Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light 28g actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a responsive typing experience enhanced by a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback. This makes it an enticing option for those who enjoy a lively typing environment and prefer to type with minimal resistance. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish, with its higher 45g actuation and bottom-out force, excels in providing a smooth and polished linear action that promotes comfort and precision. It is ideal for casual typists seeking an effortless and strain-free experience, thanks to its lengthened spring design that enhances the overall typing feel. While both switches fall under the linear category, they cater to different facets of user experience—lightweight responsiveness versus smooth, controlled action. 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
28g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish demonstrate remarkable similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff structure, allowing for clear resonance and articulation in sound. Both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucent nature of polycarbonate, making it an excellent choice for those who wish to incorporate RGB lighting in their setups. As a result, users can expect a consistent performance in terms of sound clarity from both switches when paired with visual lighting elements.
Contrasting with their identical top housing materials, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish feature nylon for the bottom housing. This commonality extends to how both switches produce sound; nylon's softer plastic composition leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing qualities. The nylon material imparts a more rounded timbre, effectively dulling sharper overtones that may arise from the top housing. Consequently, while the top housing of both switches allows for a bright sound during key releases, it is the bottom housing that enriches the typing experience with its distinct auditory warmth.
In essence, both switches exemplify how the interplay of different materials can affect acoustic properties through their distinct housing configurations. The shared polycarbonate tops provide clarity and brightness, while the nylon bottoms contribute warmth and depth, leading to an engaging typing experience. Therefore, regardless of the differences in design, users can achieve a harmonious blend of sound characteristics that reflect both switches' strengths, allowing for a satisfying acoustic experience whether using the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g or the KTT Mannan Pipefish.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, as the reduced force may enhance comfort over extended use. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish has a heavier actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. The difference in actuation forces indicates that users of the Chiikawa will experience a softer touch with quicker keystrokes, while the Mannan offers a more tactile experience. As a result, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, and the Mannan Pipefish is the heavier one, catering to different user preferences in terms of typing feel. Both switches exhibit a clear distinction in terms of force requirements, ensuring that their performance profiles address varying needs effectively.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, with the Chiikawa measuring 3.6 mm and the Mannan Pipefish at 4 mm. This difference highlights how the Chiikawa switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, appealing to users who favor quicker response times, often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced feel, which may appeal to those who appreciate a heartier depth when pressing keys. While both switches can deliver satisfying performance, the choice between them will ultimately depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a fuller tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 28g for $3.29.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is renowned for its bright and crisp sound profile, delivering a distinct high-pitched tone with each keystroke. This makes it particularly appealing to users who enjoy an auditory feedback that feels lively and engaging while typing. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish has a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate sound during operation. This creates a more subdued typing experience, suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. While the Chiikawa is designed to stand out with its bright acoustics, the Mannan Pipefish aims for versatility, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into different setups without drawing too much attention.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is noted for its very light actuation force, which contributes to a responsive and comfortable typing experience. This switch requires minimal effort to press down, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a lightweight touch. Conversely, the KTT Mannan Pipefish boasts an easy-to-press action combined with a lengthened spring design, which enhances its smooth linear action. This means that the Mannan Pipefish not only minimizes finger fatigue through its enlightened resistance during key presses but also offers a polished and refined typing feel, ensuring reduced friction and an enjoyable typing experience. While the Chiikawa emphasizes a super lightweight feel, the Mannan Pipefish finds a balance between light resistance and smooth operation.
In summary, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g stands out with its bright sound and light actuation force, appealing to those who desire an engaging typing experience with a responsive touch. Meanwhile, the KTT Mannan Pipefish presents a more neutral sound profile with smooth and effortless pressing, making it an excellent choice for typists seeking comfort and versatility. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results, whether you prefer the lively feedback of the Chiikawa or the polished ease of the Mannan Pipefish, depending on your personal typing requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you value an ultra-light typing experience, the Chiikawa's 28g actuation force may suit you perfectly, especially if you enjoy a bright sound profile and quick responsiveness. This switch is a fantastic choice for gaming or fast-paced typing, where less resistance and a high-pitched, crisp sound can enhance your performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that strikes a balance between comfort and moderate resistance, the Mannan Pipefish with its 45g actuation force might be your go-to. Its smooth and polished feel, coupled with a neutral sound profile, makes it an excellent option for casual typists or those who engage in long typing sessions without experiencing finger fatigue. Therefore, consider your usage scenarios—whether you’re gaming, coding, or transcribing long texts—as both switches cater to different types of users while enhancing the overall typing experience in unique ways.
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