TTC Bluish White vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two distinct mechanical keyboard switches for avid typists to consider: the TTC Bluish White, a tactile switch, and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, a linear switch. The Bluish White is best known for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. It falls under the categories of being buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, and low-pitched. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch provides an effortless and enjoyable typing experience with its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. Perfect for casual typists, this switch is known for its easy-to-press, neutral, and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The TTC Bluish White and the KTT Mannan Pipefish share similar housing materials, specifically a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in the top housing, as it creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful if RGB lighting is being used, allowing for vibrant and visually appealing effects. Moreover, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings in the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Mannan Pipefish are the same, it is important to note that they play different roles in the switch's overall performance. The bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, even though the housing materials are similar, the resulting typing experience may vary slightly depending on the specific switch being used.
In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Mannan Pipefish benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings and nylon in their bottom housings. These materials contribute to a sharper, crisper sound profile and a deeper, fuller typing experience. While the housing materials may be the same, the specific design and construction of each switch can still lead to slight differences in performance. Overall, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, but the individual switch's design may play a role in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are a few notable similarities and differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, with the Bluish White requiring 42 grams and the Mannan Pipefish needing 37 grams. Similarly, both switches have light bottom out forces, with the Bluish White requiring 50 grams and the Mannan Pipefish needing 45 grams. Therefore, if one prefers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, both switches would provide similar results.
However, it is worth noting that the Mannan Pipefish switch has slightly lighter actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Bluish White switch. This means that individuals who prefer a softer and more gentle typing experience may lean towards the Mannan Pipefish switch. On the other hand, those who prefer a slightly stronger and more substantial typing feel may opt for the Bluish White switch, as it has slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces.
Considering weight is important as it directly correlates to the typing experience. Some individuals prefer lighter switches to enable longer typing sessions, which makes them suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, others may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, in which case they should select options with heavier forces.
Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch are relatively light and similar, the Mannan Pipefish is slightly lighter in both aspects. This distinction may be a deciding factor for those who have specific preferences for the force required to trigger keystrokes or for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When it comes to travel distance, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offer slightly different experiences. The Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mannan Pipefish takes you slightly further with a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of what is considered the most traditional travel distance, both switches fall within the range, with the Mannan Pipefish aligning more closely to the standard 4.0 mm. However, gamers who prioritize quick response times may find the shorter travel distance of the Bluish White more appealing. It allows for faster key presses and a heightened level of responsiveness. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the longer travel distance offered by the Mannan Pipefish would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Bluish White switch is best characterized as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that the switch produces a deeper and more bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. Neutral switches have a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White switch offers a range of qualities. It is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This means that typing on the Bluish White switch feels seamless, effortless, and uniform. It is also mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Bluish White switch is described as stepped, meaning it provides a tactile feedback with a slight pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. Lastly, the switch is subtle, offering a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. The switch is also polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is characterized by an easy-to-press feel. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch is also described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bluish White switch produces a low-pitched sound profile with a variety of feel qualities, including a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished experience. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press feel with a polished finish. While the subjective qualities differ, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences. Depending on personal preferences and requirements, one can choose the switch that aligns with their desired sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you desire a tactile and satisfying typing experience with a light bottom out force, the TTC Bluish White switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a snappy sound profile and offer a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel, resulting in a smooth and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch would be the perfect fit. These switches offer effortless and enjoyable typing with a smooth linear action, enhanced by an easy-to-press and polished feel. Overall, both switches provide comfortable and precise typing experiences, but with slightly different sound profiles and tactile characteristics. Therefore, choose the switch that aligns best with your preferred typing experience and overall preferences.
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