Durock Anubis vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options are the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, a linear switch. The Durock Anubis stands out for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. With a more pronounced bump compared to other tactile switches, it provides a sharp tactility that brings a new level of intensity to typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish excels in delivering effortless and enjoyable typing experiences. Its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force provide a comfortable and precise typing journey, making it ideal for casual typists seeking strain-free keyboarding. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the KTT Mannan Pipefish have different materials used for their top housing. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer plastic. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for better light dispersion.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon as the material. This common choice in switch housing material allows both the Anubis and the Mannan Pipefish to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of their bottom housing, both switches will provide similar results.
It is worth noting that if a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housings, the characteristics and qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing will affect the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction allows for greater customization and fine-tuning of the overall sound experience provided by the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of the Anubis is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare with the Mannan Pipefish's actuation force of 37 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Anubis requires a heavier force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, while the Mannan Pipefish has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams.
Considering weight, it becomes evident that the Anubis is the heavier option in terms of bottom out force, potentially providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. This can be advantageous for individuals who appreciate a tactile switch that offers resistance. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish is lighter, both in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. This lighter weight can be more appealing to individuals looking for a switch that allows them to type for longer periods of time, such as in professional settings or during extended gaming sessions.
Although the actuation force of the Anubis is unavailable for comparison, it is important to note that the lighter bottom out force in the Mannan Pipefish indicates a generally lighter typing experience overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance felt when pressing down on a key. In the case of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when using either switch, you will experience a similar travel distance when pressing down on the keys. Therefore, both switches offer the same tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of travel distance. There is no significant difference in the travel distance between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, as they both have a travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00 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, both the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Anubis and Mannan Pipefish switches may have a neutral sound profile on their own, the sound could be slightly different depending on the overall setup.
In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis switch is described as having an accented tactility. This means that it provides a prominent amount of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it a great choice for those who prefer a medium tactile switch. Additionally, the Anubis switch is also described as polished, which indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during keypresses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similar to the Anubis switch, the Mannan Pipefish is also described as polished, ensuring a smooth typing experience with reduced friction.
In conclusion, both the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offer their own unique qualities. The Anubis switch provides a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with a more pronounced bump, perfect for those who prefer a sharp tactility. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers a smooth linear action with a light actuation force, providing a comfortable and precise typing experience. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences, with the Anubis switch offering intense tactility and the Mannan Pipefish switch providing effortless typing.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who values a pronounced tactile feedback and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Durock Anubis tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a satisfying and assertive keystroke experience. The Anubis is designed to provide a sharp tactility that brings a new level of intensity to every keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and effortless typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches provide a comfortable and strain-free keyboarding journey. The Mannan Pipefish switch features a smooth linear action and a lengthened spring, ensuring precise and enjoyable typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your preference for tactility and bottom out force. Whether you prioritize a pronounced tactile feedback or an effortless typing experience, both the Anubis and the Mannan Pipefish switches deliver on their respective strengths.
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