HMX Lucky vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Lucky and the KTT Mannan Pipefish present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth, linear typing experience. The HMX Lucky switch stands out for its lightweight design and softer nylon housing, creating a typing feel that is both neutral and deeply satisfying. This makes it a fantastic choice for users who value a gentle touch and an aesthetically pleasing appearance, thanks to its glittery texture. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish offers an effortlessly enjoyable typing experience with a longer spring and a light 45g actuation force, making it ideal for casual typists who prioritize comfort and precision during extended keyboard use. Its smooth linear action is designed for those who seek a delightful, strain-free experience. While both switches offer unique advantages, their subtle differences can impact your overall typing pleasure. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Lucky Linear

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Lucky and the KTT Mannan Pipefish showcase contrasting housing materials that significantly influence their auditory profiles. The Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing while the Mannan Pipefish is constructed with polycarbonate for its top housing. These materials provide distinctly different sound characteristics; nylon is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Mannan Pipefish produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its rigidity. This divergence in material choice leads to different sonic outcomes, with nylon creating a muted, rounded tone while polycarbonate offers clarity and resonance, essential for users who appreciate the subtleties of sound in their typing experience.

Despite the differences observed in the top housing materials, both the HMX Lucky and the KTT Mannan Pipefish share a commonality in their bottom housings, both made from nylon. This similarity means that when typing on both switches, users will benefit from the same deeper and fuller sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall sound when the key is depressed, ensuring a consistent auditory experience across both models. Thus, while the top housing influences sound release and the profile of sound when a key is released, the nylon bottom houses of both switches ground them in a unified auditory signature, highlighting the essential qualities of nylon in sound absorption and tonal richness.

Essentially, the disparate top housing materials lead to two unique experiences when typing: the deep and rounded sound of the HMX Lucky versus the crisp and clear sound of the KTT Mannan Pipefish. However, this difference becomes less pronounced when the switches are bottomed out, as both models share the nylon bottom, which contributes to a consistent sound quality upon key depression. Thus, while the materials yield distinct effects on sound profiles, they converge in their use of nylon in the bottom housing, allowing users to achieve a balanced experience regardless of their choice between the two switches. By understanding how the materials interact, one can appreciate both the unique and shared qualities that define the auditory experience of these switches.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, both exhibit a similar actuation force of 37 grams, which suggests a light touch is required to register a keystroke for both switches. However, there is a slight difference in their bottom out forces, with the Lucky at 43 grams and the Mannan Pipefish at 45 grams, indicating that users will feel a slightly heavier resistance when fully pressing down on the Pipefish switch compared to the Lucky. As a result, while both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, the Pipefish switch may provide a more substantial feel at the bottom of the keypress. Overall, the Lucky switch is the lighter option due to its lower bottom out force, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions, whereas the Mannan Pipefish might appeal to those who prefer a firmer push feel.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the HMX Lucky and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches differ, with the Lucky featuring a travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Mannan Pipefish's 4 mm. This makes the HMX Lucky the shorter option, which caters to users who prefer faster response times and a more responsive feel, typically favored by gamers. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish, with its slightly longer travel distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a fuller tactile experience and prefer the deeper feedback of a longer keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired balance between responsiveness and keypress depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Lucky switch's profile remains undefined in the provided details, leaving that characteristic open to speculation. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is described as neutral, possessing a moderate sound level that caters to a wide audience. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether for casual typing at home or for professional use in the office. The overall sound experience can also vary based on the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials used, but the Mannan Pipefish maintains a balanced auditory presence that is generally unobtrusive.

In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switch is portrayed as providing a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, although specific metrics or descriptors are absent. The KTT Mannan Pipefish, on the other hand, offers a noticeably easy-to-press action with its light 45g actuation force, reducing resistance and making it comfortable for long typing sessions. Furthermore, the polished finish of the Mannan Pipefish ensures smooth key travel, minimizing friction during keystrokes and enhancing the overall tactile satisfaction. While the Lucky switch emphasizes a satisfying feel, details on its particular characteristics are lacking compared to the well-rounded tactile experience provided by the Mannan Pipefish.

In conclusion, while the HMX Lucky switch promises a fulfilling and pleasant typing experience, the specifics of its auditory and tactile qualities remain vague. The KTT Mannan Pipefish switch, however, is well-defined with its neutral sound profile and effortless, smooth actuation, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing comfort and ease in their typing experience. For newcomers, if you are drawn to either option, you may want to experiment with both to see which aligns more closely with your personal preferences, as you can achieve satisfying results with both types through their engaging designs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, you should consider both your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prefer an effortlessly light touch and enjoy a deeply satisfying typing experience that feels neutral, the Lucky switch with its softer nylon housing might be your go-to choice. Its lighter actuation and bottom-out force (43g) can be especially beneficial if you spend long hours typing and want to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch that combines a slightly firmer feel with a polished and smooth action, the Mannan Pipefish may be a better fit. Its 45g bottom-out force and lengthened spring provide a comfortable typing experience that is particularly enjoyable for casual typists, making it suitable for both work and home environments. Ultimately, both switches excel in delivering a delightful typing experience, so your choice should hinge on whether you favor a slightly lighter feel with the Lucky or a more refined action with the Pipefish.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more