Huano Elf vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Huano Elf and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, both of which are linear switches designed to provide a smooth typing experience, notable differences and similarities emerge. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its unique POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature while offering a medium-light feel. This combination makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize auditory feedback along with tactile comfort. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish offers a more effortless typing experience with its smooth linear action, light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, and a lengthened spring that caters well to casual typists seeking a strain-free keyboarding journey. While both switches excel in providing comfortable and enjoyable typing experiences, their distinct features may resonate differently with users based on personal preferences. 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
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
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
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Huano Elf and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches reveal notable differences, particularly in their top housings. The Huano Elf opts for POK (polyketone), which stands out due to its superior durability, low coefficient of friction, and excellent shock resistance. With its combination of wear resistance and smoothness, POK contributes to both the tactile feedback and auditory experience, resulting in a smooth, clacky sound. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish utilizes polycarbonate, a material recognized for producing a sharper sound profile due to its stiffness. This characteristic makes polycarbonate well-suited for achieving a clear and resonant auditory experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting, where its translucency enhances the visual aspect as well. While both materials aim for high performance, their different properties cater to distinct auditory preferences—one favoring a smoother sound and the other a crisper, more vibrant acoustic output.
In examining the bottom housings, both the Huano Elf and the KTT Mannan Pipefish utilize nylon, which provides a shared characteristic of producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherently softer nature of nylon ensures that it absorbs some sound, leading to a more muted and rounded audio experience when typing. This commonality demonstrates that while the top housings give each switch its unique auditory signature, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile as well. As both switches feature nylon in their bottoms, they create a balanced resonance that contributes to the overall typing experience, despite their differences in top housing materials.
The interaction between the varying housing materials results in a distinctive blend of sound profiles for each switch model. In the case of the Huano Elf, the POK top housing delivers a smooth and durable experience, while the nylon bottom harnesses softer acoustics. Conversely, the KTT Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top produces a sharper sound, complemented by the same nylon bottom that rounds out the overall audio profile. Ultimately, these material choices highlight how switches can achieve different auditory effects through variations in top housing while maintaining familiar results in bottom housing, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound clarity versus smoothness.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, we find significant differences. The Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, providing a moderately firm feel when typing, while the Mannan Pipefish is lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions due to less strain on the fingers. However, the Elf's bottom out force is unspecified, leaving that aspect unknown for comparison. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating a heavier overall feel when the key is fully pressed down. Users who prefer a heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Pipefish due to its clear bottom out force, while those looking for a lighter option may choose the Elf for its lower actuation force but should be aware of the unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Huano Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option that offers quicker response times, appealing to gamers looking for rapid actuation. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish has a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more substantial depth that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. While both switches cater to different preferences, those who prioritize responsiveness should lean towards the Huano Elf, whereas those who enjoy a deeper keystroke might favor the longer travel distance of the Mannan Pipefish. Ultimately, while both have their merits, the Elf's travel distance is shorter, allowing for quicker actuation, whereas the Mannan Pipefish offers a longer, more deliberate travel for a fuller feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf 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
The sound profile of the Huano Elf linear switch delivers a deep sound signature, which is likely to produce rich, satisfying acoustics during typing. This can create an engaging auditory experience that many typists find enjoyable. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish features a neutral sound profile; it balances actuation force and sound output, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or work. While the Elf offers a distinctive depth to its sound, the Mannan Pipefish’s neutrality allows it to blend seamlessly into day-to-day typing without overwhelming noise, making it versatile for different settings.
When it comes to feel, the Elf provides a medium-light resistance, which contributes to a solid yet comfortable typing experience that many users appreciate. Its characteristic of delivering a satisfying feedback factor makes each press feel worthwhile. Contrastingly, the KTT Mannan Pipefish is noted for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate, which means it can significantly reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the polished finish of the Pipefish enhances the smoothness of key travel, further streamlining the typing process. The Elf’s medium-light feel and the Pipefish's light actuation force both aim to enhance user comfort, albeit with slightly different tactile engagements.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, though they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Elf's deep sound and medium-light actuation create a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience, appealing to those who enjoy a richer feedback. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish prioritizes ease of use and smoothness, making it suitable for those seeking a more effortless typing journey. Ultimately, while they possess distinct characteristics, both switches can yield satisfying performance and comfort depending on what a typist values most in their keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize acoustics and a unique typing experience, the Huano Elf is an excellent option due to its specialized POK top housing which enhances the deep sound signature, making each keypress feel sonorous and satisfying. The Elf’s medium-light feel caters well to those who enjoy a balance between tactile and smooth actions without needing excessively high force. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and effortless typing, the KTT Mannan Pipefish would be your go-to switch. Its 45g actuation force and smooth linear action minimize finger fatigue, making it ideal for casual typists seeking a comfortable and strain-free experience during prolonged sessions. The neutral sound profile of the Pipefish also makes it a versatile choice for use in various environments, whether at home or in the office. In summary, choose the Elf for a more engaging auditory experience and balanced feel, and opt for the Pipefish if you value comfort and smoothness in your typing journey.
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