TTC Flame Red vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to consider both the visual appeal and the typing experience. The TTC Flame Red and the KTT Mannan Pipefish are two popular linear switches that offer their unique features. The Flame Red stands out with its dazzling light diffuser, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard setup. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, resulting in a satisfying feel while typing. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish offers an effortless and enjoyable typing experience, thanks to its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. With its comfortable and precise typing experience, it is perfect for casual typists seeking a delightful and strain-free journey. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

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Housing materials

The Flame Red and the Mannan Pipefish differ in their housing materials for both the top and bottom housings. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing. This disparity results in distinct sound profiles. The Flame Red's nylon top housing, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and consequently produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top housing, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Therefore, users can expect a more rounded and dull sound with the Flame Red, while the Mannan Pipefish offers a clearer and resonant sound.

On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which impacts the overall sound profile when typing. The nylon material used in both switches absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, pressing down on either switch will elicit similar sound characteristics, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. However, it's important to note that the bottom housing mainly affects the sound and feel when bottoming out a key. Nonetheless, users can expect a similarity in sound when utilizing either the Flame Red or the Mannan Pipefish due to the shared nylon bottom housing.

In terms of the overall typing experience, the differences between the Flame Red and the Mannan Pipefish lay predominantly in their top housing materials. While the Flame Red's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer composition, the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top housing enables a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate material used in the Mannan Pipefish's top housing allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Conversely, the Flame Red lacks this transparency. Therefore, those looking for a switch with a sharper and crisper sound profile, as well as the option for RGB lighting, may prefer the Mannan Pipefish, while users seeking a deeper and more absorbing sound may find the Flame Red more suitable.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are notable differences. The Flame Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish only requires 37 grams for actuation. This means that the Mannan Pipefish has a lighter touch, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. In terms of the bottom out force, the Flame Red requires 54 grams, whereas the Mannan Pipefish requires 45 grams. This indicates that the Flame Red has a slightly heavier feel when pressing all the way down compared to the Mannan Pipefish.

For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Mannan Pipefish would be the ideal choice as it has a lower actuation force. This can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as it places less strain on the fingers and allows for easier and quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, if a user prefers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Flame Red would be a better option due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. These heavier forces give a more tactile feedback and can be preferred by users who desire a more pronounced keystroke sensation. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of movement from the top to the bottom. So, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Flame Red and Mannan Pipefish switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use the switches at home or at work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, so it's essential to consider these as well.

In terms of feel, the Flame Red switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic of this switch means that it provides a gentle typing experience that most people will find approachable. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of key feel. Additionally, the Flame Red switch has a polished finish, which results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.

On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as easy-to-press and polished. This means that it offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similar to the Flame Red switch, the Mannan Pipefish switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, both the TTC Flame Red and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches offer positive subjective qualities. They provide a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile for the Flame Red switch, while the Mannan Pipefish switch offers effortless and enjoyable typing with its smooth linear action and light actuation force. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Considering all the available information, it can be concluded that although there are slight differences in their respective qualities, the Flame Red and Mannan Pipefish switches are capable of providing similar results in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

In summary, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and enjoy a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the option for you. These switches are perfect for those who have backlit, RGB keyboards and want to enhance the visual appeal of their setup. On the other hand, if you value a comfortable and precise typing experience with effortless and enjoyable typing, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is the way to go. Its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, along with its smooth linear action and lengthened spring, provide a strain-free and delightful keyboarding journey. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between TTC Flame Red and KTT Mannan Pipefish depends on whether you prioritize visual aesthetics and a weighty smoothness or a comfortable and precise typing experience with light actuation force.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more