Are the jumps over the vents just frame perfect? Or is there some setup to make them work I'm missing just watching the runs?
Also there seems to be a trick to more or less ignoring the zappy tomato that I'm missing too. Granted I still have to hit all the switches not being able to jump them yet, I still spend a lot of time dodging it.
It is just a matter of timing the jump. The window of opportunity is pretty tight (maybe a couple of frames) if you are holding forward on the d-pad. However, it is possible to stop and line up on specific pixels, the proceed with the jump with minimal time loss. Look at Nontimetis's current PB to see what the visual cues would be.
As far as the zappy tomato, you typically don't have to worry about it if you make those jumps.
Oh and the most important thing. Always hold B to run in this game. Even before you gain the ability to run in the later stages, always hold B while jumping. You will instantly save a ton of time. :)