Kailh Berry vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Berry and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, both of which are linear switches. The Berry switch is known for its hefty typing experience, with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture that enhances the typist's tactile experience. It also produces a fairly deep sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. With its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, it provides a comfortable and precise typing experience. This switch is perfect for casual typists seeking a delightful and strain-free keyboarding journey. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial if RGB lighting is intended to be used. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from the top housing of both the Berry and Mannan Pipefish switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Berry and the Mannan Pipefish employ nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer nature. The use of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Hence, users can anticipate a similar typing experience and sound profile when using either switch due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
It is worth mentioning that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, such as the Berry and Mannan Pipefish, the qualities brought by each housing material will be distributed accordingly. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing will have a more pronounced effect on the sound when releasing a key, shaping the sound profile during key release. Thus, while the materials may be the same, the housing distribution between the top and bottom will result in slight differences in how the sound is produced from each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are notable differences. The Kailh Berry switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it difficult to determine its specific weight. However, its bottom out force is 70 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it significantly lighter than the Berry. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is also lighter when compared to the Berry.
Considering the weight of these switches, some users may prefer the lighter option. A lighter switch allows for longer typing durations, making it ideal for those using the keyboard extensively at work or for long gaming sessions. However, if someone prefers a more substantial and stronger resistance when typing, they may opt for a heavier switch. In this case, the Kailh Berry switch would be the better choice. It's important to consider individual preferences and typing habits when selecting a switch that suits one's needs.
In summary, the Kailh Berry linear switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force and an unknown actuation force, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces. The weight of the switch is a crucial factor to consider based on personal preferences and usage requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Berry switch falls in the range of shorter travel distances, which has become more popular in recent times, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. With its 3.6 mm travel distance, the Berry switch offers a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch provides a more substantial depth with its 4 mm travel distance, suitable for those who prefer a more hearty feel when pressing down on a key. Despite their slight difference in travel distance, both switches offer a significant improvement from the most traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Thus, while the Berry switch is shorter and the Mannan Pipefish switch is longer, both switches provide users with unique options based on their preference for response time or depth.
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 Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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
The Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its hefty typing experience and springy feel. When typing on these switches, there is a chalk-like texture that adds to the overall tactile experience. The sound profile of the Berry switches is fairly deep, offering a lower frequency range and a mellow tone.
On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch provides an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. It features a smooth linear action, a lengthened spring, and a light actuation force of 45g. This combination makes typing on the Mannan Pipefish switch comfortable and precise, ideal for casual typists seeking a strain-free experience.
In terms of sound, the Berry switch is described as low-pitched and bassy. This means that the switches have a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes.
When it comes to feel, the Berry switch is textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free experience. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch is easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended sessions. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that provides a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Kailh Berry and KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Berry switch provides a springy and textured typing experience with a deep sound profile, while the Mannan Pipefish switch offers an effortless and comfortable typing experience with a neutral sound profile. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can choose the switch that best suits their needs. It is important to note that factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who prefers a heavier typing experience with a springy feel and a deeper, bassy sound profile, then the Kailh Berry linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and have a chalk-like texture when typing on them. On the other hand, if you value a smoother and easier-to-press typing experience with a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be a better fit. These switches offer effortless and enjoyable typing with their smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light actuation force. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switches are described as easy-to-press and polished, further enhancing the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and providing a low-impact, responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and actuation force.
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