Dareu Dream vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream and KTT Mannan Pipefish mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a linear typing experience that is characterized by an effortless and smooth keystroke. The Dream switch is praised for its light linear feel and affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly option. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch boasts a longer spring and a light 45g actuation force, catering to casual typists seeking a comfortable and precise 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
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Dream and the KTT Mannan Pipefish utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This similarity ensures that both keyboards will offer a consistent sound experience when typing. However, the differences between the two keyboards lie in their bottom housing materials.
The Dream features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Mannan Pipefish. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. When typing on the Dream, users can expect a more cushioned bottom-out sound and feel due to the impact of the nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with its deeper sound profile and softer feel.
Despite their similarities in top housing material, the difference in bottom housing material between the Dareu Dream and the KTT Mannan Pipefish will affect the overall typing experience for users. While both keyboards offer a clear and resonant sound due to their polycarbonate top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Dream and Mannan Pipefish will provide unique characteristics in terms of sound depth and feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these keyboards will depend on the user's preference for a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, we can see some key differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Dream has a higher actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Mannan Pipefish's 37 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mannan Pipefish requires 45 grams while the Dream's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Mannan Pipefish is lighter to press all the way down compared to the Dream. This contrast showcases how the Dream provides a stronger push feel for typing, while the Mannan Pipefish offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and comfort level with actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. Users can expect consistent feedback and key feel from both switches, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a shorter travel distance. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing users with a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 Dareu Dream switch is touted for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various typing environments. Depending on the board and keycaps used, both switches can provide pleasant auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, both the Dareu Dream and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the Dream switch is noted for its mild typing experience, while the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches prioritize a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches may have different sound and feel characteristics, they both offer a light linear option that prioritizes ease of typing and affordability. Whether you prefer a clacky sound or a neutral sound, or a mild typing feel versus a polished typing experience, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of comfort and precision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and budget.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prioritize a very light linear option at an affordable price, the Dareu Dream switch is the way to go. Its easy-to-press and mild feel make typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force for added precision and a smooth and polished typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch with its 45g force is the better choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and typing style, so weigh these characteristics carefully before making your decision.
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