Bsun Akashi vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch to the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it becomes evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akashi stands out for its UPE stem and hybrid housing design, which result in a distinct sound profile and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish is praised for its smooth linear action, light actuation force, and comfortable typing experience. While the Akashi is lauded for its resonant keystrokes and creamy feel, the Mannan Pipefish excels in providing an effortless and strain-free typing journey. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
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-stage extended spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches both play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Mannan Pipefish switch leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially beneficial if RGB lighting is planned. On the other hand, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish also features a nylon bottom housing with similar qualities, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Akashi and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches, both switches utilize nylon as the bottom housing material. This classic housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound experience. While the top housing materials vary between the switches - POM for the Akashi and polycarbonate for the Mannan Pipefish - the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent depth and richness in sound quality. This similarity in bottom housing material helps maintain a certain level of uniformity in the overall sound profiles of the switches.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches, it is evident that the characteristics of each material significantly influence the sound profile of the switches. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings create a unique typing experience for each switch, with the bottom housing having a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying and unique typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 37 grams. However, the Akashi has a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Mannan Pipefish is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. When it comes to weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Akashi for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others might prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Mannan Pipefish for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of force required, both switches offer a light typing experience, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the Mannan Pipefish has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Overall, the Akashi offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Mannan Pipefish, but both switches cater to users looking for a more precise and responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Akashi has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Akashi for $3.70.
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.
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 Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a clacky experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments. The actual sound produced by either switch will also depend on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy qualities, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. The Mannan Pipefish switch, on the other hand, is described as easy-to-press and polished, providing a low-impact typing feel with smooth and refined key travel. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable typing experience with their unique feel characteristics.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi and KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches each have their own set of subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Akashi provides a resonant and clacky typing experience, while the Mannan Pipefish offers a neutral and easy-to-press typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired, but both offer quality options in the realm of linear switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a unique sound experience with a bright and crisp bottom-out, the Akashi with its UPE stem and hybrid housing design would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you value effortless and enjoyable typing with a smooth linear action and light actuation force, the Mannan Pipefish switch with its lengthened spring and comfortable typing experience would be more fitting for your needs. Additionally, if you prefer a clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, or snappy feel, the Akashi might be the better option. Conversely, if you are seeking a neutral sound profile and a polished or easy-to-press feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch would be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, weigh these factors based on your priorities to make an informed decision between these two linear switches that best suit your typing style and preferences.
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