Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and KTT Mannan Pipefish offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dragon Fruit stands out as a tactile switch with its long pole stem, delivering a sharp and definitive bottom-out that tactile enthusiasts appreciate. With a medium weight and significant tactile feedback, each keypress provides a satisfying bump accompanied by a clacky sound signature, resulting in a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish is a linear switch known for its smooth linear action, light 45g actuation force, and lengthened spring, offering effortless and enjoyable typing. Ideal for casual typists seeking comfort and precision, this switch provides a strain-free keyboarding journey. While the Dragon Fruit is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Mannan Pipefish is easy-to-press, neutral, and polished. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Mannan Pipefish exhibit similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate as a plastic material contributes to a clear and resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting, enhancing their aesthetic appeal.
In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Dragon Fruit and Mannan Pipefish provides a different sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This absorption leads to a duller and rounder sound quality, which can offer a more tactile typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a combination of characteristics to be felt and heard when using these switches.
Overall, despite differences in their bottom housing material, both the Dragon Fruit and Mannan Pipefish switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their housing materials provides a balance of sharpness, clarity, depth, and fullness in sound output. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with a stiffer top housing or a deeper sound with a softer bottom housing, these switches offer a diverse range of options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a customized typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is evident that the Mannan Pipefish is the lighter of the two switches. The Dragon Fruit has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish boasts an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, placing it in the lighter category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to reduce finger fatigue during extended use, the Mannan Pipefish would be the ideal choice. However, individuals who desire a more substantial push feel may find the Dragon Fruit to be more suitable for their typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Dragon Fruit requires less distance to travel from top to bottom compared to the Mannan Pipefish. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Dragon Fruit due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Mannan Pipefish with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences based on their respective travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preference of keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Dragon Fruit has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dragon Fruit for $3.83.
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 BSUN Dragon Fruit switch offers a clacky sound signature, providing a lively and engaging typing experience that can be distinctly heard with each press. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. This switch provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, creating an immersive typing sensation with a strong and crisp tactile bump. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is described as easy-to-press and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance during key presses. Both switches provide distinct tactile feedback and actuation forces that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feel or a smoother typing experience.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit switch provides a lively and engaging typing experience with its prominent tactile feedback and clacky sound signature, while the Mannan Pipefish switch offers a comfortable and precise typing experience with its smooth linear action and light actuation force. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and enhances your overall keyboarding journey.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile switch with a sharp, definitive bottom-out and a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish would suit you better. Consider factors such as actuation force, typing feel, and sound profile to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences and needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, so make your decision based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
Mentioned in this article
