Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish both present compelling options, each with their unique characteristics. The Chiikawa switch is celebrated for its bright sound profile and light actuation force, resulting in a responsive typing experience complemented by a crisp, high-pitched sound. This makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy auditory feedback and seek a switch that enhances their typing rhythm. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish offers a smooth linear action with a similar light 45g actuation force but emphasizes comfort and ease with its lengthened spring design, providing a strain-free experience ideal for casual typists. While both switches cater to those who favor linear feedback, the Chiikawa's acoustic nature may appeal to auditory learners, while the Mannan Pipefish prioritizes a polished and enjoyable user experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
51g
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 of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish are remarkably similar in their design, particularly concerning the top housing, both made from polycarbonate. This shared material lends itself to the creation of a sharper and crisper sound profile, which can significantly enhance the overall typing experience. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a more pronounced resonance. Additionally, its translucency makes it an ideal choice for setups featuring RGB lighting, ensuring that the aesthetic quality of the switches is complemented by vibrant visual effects. Users will likely experience similar auditory results from both switches due to the uniformity in the top housing composition.
However, while the top housings of both switches boast polycarbonate, the bottom housings differ, with both utilizing nylon. Nylon is renowned for its softer characteristics, allowing for a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This difference in material impacts the auditory feedback when the switches are engaged, as the nylon bottom housing contributes to a more muffled and rounded sound when typing. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, users might notice a disparity in the auditory experience between the Chiikawa - 45g and the Mannan Pipefish despite the similarities in the top housing.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish exemplify a harmonious interaction between their top and bottom housing materials. The polycarbonate top ensures a clear and resonant sound profile, which is matched by the nylon bottom that softens the impact and sound when the keys bottom out. Ultimately, users can expect a high degree of auditory compatibility between the two switches due to their shared top housing material while still experiencing unique sound characteristics stemming from the differences in bottom housing. This balance between materials results in a well-rounded typing experience that embraces both clarity and depth.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch requires a 45-gram actuation force and has a bottom out force of 51 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In comparison, the Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference implies that the Chiikawa switch requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the lower force of the Mannan Pipefish makes it ideal for those who want a lighter touch, potentially aiding in longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Overall, the Mannan Pipefish is the lighter option, while the Chiikawa, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, is the heavier of the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is evident that the Chiikawa has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mannan Pipefish features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that users of the Chiikawa switch may experience quicker response times, which is often favored by gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel, catering to those who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences; if you favor responsiveness and a swift key actuation, the Chiikawa is the better option, whereas those seeking a more robust feel may gravitate towards the Mannan Pipefish.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g 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 - 45g 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 - 45g linear switch stands out for its bright and crisp tonal quality, delivering a high-pitched sound profile that many find engaging and satisfying. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish features a more neutral sound that balances moderate actuation force with an unassuming acoustic presence. This makes the Mannan Pipefish versatile for various environments, whether it's the quiet comfort of home or a bustling office setting. Despite these differences, it's worth noting that the actual sound experience can vary based on the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials, which can either emphasize or dampen these inherent sound qualities.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, but the specific sensations it provides are less defined. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish excels in delivering a delightful typing experience characterized by its easy-to-press action that requires minimal effort to activate. This not only reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions but also promotes a responsive feel with gentle resistance. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish is described as polished, indicating its smooth and refined action, making the key travel more enjoyable. Ultimately, while the Chiikawa switch provides a light touch, the Manna Pipefish enhances this experience with superior smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches offer unique yet appealing experiences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa shines with its bright auditory profile, catering to those who prefer an engaging typing sound, while the Mannan Pipefish provides a more subdued yet versatile acoustic signature, paired with a delightful ease of use. If you seek a light actuation feel, both switches will meet your expectations, but the Mannan Pipefish may edge out with its polished action and reduced friction, enhancing overall comfort during extended use. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you value sound profile more or the effortless typing experience offered by the Mannan Pipefish.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, the decision should be based on your typing preferences and use case. If you gravitate toward a lighter actuation force and are looking for a switch that delivers a sharp and bright sound profile, then the Chiikawa - 45g may be your best bet. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams can provide a responsive typing experience, which is delightful for those who enjoy tactile feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and ease of use over sound characteristics, the Mannan Pipefish would be a strong contender. With a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a polished feel, this switch offers an effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for casual typists and those who engage in long typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your individual style, whether you favor the expressive sound and feel of the Chiikawa or the comfort and smoothness of the Mannan Pipefish.
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