhance accuracy and reduce fatigue, making it a good choice for long typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish offers an easy-to-press action with minimal resistance, further contributing to a strain-free experience. Additionally, its polished finish ensures reduced friction during key travel, allowing for a refined touch that feels responsive and effortless. Both switches provide a level of comfort that is crucial for typists, although the Caramel Pudding may lean more towards speed and smoothness, while the Mannan Pipefish focuses on ease of use and comfort over extended typing.
In conclusion, while the HMX Caramel Pudding and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches have distinctive sound profiles with the former being resonant and the latter neutral, both offer a remarkably smooth feel that caters to enjoyable typing experiences. The Caramel Pudding’s clacky sound might appeal to those who appreciate a more vibrant auditory feedback, whereas the quiet neutrality of the Mannan Pipefish fits well for users seeking a more subdued typing environment. In terms of feel, both switches support effortless key presses, reducing the risk of finger fatigue. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound characteristics or the specific nuances of feel, though either option will deliver a satisfying typing journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a medium-light resistance with a resonant, clacky sound signature, and seek an exquisitely smooth typing experience, then the Caramel Pudding switches will be an excellent choice for you, especially if you value auditory feedback as part of your typing routine. On the other hand, if you're a casual typist looking for a light, effortless feel and a neutral sound profile suitable for various environments, the Mannan Pipefish would be the more comfortable option. Its easy-to-press mechanism and polished design enhance long typing sessions while minimizing finger fatigue. Ultimately, consider your typing style and whether sound or feel is more critical to your keyboarding experience, as this will guide you in selecting the switch that suits your needs best.
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