HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish mechanical keyboard switches, we see two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound profile and a heavier 63.5g actuation force, providing enthusiasts with a bright typing experience characterized by its bouncy and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch boasts a smooth linear action, light 45g actuation force, and neutral feel, making it ideal for casual typists seeking a comfortable and effortless typing journey. While the Cloud - 63.5g may appeal to those who enjoy a tactile and heavier typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish stands out for its light and precise typing 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
56g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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 single-staged spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, it is evident that the main difference lies in the top housing material. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon top housing, which enhances the sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish employs polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their unique characteristics, nylon tends to absorb more sound due to its softer nature, leading to a rounder sound, whereas polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a more resonant sound with a higher pitch.
Interestingly, the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, resulting in similar sound profiles for the bottom-out feel. This shared material choice contributes to a deep and fuller sound experience when typing on either switch. However, the split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches highlights how each material can affect different aspects of typing. The bottom housing's impact is more pronounced on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This difference emphasizes how the choice of housing material can play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish utilize different top housing materials, their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing results in a similar sound profile for the bottom-out feel. The contrast between nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing materials showcases how the choice of material can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing on the switches. Whether one prefers a deeper, fuller sound with nylon or a sharper, crisper sound with polycarbonate, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials. Ultimately, the selection of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is evident that the Mannan Pipefish is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Cloud - 63.5g is the heavier option with an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a stronger push feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish offers a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Both switches have their benefits, with the Cloud - 63.5g offering a more robust feel and the Mannan Pipefish providing a gentler typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Mannan Pipefish has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. A 0.1 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Players who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g, while those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may opt for the Mannan Pipefish. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, so regardless of the slight difference in travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and feel.
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 Cloud - 63.5g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments. While the Cloud - 63.5g switch delivers a more distinctive and vibrant click, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers a more moderate and versatile typing sound.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its bouncy and creamy typing sensation, providing a lively and smooth keystroke experience. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch offers an easy-to-press and polished feel, making typing effortless and comfortable with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a more spring-like and elastic feedback, while the Mannan Pipefish switch provides a gentle resistance and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud - 63.5g switch caters to enthusiasts seeking a bright and clacky typing experience with a bouncy feel, while the Mannan Pipefish switch provides a more neutral sound and an easy-to-press, polished typing feel. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a more vibrant and lively typing experience with the Cloud - 63.5g switch or a comfortable and strain-free typing journey with the Mannan Pipefish switch. Whichever switch is chosen, both options are sure to provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, consider your preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Cloud - 63.5g may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Mannan Pipefish switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are aiming for.
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