Huano Acacia vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Huano Acacia and KTT Mannan Pipefish offer unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Acacia is particularly renowned for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, resulting in an exceptional typing experience with minimal stem wobble right out of the box. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a straightforward, reliable feel. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish is celebrated for its effortless and enjoyable typing experience, characterized by a smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. This makes it a great choice for casual typists who desire a strain-free and precise typing journey. Both switches provide distinct benefits: the Acacia offers a robust, ready-to-use experience, while the Mannan Pipefish emphasizes comfort and ease of use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
The housing materials used in the Huano Acacia and the KTT Mannan Pipefish exhibit significant similarities, particularly in their top housing construction. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which contributes to a high-pitched, crisp sound profile that is both resonant and clear. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity as a plastic, which enhances sound clarity. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially advantageous for compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing the visual aesthetics of the switches to shine through. In this regard, both switches provide a comparable experience, as they harness the same material benefits to achieve a vibrant auditory and visual display.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two switches, with both the Huano Acacia and KTT Mannan Pipefish incorporating nylon. This choice results in a sound profile that is notably different from the top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. This intrinsic absorption leads to a muted, rounder sound when keys are bottomed out, providing a softer tactile feedback compared to that of the top housing. Thus, while both switches utilize similar materials in their construction, the auditory qualities produced by the bottom housing, dominated by nylon, offer a contrasting experience that balances the sharp clarity of the top.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom creates a unique interaction between the two materials. When engaging with the switches, typists experience the crispness of polycarbonate on the release while simultaneously encountering the fuller tones created by the nylon upon bottoming out. This duality enables both switches to stand out in their respective performances, merging the best attributes of both materials. Therefore, while the top housing material is identical in both models, the resultant auditory effects when typing provide a delightful range of sound profiles through the differentiated bottom housing construction.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, key differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mannan Pipefish, which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter touch for typing or gaming may find the Mannan Pipefish more comfortable for extended use. While the bottom out force of the Acacia stands at 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel when keys are fully pressed, the Mannan Pipefish offers a significantly lower bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that for those who enjoy a softer feel at the bottom of a keystroke, the Mannan Pipefish could be the better choice. Overall, the Huano Acacia is the heavier switch, appealing to users desiring a robust typing experience, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish caters to those seeking a lighter, more effortless keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that some gamers may prefer for faster keypress actions. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Mannan Pipefish at 4 mm may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial depth during use, providing a sense of tactile feedback that can feel less abrupt. While both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience, the difference in their travel distances caters to different preferences—quick response times for the Acacia and a heartier press for the Mannan Pipefish.
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 Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 Huano Acacia linear switch is known for its quiet operation, allowing for a pleasant typing experience that doesn’t draw unnecessary attention. This makes it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish has a neutral sound profile, characterized as moderate in both actuation force and sound output. This versatility makes the Pipefish an appealing choice for any typing environment, be it casual or more professional settings. Ultimately, while both switches are designed to be relatively quiet, the Acacia provides a more subdued experience, whereas the Pipefish maintains a balance that is acceptable across various contexts.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch is noted for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which minimizes stem wobble, resulting in a stable and reliable typing experience right out of the box. This contributes to a comfortable feel, suitable for extended typing sessions. The KTT Mannan Pipefish switch enhances this sensation with an easy-to-press mechanism and a lengthened spring, providing gentle resistance that requires minimal force for actuation. It is polished and smooth, leading to reduced friction and seamless key travel that enhances responsiveness and overall comfort. Therefore, while both switches emphasize a pleasant typing feel, the Acacia excels in stability while the Pipefish elevates comfort and ease of use.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, though they each have unique characteristics. The Acacia's quiet operation and solid feel make it an excellent choice for those seeking stability and muted sound, while the Mannan Pipefish appeals to typists looking for a light, effortless action with a neutral sound profile. If personal preference leans toward a polished and smooth typing action, the Mannan Pipefish stands out, whereas those who appreciate a well-rounded and consistent response may favor the Acacia. Overall, each switch brings valuable qualities to the table, catering to different typing experiences while delivering commendable performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, your preferences and typing habits will play a crucial role. If you favor a medium-light actuation force for a balanced typing experience and appreciate a switch that provides excellent performance right out of the box due to its generous factory lubrication, then the Huano Acacia may be the better choice for you. Its construction minimizes stem wobble, ensuring a stable feel while typing, making it ideal for users who prioritize a reliable and precise experience, whether for typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer touch and an effortless typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish is designed specifically for that. Its lighter actuation force and polished feel make it particularly appealing for casual typists or those who often spend long hours at the keyboard, as it reduces finger fatigue significantly. Its neutral sound profile also adds versatility, making it suitable for both home and office settings. Ultimately, consider what you value most in a switch—be it the weight and stability of the Acacia or the smooth, effortless action of the Pipefish—and let that guide your choice.
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