Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each with its own unique qualities and capabilities. Two switches that stand out in the linear switch category are the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Mannan Pipefish. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless feel, providing a typing experience that is reminiscent of effortlessly gliding across a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish offers a smooth linear action with an extended spring, resulting in a comfortable and precise typing experience. With a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, it caters to casual typists seeking an enjoyable and strain-free keyboarding journey. Both switches have their merits, offering different qualities that may appeal to various user preferences. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch so you can make an informed decision and find the perfect fit for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Mannan Pipefish share a commonality in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in similar benefits for both switches. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffness allows for a clear and resonant sound, providing an enhanced auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate permits the use of RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aqua King and the Mannan Pipefish differ in their materials. The Aqua King utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, while the Mannan Pipefish incorporates nylon. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing continues to deliver the same qualities as its top housing. It contributes to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish's nylon bottom housing offers a different experience. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a rounder and less pronounced bottom-out sound and feel.
It is important to note that the impact of each housing material varies depending on the action performed on the switch. Pressing down on the switch highlights the qualities of the bottom housing, making it more influential in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key is primarily influenced by the top housing. This differentiation allows for a nuanced experience when using both the Aqua King and the Mannan Pipefish, as the sound profiles are distributed across the top and bottom of the switches respectively.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is apparent that both switches have different weight considerations. The Aqua King, with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish would be the more suitable option, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out. This lighter weight is advantageous for individuals who type for extended periods, such as those using the keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions.
On the contrary, for those who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Aqua King would be the preferable choice. With its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a tactile response that some users find satisfying and more immersive.
Both switches offer their own benefits based on personal preferences. Those seeking a lighter and effortless typing experience would be pleased with the Mannan Pipefish, while users desiring a more substantial and tactile feedback might opt for the Aqua King. By considering the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch, individuals can make an informed decision based on their desired weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the key travel a total distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience with both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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 Everglide Aqua King switch is known for its subdued sound. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent, but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate level of sound, suitable for most purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King switch offers a range of descriptors that emphasize its smooth and effortless typing experience. It is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, with reduced friction and resistance when pressing the keys. It offers a silky sensation, as if gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is described as easy-to-press and polished. This means that it offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, resulting in a low-impact and comfortable typing experience. Similar to the Aqua King, the Mannan Pipefish switch also boasts a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, both the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches offer subjective qualities that enhance the typing experience. The Aqua King excels in providing a frictionless and gliding typing experience, while the Mannan Pipefish focuses on being easy-to-press and comfortable. Both switches share the descriptor of being polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. If you are seeking a switch with a subdued sound, the Aqua King is the better choice, while the Mannan Pipefish offers a neutral sound profile suitable for most purposes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a typing feel that reminds you of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the one for you. These switches offer a frictionless and magical typing experience, as your fingers simply glide across the keys. In terms of sound, the Aqua King switch produces a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature. Additionally, the Aqua King is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light bottom out force and are seeking an effortless and enjoyable typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be a great choice. With its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers a comfortable and precise typing experience. It is perfect for casual typists who want a strain-free keyboarding journey. In terms of sound, the Mannan Pipefish switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes. The Mannan Pipefish switch also provides an easy-to-press and polished feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King and KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches will depend on your preference for bottom out force, typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience. Consider your own typing style and preferences to find the switch that best suits your needs. Whether you prefer a medium bottom out force with a frictionless and magical feel, or a light bottom out force with an effortless and comfortable typing experience, both switches offer their own unique benefits.
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