KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and HMX Perky present two appealing options for users looking for a linear typing experience, yet they cater to different preferences and needs. The Mannan Pipefish is celebrated for its effortless and smooth linear action, complemented by a light 45g actuation force and a lengthened spring that ensures a comfortable and precise keystroke, making it an excellent choice for casual typists seeking a delightful and strain-free typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Perky, known for its softer and glittery nylon housing, offers a neutral typing feel with a shorter travel distance, resulting in a satisfying yet more condensed typing experience. Both switches provide unique advantages: the Pipefish excels in comfort and ease of use, while the Perky stands out for its compact action and delightful aesthetics. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mannan Pipefish and the HMX Perky showcase a fascinating contrast in their top housing materials, with the former employing polycarbonate and the latter featuring nylon. Polycarbonate, known for its rigidity, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize clarity and precision in their keypresses, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. On the other hand, the Perky's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller resonance. This inherent difference in material choice highlights how the selection of housing can significantly impact the auditory experience when using these switches.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, it is noteworthy that both the Mannan Pipefish and HMX Perky use nylon as their material. This shared element means that both switches will exhibit similar sound characteristics from the bottom housings, characterized by a deeper and fuller sonic profile. The nylon's sound-absorbing qualities ensure that both switches provide a smooth and rounded sound when bottoming out. Therefore, despite the differences in the top housings, users can expect consistency in the auditory sensation produced by the nylon bottom housing across both models.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in each switch creates a unique auditory landscape that can cater to varying user preferences. While the Mannan Pipefish leads with a crisper high-end due to its polycarbonate top, the HMX Perky's nylon top produces a warmer sound. However, with both using nylon for their bottom housing, users will enjoy a similar deeper resonance from this component, allowing for a balanced experience overall. The split in material choices results in distinctly different sound profiles when pressing the keys, with the top housing conveying the press and release dynamics while the shared bottom housing grounds the sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish and HMX Perky linear switches, two key metrics to consider are the actuation force and the bottom out force. The Mannan Pipefish features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option suitable for those who prefer a softer feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Perky has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for users who appreciate a stronger push. While both switches are categorized as light, the Mannan Pipefish is the lighter choice overall, providing a gentler keystroke experience, whereas the Perky is better suited for those seeking more resistance as they type.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Mannan Pipefish boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Perky has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Mannan Pipefish offers a deeper keypress, which can provide a more substantial tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a more traditional typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Perky's 3.4 mm travel distance caters to those who might favor quicker response times, making it more suitable for gaming or rapid typing. In summary, if you're looking for a more pronounced depth with a travel distance of 4 mm, the Mannan Pipefish is the better choice, while the HMX Perky, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel, may appeal to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers a neutral profile characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether you are typing at home or in an office setting. The sound may not be too intrusive, making it a versatile choice for both casual and more professional contexts. The HMX Perky linear switch's sound qualities are currently unknown, which means that its acoustic characteristics, such as noise level and tonal quality, have not been specified. This lack of information suggests that if you prefer a quieter typing experience, you may want to explore further or rely on anecdotal feedback regarding the Perky's sound.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch excels with its easy-to-press mechanism and polished finish. The gentle resistance allows for effortless activation, which significantly reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the smooth surface minimizes friction, providing a refined touch that enhances the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, the feel of the HMX Perky switch is not described, leaving a gap in understanding how it may compare in terms of resistance, smoothness, and tactile feedback. As a result, anyone considering the Perky switch may need to seek additional information or personal experiences to gauge its tactile characteristics.
In conclusion, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is well-defined in terms of sound and feel, offering a balance of comfort and neutrality that makes it appealing for casual and professional typists alike. The Perky switch, while intriguing, lacks detailed descriptions regarding its acoustic and tactile attributes, making it a more uncertain choice. If you prioritize a versatile and satisfying typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish could be a reliable option, while the Perky's qualities may require additional exploration.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you desire. If you are looking for a light and effortless typing feel, the Mannan Pipefish is a stellar choice, thanks to its easy-to-press design and smooth action. With a 45-gram actuation and bottom-out force, this switch excels in providing a comfortable and strain-free experience, ideal for casual typists or those who spend long hours on their keyboards. Its neutral sound profile also makes it versatile enough for use in a variety of environments. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more compact typing experience and are drawn to a unique aesthetic, the HMX Perky might be the better option for you. Offering a 50-gram actuation force, the Perky’s slightly firmer feel can enhance your control, while its glittery nylon housing adds a touch of personality to your setup. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style; if you prioritize comfort and ease, go for the Mannan Pipefish, whereas if a more condensed and satisfying experience appeals to you, the Perky will serve you well.
Mentioned in this article
