Durock Black Lotus vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Mannan Pipefish. The Black Lotus is widely recognized for its silky smooth feel and remarkable precision. With reduced housing and stem wobble, this switch ensures maximum typing pleasure. Additionally, its 55g actuation weight strikes a perfect balance between substantial and manageable. The Black Lotus also stands out with its unique light column that provides in-switch lighting, which can be fully removed if desired. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish offers an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. The smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force make typing a comfortable and precise journey. This switch is particularly appealing to casual typists who seek a strain-free and delightful keyboarding experience. While these general characteristics may help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Mannan Pipefish differ in their housing materials. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Mannan Pipefish uses a polycarbonate top housing. Both materials offer unique characteristics and contribute to the overall experience of typing on the switches. The modified PC and UPE Blend top housing of the Black Lotus provides a premium feel that is distinct from the sharper and crisper sound profile created by the polycarbonate top housing of the Mannan Pipefish. However, both materials offer translucency, making them suitable for switches compatible with RGB lighting.

Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Black Lotus and the Mannan Pipefish utilize a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is relatively softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, regardless of the switch, typing on either the Black Lotus or Mannan Pipefish will provide a similar experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.

When it comes to the overall impact on the switch, the top housing and bottom housing play different roles. The bottom housing has a more profound effect on the bottom-out sound and feel, as it absorbs sound and contributes to the overall typing experience when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice of housing material for the top and bottom of the switch can influence the tactile and auditory feedback generated by the switch, providing users with a customizable typing experience based on their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Black Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Mannan Pipefish's 37 grams, making it somewhat more resistant to accidental keystrokes. However, the Mannan Pipefish requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke, which some users might prefer for faster typing or gaming.

In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus once again surpasses the Mannan Pipefish with a weightier 63.5 grams compared to the Pipefish's 45 grams. This indicates that the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a stronger push to press the key all the way down. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish allows for a lighter touch when bottoming out, which may be desirable for those looking for a smoother typing feel or reduced finger fatigue during prolonged use.

If weight is a crucial consideration, the Mannan Pipefish will offer a lighter option, allowing for longer typing sessions or extended gaming without excessive strain. However, individuals who prefer a more solid and robust keystroke experience may find the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Black Lotus to be more suitable.

Overall, both switches provide their own unique characteristics, catering to different preferences and typing styles. It's important to consider personal preference, typing needs, and the desired typing experience when choosing between the two.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same level of travel. The travel distance is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, and in this case, both switches share identical measurements. Therefore, whether you choose the Durock Black Lotus or the KTT Mannan Pipefish, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Black Lotus switch is known for its quiet operation. Although specific information about its sound profile is not provided, the switch is designed to reduce wobble and housing noise, resulting in a pleasant and unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate level of sound, suitable for various purposes and environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's housing and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Black Lotus is praised for its silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance. The use of quality materials and potential factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and a sleek, refined keystroke experience. Similarly, the Mannan Pipefish is also described as polished, suggesting that it shares the smooth and refined typing feel of the Black Lotus. Additionally, it is mentioned that the Mannan Pipefish has an easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort, reduces finger fatigue, and provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel.

Taking all the available information into account, the Black Lotus switch excels in providing a silky smooth and polished typing experience. Its 55g actuation weight adds a substantial feel without being too heavy. The unique light column in the switch offers in-switch lighting and can be fully removed, allowing for customization options. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch emphasizes effortless and enjoyable typing with its smooth linear action, a lengthened spring, and a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. This makes it ideal for casual typists seeking a delightful and strain-free typing experience.

While the subjective qualities of the Black Lotus and Mannan Pipefish switches differ slightly, both switches offer an overall smooth and precise typing experience. The Black Lotus focuses on providing a more substantial feel with its 55g actuation weight, while the Mannan Pipefish prioritizes light effortless typing with its 45g actuation force. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch and the overall typing feel are also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches are suitable choices depending on the individual's preferences and typing needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With its 63.5g bottom out force and unique light column for in-switch lighting, it provides maximum typing pleasure. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a substantial actuation weight without it being too hefty.

On the other hand, if you are seeking an effortless and enjoyable typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is the way to go. With its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, smooth linear action, and lengthened spring, it offers a comfortable and precise typing journey. This switch is particularly suitable for casual typists who desire strain-free keyboarding.

When it comes to the sound profile, the Black Lotus switch does not have a specific descriptor mentioned. However, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist or plan to use it at home or work.

In terms of feel, the Black Lotus switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. The Mannan Pipefish switch, on the other hand, is described as easy-to-press and polished, offering a low-impact and responsive typing feel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches depends on your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, typing experience, and desired sound profile. Both switches have their unique features and advantages, so consider your typing style and needs to make the best decision.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more