HMX Cloud - 50g vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts and casual users alike often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of various options. The HMX Cloud - 50g, known for its distinct clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, offers a vibrant typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy an auditory and tactile connection with their keyboard. Its lighter 50g resistance makes it a great choice for typists seeking a lively and engaging feel. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish features a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, characterized by a smooth and effortless typing action that caters specifically to casual users. Its extended spring design ensures a comfortable experience, allowing for strain-free typing during long sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences: the HMX Cloud - 50g provides a more dynamic sound and feel, while the Mannan Pipefish prioritizes ease and comfort. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish differ significantly in their top housing materials, leading to contrasting auditory experiences. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer texture that absorbs sound. This choice creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, delivering a rounder and more muted auditory effect. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer material that punctuates sounds with a sharper, higher-pitched quality. Consequently, users will find that while the Cloud - 50g offers a more subdued auditory experience, the Pipefish delivers a clear and resonant sound profile that can be especially pronounced when RGB lighting is in use, given polycarbonate's translucency.
When exploring the bottom housing materials of both switches, a fascinating parallel emerges. Both the Cloud - 50g and the Mannan Pipefish utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity means that, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, both switches will provide a consistent and deeper auditory experience when the key is bottomed out. The nylon's soft characteristics ensure that when pressed down, the sound is absorbed more readily, maintaining a fuller profile that contrasts with the sharper notes produced by the Pipefish’s polycarbonate top. Therefore, the overall typing experience will still retain some elements of depth and warmth due to the use of nylon in both models’ bottom housings.
In summary, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and KTT Mannan Pipefish showcase contrasting materials in their top housings—nylon versus polycarbonate—both switches share the same nylon material in their bottom housings. This creates an intriguing blend of sound profiles wherein the softer nylon bass described for both enhances the overall typing feel and sound dampening effect. Ultimately, through their differing top housing materials, the Cloud - 50g offers a deeper, softer auditory experience, while the Mannan Pipefish provides a crisper, more resonant sound, yet both will converge to deliver a satisfying, rich typing feel rooted in their nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, both exhibit relatively light forces that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish features a slightly lower actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Pipefish is the lighter switch overall, requiring less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Cloud - 50g. Both switches provide a light typing experience which is advantageous for long sessions, whether at work or during gaming. However, the Cloud - 50g is better suited for those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel, while the Mannan Pipefish caters to those who enjoy an even lighter touch. Ultimately, users can expect a comparable typing experience with a subtle difference in force dynamics based on their preference for either switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, a slight difference is evident. The HMX Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the HMX Cloud - 50g the shorter option by 0.1 mm. For users who prioritize rapid response times, the shorter travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g might be more appealing, as it's often preferred by gamers seeking quick actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more deliberate key press and a fuller tactile experience might lean towards the KTT Mannan Pipefish with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences, with the Cloud - 50g providing a slightly quicker response and the Mannan Pipefish offering a bit more depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 50g 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch features a clacky sound profile, which appeals to enthusiasts who prefer a brighter and more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This distinctive sound can create an engaging and lively typing atmosphere. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch offers a neutral sound profile, which makes it versatile for various settings, whether it's at home or in the office. The moderate sound level of the Pipefish switch integrates seamlessly into everyday typing without drawing too much attention, catering to both beginners and advanced users alike.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 50g switch provides a silky smooth experience, making each key press enjoyable and seamless. The lighter variation encourages a quick and fluid typing experience, perfect for those who appreciate rapid keystrokes. The Mannan Pipefish, on the other hand, is designed for effortless typing with its light 45g actuation force and lengthened spring. This switch offers an easy-to-press characteristic, requiring minimal effort for activation, thus reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the polished nature of the Pipefish enhances its smoothness, ensuring a refined and responsive typing session.
Overall, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches provide compelling options for different typing preferences. The Cloud - 50g is ideal for those who enjoy a lively sound and a smooth feel, while the Mannan Pipefish is perfect for casual typists looking for comfort and efficiency. While the sound profiles differ, with the Cloud offering more auditory feedback compared to the neutral tone of the Pipefish, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience tailored to their respective audiences. Hence, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound characterization or an effortless typing action.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you are looking for a lively and engaging typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g may be the better choice for you, especially if you appreciate a clacky sound profile that adds character to your keyboarding sessions. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams provides a tactile feel that can enhance typing feedback, making it a great option for enthusiasts wanting that distinct auditory and tactile response. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, particularly for prolonged sessions, the Mannan Pipefish excels in this area. With its slightly lighter 45-gram actuation force and neutral sound profile, the Pipefish is perfect for casual typists who seek comfort without compromising on responsiveness. Its polished feel and easy-to-press design contribute to a typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, making it suitable for both work and leisure. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing are most important to you—whether it's feedback and sound or smoothness and comfort—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
