HMX Jelly vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly 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, understanding the nuances between different options can significantly enhance your typing experience. The HMX Jelly switch stands out with its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, complemented by super smooth operation thanks to excellent factory lubrication. With a lightweight actuation force of 42g, it offers a responsive touch perfect for those who enjoy a softer keypress. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch promises effortless and enjoyable typing through its polished, smooth linear action and slightly heavier actuation force of 45g. This switch features a lengthened spring, ensuring a comfortable typing experience that many casual typists will appreciate for its delightful and strain-free nature. While the Jelly appeals with its unique auditory feedback and lighter touch, the Mannan Pipefish caters to users seeking a more robust and polished feel. 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
3.80 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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, a striking contrast emerges, particularly in their top housing. The HMX Jelly utilizes nylon, a softer plastic that is considered a classic in switch housing design. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the nylon absorbs sound effectively and creates a duller, rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucence of polycarbonate not only aids in light diffusion for RGB lighting but also enhances the clarity of the sound produced, showcasing how different materials can significantly affect auditory characteristics in switches.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon in their bottom housings, which allows for a shared auditory quality despite their top housing differences. The nylon bottom housing in both the HMX Jelly and the KTT Mannan Pipefish provides a deep, rich sound profile, reinforcing the full-bodied acoustic experience typical of nylon. This collective material choice facilitates a more cohesive feel when typing, as the softness of nylon creates a muted tactile response, impacting the bottom-out sound in a similar manner for both switches. Thus, while the top layers differ, the bottom layers align the two switches with a comparable auditory outcome, emphasizing how multiple layers of materials influence the overall sound and feel of each switch.
The unique combination of housing materials in each switch allows them to each produce distinct results depending on the context of the typing experience. In the case of the HMX Jelly, the nylon top contributes to a dulled sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom maintains a consistent depth in sound. Conversely, the KTT Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top enhances the clarity of sound during unloading, balancing with the nylon bottom section for a well-rounded performance. This differentiation showcases how material choices can provide specific auditory characteristics — a nuanced blend of sound profiles that are derived from the interplay between the softer and harsher plastics employed, yielding distinct but equally enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, although both are considered light switches. The HMX Jelly has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish features a lower actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Mannan Pipefish the lighter option in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, providing a slightly easier keystroke experience that can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly, while also light, offers a more substantial push feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Therefore, while both switches provide a light touch, the Pipefish clearly stands out as the lighter choice overall.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm can impact the feel and responsiveness of each switch. For gamers or those who prefer quicker key presses, the Jelly's shorter travel distance may offer a more responsive experience, aligning with current trends favoring swift actuation. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish, with its longer travel distance, provides a deeper feel that some users find more satisfying and stable. Ultimately, if you lean towards a more abrupt response, the Jelly is the better choice, but if you value a hearty depth, the Mannan Pipefish is likely more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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 Jelly switch offers a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that many enthusiasts find satisfying. This sound is characterized by its resonance, contributing to a more immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish is noted for its neutral sound profile, which presents a moderate actuation force and a balanced auditory experience. This makes it suitable for various environments, be it home or office, without overwhelming your surroundings with noise. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences that can be further influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap material choices.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jelly switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, thanks to the factory lubrication it receives. This results in a nearly frictionless keypress that enhances the typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a fluid action. While specific tactile feedback details for the Jelly aren't provided, it is known to have a lightweight actuation at 42g, which aids in reducing finger fatigue. Conversely, the KTT Mannan Pipefish is designed with a longer spring that provides an effortless typing experience, requiring only a 45g actuation force. Additionally, the polished finish contributes to a refined feel, minimizing friction and enhancing the overall smoothness during key presses. Both switches prioritize comfort but achieve it through slightly different mechanisms.
In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly and KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities, they both excel in providing enjoyable experiences suited for different typing preferences. The Jelly’s deep sound and ultra-smooth action can cater to those looking for a more immersive auditory sensation, while the Pipefish’s neutral sound and easy-to-press characteristics may appeal to users prioritizing a comfortable and strain-free feel. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prefer a more pronounced sound signature or a balanced auditory experience, as both switches promise distinct advantages tailored to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you're drawn to a unique sound experience and appreciate a thocky auditory feedback with every keystroke, the Jelly switch would serve you well, especially for gaming or when you desire a more engaging feedback during typing. Its smoothness, enhanced by factory lubrication, makes it perfect for those who value both auditory and tactile satisfaction in their keyboard play. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more neutral sound profile combined with effortless, strain-free typing, the Mannan Pipefish could be your ideal choice. With its light actuation force and polished feel, this switch is particularly suited for long typing sessions or for those who need a reliable switch for everyday computing without the added noise. In essence, if your focus is on a more immersive typing experience, go with the Jelly; but for comfort and ease during casual typing, the Mannan Pipefish is the way to go.
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