Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to the type of feedback and experience you desire while typing. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, a tactile switch, stands out with its pronounced tactile bump and a louder, bassy sound signature, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy auditory and physical feedback during their typing sessions. Ideal for typists who appreciate a more engaging interaction, this switch caters to users who thrive on the tactile sensation that informs them when a key has been actuated. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish is a linear switch that offers a seamless and smooth typing experience. With its easy-to-press design, 45g actuation force, and lengthened spring for a comfortable bottom-out feel, it is particularly suited for casual typists or those who prefer a quieter, more fluid keypress. While both switches cater to distinct typing preferences, they ultimately serve different purposes in enhancing your keyboarding 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
30g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
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
20mm spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material brings about a distinctive sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. The inherent rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound, enhancing the overall user experience, especially in setups that employ RGB lighting. The translucency of the polycarbonate not only serves a functional purpose by showcasing lighting effects but also ensures that both switches can produce a vibrant aesthetic appeal.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is composed of nylon, a material known for its sound-absorbing qualities. Nylon creates a deeper, fuller sound profile, which can lead to a rounder auditory experience. While the polycarbonate top offers a bright and resonant sound during key release, the nylon bottom dampens the noise and provides a softer touch upon bottoming out. This combination of softer and harder materials means that, while both switches may produce similar auditory highs due to their polycarbonate tops, the overall sound experience will vary, influenced by the nylon in the bottom housing.
Overall, the synergy between the top and bottom housing materials in both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Mannan Pipefish allows users to enjoy distinct sound profiles. The contrasting properties of the polycarbonate and nylon materials ensure a balanced acoustic experience. While the shared polycarbonate top enhances brightness, the individual nylon bottoms provide a warmer, muted response when typing. Thus, even though there are similarities in their top housing, the composites present in their bottom housings facilitate a nuanced auditory experience, allowing typists to enjoy both crispness and depth in their keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly, which influences the typing experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to press down and more suitable for lengthy typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 37 grams but has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a firmer feel upon keystroke. As a result, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for users who prefer a lighter switch for extended use, while the Mannan Pipefish may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, albeit with a lighter bottom out. Ultimately, while both switches are considered light, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro takes the edge in actuation force and is thus the lighter option overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, the differences are clear. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shallower option that is well-suited for gamers seeking rapid response times. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, which caters to users who may prefer the more substantial feel of deeper key presses. This variation highlights a fundamental preference among switch users—those who favor quick engagement and responsiveness would likely gravitate towards the Akko V3, while those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience might opt for the KTT Mannan Pipefish. Ultimately, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro makes it more suitable for speed-focused tasks, whereas the longer distance of the Mannan Pipefish caters to those desiring a deeper, more traditional keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is known for its loud sound profile with a pitch leaning towards the bassier side. This makes it quite distinctive and can be satisfying for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a sound that neither stands out nor fades into the background. This neutrality makes the Mannan Pipefish versatile for various environments, whether at home or in a workspace.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a prominent tactile bump, which adds a noticeable feedback during key presses, enriching the typing experience for users who enjoy tactile switches. However, information on the specific feel of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro in terms of smoothness or resistance is not provided. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish excels in its ease of actuation, requiring minimal force to press, which translates to a comfortable and strain-free typing experience. With its polished design, the Pipefish also ensures a smooth key travel, reducing friction and enhancing the overall fluidity of typing, making it ideal for long sessions.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its loud, bassy sound and distinct tactile feedback, appealing to those who lean towards an expressive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Mannan Pipefish offers a softer auditory presence with a smooth, low-resistance typing feel that prioritizes comfort, making it great for casual typists. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether one prefers the engaging tactility and prominent sound of the Creamy Purple Pro or the effortless smoothness and neutrality of the Mannan Pipefish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback combined with a satisfying sound profile, the Creamy Purple Pro is the switch for you. Its heavier tactile bump and bassier sound make it ideal for those who appreciate audible cues and a more engaged typing experience, perfect for typists who enjoy a more mechanical feel or want to make their keyboard a focal point of their workspace. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience with a gentler sound profile, the Mannan Pipefish is an excellent choice. Its lightweight actuation force and polished feel enhance typing comfort, making it well-suited for casual users or those who type for long periods without fatigue. In summary, your choice should align with whether you prefer a tactile, noisy switch or a smooth, quiet one; each offers unique benefits that cater to different styles of usage.
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