Durock Blue Lotus vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Mannan Pipefish. The Blue Lotus switch from Durock is well-known for its impressive tactile feel and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, it offers a marked tactile intensity that appeals to users who enjoy a more tactile experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus features a detachable light column for stunning RGB illumination, making it a visually captivating choice. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch from KTT offers a smooth linear action and a lengthened spring, providing a comfortable and precise typing experience. With a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, it caters to casual typists who value effortless and strain-free keyboarding. Both switches have their own unique strengths, delivering an enjoyable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Mannan Pipefish have different housing materials that contribute to their unique characteristics. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which gives it a distinct and premium feel. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish has a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both housing materials have their advantages. The modified PC and UPE blend of the Blue Lotus provides a unique tactile experience, while the polycarbonate of the Mannan Pipefish is ideal for those who want to enhance their RGB lighting setup.
The bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches that use nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The nylon bottom housing of both the Blue Lotus and the Mannan Pipefish contributes to their overall sound profile, giving typists a satisfying auditory experience.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of these switches, it's important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material will be divided between them. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences in housing materials, both the Blue Lotus and the Mannan Pipefish offer an enjoyable typing experience with their combination of top and bottom housings, whether it's the distinct tactile feel of the modified PC and UPE blend or the sharper sound profile of the polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are notable differences. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, indicating that a moderate amount of pressure is needed to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish has a lower actuation force of 37 grams, making it more sensitive and requiring less force to register a keypress.
In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Lotus requires 65 grams of pressure to fully press a key, providing a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, resulting in a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing feel.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Mannan Pipefish as it requires less force for both actuation and bottom out. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue on the fingers. However, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may find the Blue Lotus more suitable due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces.
In summary, the Durock Blue Lotus leans towards a medium-heavy feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, whereas the KTT Mannan Pipefish provides a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience with its lower forces. It is important to consider personal preference and typing habits when choosing between these switches, as they offer distinct tactile experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Mannan Pipefish has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Interestingly, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0mm being the most common. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. The Blue Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, may be the preferred choice for those looking for heightened responsiveness. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a deeper typing experience and find shorter travel distances too abrupt may favor the Mannan Pipefish with its longer travel distance. In conclusion, while the Blue Lotus offers a shorter travel distance, catering to those seeking quick responsiveness, the Mannan Pipefish provides a deeper key press for individuals desiring a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy experience. This means that the sound produced during key presses is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound produced is moderate in both volume and tone, making it suitable for most purposes. It is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide an accented tactile experience. This means that they offer a medium level of tactility that is noticeable but not overwhelming. Additionally, the switches are described as snappy, meaning they are very responsive and provide a lively typing experience. They also have a stepped feel, which means that there is some pre-travel and/or post-travel that can be felt during keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches are easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switches also have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the Durock Blue Lotus switches and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches offer different subjective qualities. The Blue Lotus switches are known for their tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and prominent tactility. They provide a snappy and stepped feel, along with a bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switches offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience with their linear action, light actuation force, and polished finish. They have an easy-to-press feel and a neutral sound profile.
While the two switches have distinct qualities, if you are looking for a similar typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish switches may provide a comparable feel with their easy-to-press nature and smooth key travel. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can also influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, then the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be a great choice for you. With a slightly reduced travel distance and a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches deliver snappy responsiveness and a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches have a bassy sound profile, which adds depth and richness to your key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches are the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches provide a light and comfortable typing feel, perfect for casual typists. The Mannan Pipefish switches also have a neutral sound profile and a polished finish, resulting in a refined and low-impact typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your specific preferences and typing needs.
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