HC Studio Crabapple vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Mannan Pipefish both offer unique experiences for users. The Crabapple, a linear switch, is crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it perfect for those who prefer a subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish, also a linear switch, offers effortless and enjoyable typing with its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. This switch is ideal for casual typists seeking a comfortable and strain-free keyboarding journey. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Mannan Pipefish differ significantly in terms of sound profiles and material properties. The Crabapple's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material used in the Mannan Pipefish allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing a visually appealing feature. On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and pleasing sound profile, while the Mannan Pipefish's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer and sound-absorbing properties.
Despite their differences, both switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the overall sound and feel of typing on the keyboard. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division of housing materials allows for a more nuanced typing experience, catering to various preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Crabapple and Mannan Pipefish greatly influences the overall typing experience. While the POM housing of the Crabapple and the polycarbonate housing of the Mannan Pipefish offer distinct sound profiles and material properties, both switches aim to provide a unique and pleasing typing experience. Whether one prefers a deeper and muted sound or a sharper and crisper sound, there is a switch available to cater to different preferences and aesthetics. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of keyboard switches, allowing for customization and personalization in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
Both the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch have the same actuation force of 37 grams and bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typing on either switch will provide a consistent and light typing experience. The light actuation force is ideal for those who prefer to type for extended periods of time, making it suitable for work or gaming sessions. Additionally, the light bottom out force ensures that the keys are not overly stiff and provide a smooth typing experience. Overall, whether you choose the Crabapple or the Mannan Pipefish, you can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Mannan Pipefish has a longer travel distance compared to the Crabapple. The Crabapple offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which some users may find more responsive and suitable for gaming due to faster response times. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish provides a deeper travel distance that may feel more substantial and satisfying for users who prefer a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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 Crabapple switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and preferences. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Crabapple switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, featuring a smooth and effortless typing journey with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers an easy-to-press and polished feel, requiring minimal force to activate with smooth key travel. These features contribute to a comfortable and precise typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Taking all aspects into consideration, both the Crabapple and Mannan Pipefish switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Crabapple switch provides a frictionless and mild typing experience with a subdued sound, the Mannan Pipefish switch prioritizes easy-to-press keys with a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing feel and sound preference. However, both switches are designed to offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring a delightful keyboarding journey for users.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a smooth, frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture, along with a mild and understated sound signature, then the Crabapple switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek an effortless and enjoyable typing experience with a smooth linear action, light actuation force, and comfortable key presses, complemented by a polished finish and low-impact typing feel, then the Mannan Pipefish switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a unique typing feel and sound or a comfortable and strain-free typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
