HMX Deep Navy vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Mannan Pipefish offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy switch, known for its rich sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes resulting from its full nylon construction and Ly stem, appeals to those who prefer a more tactile auditory feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish switch shines with its effortless linear action, enhanced by a lengthened spring and a lighter 45g actuation force, making it ideal for casual typists seeking a strain-free experience without compromising precision. While both switches are categorized as linear and provide smooth typing, their distinct characteristics offer varied benefits that can enhance your overall keyboard experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, a distinct contrast emerges between the two switch designs, particularly in their top housings. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon for its top housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the plastic's softer nature, which absorbs more sound. This results in a more muted auditory experience when typing, as the nylon dulls the sharper acoustic frequencies. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish opts for polycarbonate in its top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate enhance the clarity and resonance of sound, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more vibrant auditory feedback, especially in setups with RGB lighting that benefit from the material's translucent properties.

Despite their differences in top housing, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, leading to a uniform sound profile in that aspect. The use of nylon in both the Deep Navy and the Mannan Pipefish for the bottom housing means that both switches will exhibit a similar deeper, rounder sound when bottoming out. This consistency works to balance the variability introduced by the top housings, ensuring that users will have a unified experience in terms of feel and auditory feedback when the keys are fully pressed down. The bottom housing is particularly impactful on the overall typing experience, making it a critical component for both switches, despite their differing profiles created by the top materials.

Ultimately, the combination of nylon in the bottom housing and the differing materials in the top housing offers a nuanced typing experience for users of both the Deep Navy and the Mannan Pipefish. The Deep Navy's nylon top housing lends a warmer sound, while the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top housing delivers crisper acoustics. For those who appreciate a fuller sound with muted highs, the Deep Navy would be preferable. Conversely, the Mannan Pipefish caters to users looking for brightness and clarity. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that, regardless of the choice, users will find some commonality in the typing experience, particularly in the bottom-out sound and feel, fostering an appreciation for the unique characteristics each switch brings to the table.

Weight

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch both feature relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Deep Navy has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish boasts a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams, with both switches sharing an identical bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users of either switch will experience a similar bottoming out sensation, although the Mannan Pipefish offers a marginally easier initial keystroke due to its lower actuation force. Given these specifications, the Deep Navy is the heavier of the two in terms of actuation force, appealing to those who may prefer a bit more resistance when pressing keys.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, the differences are clear. The Deep Navy switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mannan Pipefish features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Deep Navy switch offers a slightly shallower experience, which is often preferred by gamers for quicker response times, whereas the Mannan Pipefish provides a more substantial depth that some users might find more satisfying during use. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the HMX Deep Navy is the shorter option; however, if you value a deeper keystroke, the KTT Mannan Pipefish is the better choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy switch offers a rich and sharp audio profile owing to its full nylon construction. This sound quality contributes to a more engaging and immersive typing experience, making it quite appealing to users who enjoy audibly satisfying keystrokes. Conversely, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch exhibits a neutral sound profile, which features a moderate actuation force and sound level, making it versatile for both home and office environments. This neutrality allows the Mannan Pipefish to cater effectively to a broader audience, though it may not provide the same auditory excitement as the Deep Navy.

Regarding feel, the Deep Navy switch is known for its silky smoothness with each keystroke, an important trait for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience. The switch’s design promotes fluid motion, enhancing overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish excels in providing an easy-to-press and polished feel. With its light 45g actuation force, it minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. The combination of minimal resistance and a refined finish ensures a responsive and low-impact typing experience, which many casual typists will find appealing.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches offer distinct yet desirable qualities. While the Deep Navy excels in its rich sound and silky feel, the Mannan Pipefish provides a neutral auditory experience and a highly comfortable, polished typing journey. Users can choose between the engaging audio of the Deep Navy or the effortless typing experience of the Mannan Pipefish, depending on their personal preferences and typing needs. Ultimately, either switch can significantly enhance the mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for an immersive typing experience characterized by a rich sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, the Deep Navy switches might be the ideal choice for you. Their full nylon construction likely contributes to a distinct acoustic output that can enhance the sensory pleasure of typing, making these switches suitable for users who enjoy the auditory feedback while they work or play. On the other hand, if your priority is effortless typing with minimal finger fatigue, the Mannan Pipefish should be on your radar. With its easy-to-press nature and polished finish, this switch is tailored for those who want comfort and precision, especially during extended typing sessions. Additionally, its neutral sound profile makes it versatile enough for both home and office usage, accommodating a wider range of environments. Ultimately, assess what aspects are most important to you—whether it's the sound and feel of the Deep Navy or the ease and comfort of the Mannan Pipefish—and make your choice accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more