Akko Fairy vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Fairy and KTT Mannan Pipefish both stand out as excellent options, albeit for different reasons. The Fairy switch from Akko is perfect for office settings, offering a smooth typing experience with its factory-applied lubrication and medium weight that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort. The Mannan Pipefish switch, on the other hand, provides an effortless and enjoyable typing experience with its smooth linear action, light actuation force, and lengthened spring. While the Fairy switch is more muted and subtle, the Mannan Pipefish switch is easy-to-press and polished. Overall, both switches have their unique strengths and are suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the KTT Mannan Pipefish provide a clear contrast in sound profiles. The Fairy's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder profile. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound with its stiffer plastic creating a more clear and resonant profile. This difference in materials reflects in the typing experience, with the Fairy focusing on a more muted sound compared to the Pipefish's more distinct sound.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Fairy and the Mannan Pipefish utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in material choice creates a consistent typing experience in terms of sound between the two keyboards. While the top housing may provide a contrast in sound profiles, the bottom housing ensures a shared quality in sound when pressing down on the keys. This shared characteristic highlights the importance of housing material in determining the overall sound profile of a keyboard switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a keyboard switch plays a crucial role in shaping the sound experience for the user. The nylon top housing of the Fairy and the polycarbonate top housing of the Mannan Pipefish offer distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences in sound aesthetics. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing between the two keyboards ensures a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Understanding how each housing material influences sound production can help users make informed decisions when selecting a keyboard switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch both offer a smooth typing experience with a linear feel, but they differ in terms of weight. The Fairy has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium resistance level. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. This means that the Fairy switch will offer a slightly more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Mannan Pipefish switch will provide a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is clear that the Fairy has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Mannan Pipefish's 4 mm. This means that the Fairy will provide a quicker response time for users who prefer a more responsive feel, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Fairy being on the shallower end and the Mannan Pipefish being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, both the Akko Fairy and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means they produce a moderate level of sound that is suitable for various environments, whether it be at home or in the office. The Fairy switch is noted for its muted quality, offering a softer and quieter typing experience, while the Mannan Pipefish switch provides a more subtle and gentle sound during key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches in terms of sound would come down to personal preference and the associated factors like keyboard build and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Fairy switch is described as having a polished and mild typing experience. The switch offers a smooth and refined keypress, with reduced friction and a comfortable level of resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This provides a low-impact typing feel that is responsive and effortless, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Fairy switch leaning towards a slightly more refined feel while the Mannan Pipefish switch focuses on ease of use and light keypresses.
Overall, both the Akko Fairy linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Fairy switch is ideal for those seeking a smoother and quieter typing experience, perfect for office settings and extended daily use. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch provides an effortless and light typing feel, suitable for casual typists looking for a strain-free keyboarding journey. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one values a more refined, polished typing experience or a comfortable, easy-to-press keypress.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that is ideal for office settings and provides a balanced typing experience with medium weight and refined lubrication, the Akko Fairy linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and effortless typing experience with a smooth linear action and minimal finger fatigue, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom-out force, typing sound, and typing feel to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable keyboarding journey.
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