Akko Botany vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and KTT Mannan Pipefish stand out as two excellent linear options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Akko Botany is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound, adding an engaging auditory dimension to your typing experience, which is ideal for those who appreciate an energetic feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish emphasizes effortless and enjoyable typing with its smooth linear action, lightweight 45g actuation force, and a lengthened spring designed to provide a comfortable and precise experience, making it perfect for casual typists who prioritize a strain-free keyboarding journey. While both switches offer linear action, the Botany leans towards a more vibrant sound profile, whereas the Mannan Pipefish focuses on smooth, gentle responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, one significant difference is found in their top housings. The Botany utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound effectively compared to harder materials. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing. This material is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, more resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. Thus, while both switches aim for a high-quality auditory experience, they achieve it through fundamentally different approaches in their top housing materials.
However, the bottom housings of both switches align in terms of material, both employing nylon. This shared choice of nylon ensures that both the Akko Botany and the KTT Mannan Pipefish offer similar sound profiles in their bottom-out experiences. The nylon's softness contributes to a fuller sound, providing a comfortable and cushioned tactile feel when typing. Given that both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent auditory feedback during key presses, eliminating any confusion regarding the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound experience, despite differences in the top housing.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housing and the commonality in the bottom housing create a unique dynamic for both switch types. The Akko Botany's combination of a nylon top and bottom housing results in a softer, more muted sound profile, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish offers a blend of sharpness from its polycarbonate top and depth from its nylon bottom. If both switches were equipped with the same housing material for both parts, the resulting sound profile could be consistent across the board. Nevertheless, their respective designs and chosen materials provide an array of auditory experiences that showcase both versatility and specialization in the realm of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom-out forces, making them suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming. The Botany switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams but shares the same bottom-out force of 45 grams. This means that, while the Botany requires a marginally higher force to actuate, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of bottoming out. For users who prefer a lighter touch, the KTT Mannan Pipefish provides this advantage; however, both switches overall remain in the light category, accommodating prolonged use without fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Mannan Pipefish features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.4 mm difference may seem minimal, but it can significantly influence the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Botany switch is more suited for users who prioritize responsiveness, particularly gamers who benefit from quicker key actuation times. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel and depth when typing, providing a less abrupt response. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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
The Akko Botany linear switch produces a lively and crisp sound, offering a satisfying auditory feedback that is often appreciated by those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience while typing. This switch’s distinct clackiness results from its tuning and design, making it engaging for casual use and noticeable in dynamic environments. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch has a more neutral sound profile, which is understated and suited for various settings, whether it's work or play. Its moderate sound level creates a balanced experience, allowing typists to focus on their tasks without being distracted by excessive noise. Ultimately, while the Botany delivers an expressive, crisp sound, the Mannan Pipefish opts for a more subtle approach, creating a distinct vibe for each typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switch is celebrated for its responsive action, though specific details on its tactile feedback are less explicitly defined. Conversely, the KTT Mannan Pipefish excels with its easy-to-press design, necessitating minimal force to activate keys, which results in an effortless typing session. This switch is polished, enhancing its smoothness thanks to quality materials and potential factory lubing, providing a sleek experience as fingers glide across the keys. The combination of low resistance and refined finish characteristic of the Mannan Pipefish enhances comfort and reduces fatigue during extended use. While the Botany’s specific feel remains somewhat ambiguous, you can anticipate a generally positive typing experience from either switch, especially given the support for casual typing endeavors.
In summary, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its crisp, lively sound, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish is grounded in a neutral sonic profile, catering well to those who prefer subtler acoustics. Feel-wise, while exact qualities of the Botany are not highlighted, the Mannan Pipefish offers an exceptionally comfortable and smooth typing experience, with light resistance and polished actions that minimize strain. Both switches promise enjoyable typing experiences, with the Botany providing an expressive soundscape and the Pipefish focusing on seamless, easy usage ideal for longer typing sessions. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, either of these switches can lead to a satisfying mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the experience you desire. If you lean towards a lively and engaging typing experience with a distinct, crisp sound, the Botany might be more suitable for you. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams allows for rapid key presses, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a switch that enhances the auditory feedback of typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and comfort during longer typing sessions, the Mannan Pipefish is your best bet. With its easy-to-press nature, light actuation force, and polished finish, it provides a strain-free experience that’s perfect for casual typists or anyone looking to minimize finger fatigue. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value sound dynamics or a smoother, more effortless feel when typing.
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