KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing or gaming experience. Two standout options are the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both linear switches tailored for distinct user preferences. The Mannan Pipefish is renowned for its effortless typing, offering a light 45g actuation force and a lengthened spring that results in a polished, strain-free experience ideal for casual typists. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an ultra-responsive actuation distance of just 1mm, making it perfect for rapid-fire gaming inputs. With its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel, the Vintage Citrus caters to those desiring speed and auditory feedback during gameplay. Ultimately, both switches are crafted to elevate your experience, whether you prioritize comfort or performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the HMX Vintage Citrus, one of the most notable contrasts lies in the compositions of their top housings. The Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile that enhances the audible feedback when a key is pressed. This material's translucency also makes it particularly suitable for setups with RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination to shine through. On the contrary, the Vintage Citrus opts for a nylon top housing, distinguished by its softer plastic composition. This softness leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that dampens high-pitched tones, creating a more muted audio experience. Thus, while the Mannan Pipefish aims for clarity and resonance, the Vintage Citrus leans toward warmth and depth.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made of nylon for both the Mannan Pipefish and the Vintage Citrus. This consistency results in similar acoustic properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs sound waves, dampening any harshness. Due to this shared material, users may find that both switches exhibit a comparable bottom-out sound, as both benefit from nylon’s ability to soften the auditory response. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the tactile feedback when bottoming out will evoke a rounder sound, creating a pleasing typing experience across both models.
In essence, the key differences in sound profiles between the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the HMX Vintage Citrus stem primarily from their top housing materials. While polycarbonate delivers a sharper and more resonant feedback, nylon produces a more muted response. However, the shared nylon bottom housing leads to consistency in sound depth and tactile experience when pressed. Therefore, users who seek distinct auditory sensations will appreciate the differentiation offered by the two top housing materials, while those valuing a common bottom-out experience will find similarities in the feel of both switches.
Weight
The KTT Mannan Pipefish and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mannan Pipefish features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons due to its ease of press. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch requires a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may find desirable for tactile feedback. Consequently, the Mannan Pipefish is the lighter option, while the Vintage Citrus is the heavier one. Users seeking a softer touch may prefer the Pipefish, while those who enjoy a firmer push should consider the Vintage Citrus linear switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it's clear that they appeal to different preferences. The Mannan Pipefish boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is in line with traditional switch design and is often favored by those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to gamers and users who prefer quicker response times and a more immediate typing experience. This means that if you're seeking a deeper, more tactile engagement, the Mannan Pipefish would be the better choice, while the Vintage Citrus is ideal for those who appreciate a snappier keystroke. Ultimately, the Mannan Pipefish has a longer travel distance, making it preferable for users who enjoy a fuller keystroke, while the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, is perfect for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing experience.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 and sound level that suits various environments. This makes it versatile for both beginners and seasoned users, whether at home or in an office setting. The sound experience is unobtrusive, allowing users to focus on their work or gaming without distraction. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch is designed with gamers in mind, featuring a bright and clacky sound profile that is ideal for rapid-fire inputs. This lively sound adds an engaging element to gaming sessions, although it may be less suitable for quieter workspaces.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish excels with its easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force for activation and providing a gentle resistance that results in a comfortable typing experience. The light actuation force of 45g minimizes finger fatigue during extended use, allowing typists to enjoy a responsive and low-impact feel. Additionally, its polished finish contributes to smooth key travel, making typing and gaming effortless. The HMX Vintage Citrus switch, however, lacks specific details on its feel, leaving its tactile characteristics somewhat uncertain.
In summary, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch provides a comfortable, smooth, and neutral typing experience with minimal sound impact, the HMX Vintage Citrus appeals to gamers with its bright sound and rapid actuation. Both switches offer smooth performance; however, the Pipefish emphasizes a strain-free typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus is optimized for high-speed gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences, whether prioritizing a polished typing experience or a dynamic sound profile for gaming.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you're a casual typist looking for a lightweight and comfortable typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish is an excellent choice. Its light 45g actuation force, smooth linear action, and neutral sound profile make it particularly appealing for those who want to type effortlessly for extended periods without experiencing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking rapid response times and a more tactile experience, the Vintage Citrus switch may be the better option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53g, combined with an exceptionally low 1mm actuation point and a bright, clacky sound, is designed for quick inputs, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Thus, consider how you intend to use your keyboard—whether for typing or gaming—as this will guide you in selecting the switch that best aligns with your requirements and enhances your overall experience.
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