TTC Brother vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch stand out as top contenders in the market. The TTC Brother offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a lightweight actuation of just 37g, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish provides a smooth linear action with a light 45g actuation force, perfect for those looking for a strain-free typing experience. 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
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the KTT Mannan Pipefish are very similar, as both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and clear translucency. This makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the housing for added visual effect. However, while both switches have the same top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material.
In contrast to their polycarbonate top housing, the Brother and the Mannan Pipefish have different bottom housing materials. The Brother utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish also has a nylon bottom housing, which provides similar sound characteristics to the Brother switch. In this aspect, both switches will offer a similar typing experience due to their shared bottom housing material.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the TTC Brother and the KTT Mannan Pipefish results in a unique typing experience for each switch. The top housing's impact on sound when a key is released contrasts with the bottom housing's influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housing allows for a well-rounded sound profile that combines the benefits of both polycarbonate and nylon, creating a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, we can see that both switches share the same actuation force of 37 grams. However, the Brother switch has an unknown bottom out force, while the Mannan Pipefish switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the heavier option. This means that when typing on the Mannan Pipefish switch, users may experience a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier force required to bottom out. On the other hand, the Brother switch's bottom out force remains unknown, so it is unclear how it would compare in terms of typing feel. When considering weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force and unknown bottom out force of the Brother switch for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force and 45-gram bottom out force of the Mannan Pipefish switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is clear that the Brother has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mannan Pipefish has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Brother's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Mannan Pipefish's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Brother being more abrupt and the Mannan Pipefish offering a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. This auditory experience is sure to please enthusiasts of clicky switches with its clear and precise click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch also depends on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in an effortless and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Brother switch is also noted for its stepped feel, providing a subtle two-stage tactile feedback, the Mannan Pipefish switch is praised for its polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel, catering to typists seeking comfort and precision in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table. While the Brother switch excels in delivering a crunchy and precise click sound with a balanced tactile bump, the Mannan Pipefish switch stands out for its smooth linear action and polished finish, providing a comfortable and strain-free typing experience. Whether you prefer the distinctive auditory feedback of a clicky switch or the smooth keystrokes of a linear switch, both options offer enjoyable typing experiences tailored to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal sound and feel preferences, as both promise a pleasant typing journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light touch and crisp, satisfying clicky sound, the Brother switch is the way to go. Its easy-to-press nature and stepped tactile feedback make typing a breeze, especially for those who appreciate a distinct tactile response. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a polished finish, the Mannan Pipefish switch is the ideal choice. Its light actuation force and neutral sound profile cater to casual typists looking for a comfortable and strain-free keyboarding journey. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you seek.
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