Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish are two options worth considering. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion offers a tactile typing experience with a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced and medium weight feel. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish from KTT boasts a linear action with a lengthened spring, light 45g actuation, and bottom-out force for a smooth and effortless typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow is best for those who enjoy a tactile feel and balanced performance, the Mannan Pipefish is perfect for casual typists looking for a strain-free and precise typing journey. 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
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for those looking for a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual appeal to the switches. With both switches sharing the same material for their top housing, users can expect similar acoustics and aesthetics when comparing the two.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Aflion Foggy Shadow is made of nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that some users may prefer for a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish also features a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the classic switch housing material's ability to elicit a more muffled and subdued sound. Despite the differences in the top and bottom housing materials between the two switches, both nylon bottom housings offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, it is evident that the choice of material plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience for users. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile, the use of nylon for the bottom housing introduces differences in sound characteristics. The Aflion Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper sound, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish's nylon bottom housing offers a more subdued sound. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience, with users able to choose based on their preference for sound profile and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is evident that the Mannan Pipefish is lighter overall. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Mannan Pipefish has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as light. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is not provided, but the Mannan Pipefish has an actuation force of 37 grams. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter force may be preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions, while a heavier force can provide a more substantial typing experience. In this case, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Mannan Pipefish, while those seeking a heavier feel might lean towards the Foggy Shadow, although exact comparisons cannot be made without information on the actuation force of the Foggy Shadow.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches are within the range of common travel distances, the Foggy Shadow offers a slightly quicker keypress due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Foggy Shadow, while those who prefer a more traditional key press experience may opt for the Mannan Pipefish with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Foggy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
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, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for various environments and preferences. The Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound, while the Mannan Pipefish also falls under the neutral category. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Foggy Shadow is known for its light tactile bump, offering a subtle feedback during key presses. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish is highlighted for its easy-to-press nature, providing a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish features a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and improved key travel. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering distinct tactile and linear feels, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Considering the available information, it's clear that the Aflion Foggy Shadow and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow excels in providing a light tactile bump with a low-pitched sound, the Mannan Pipefish focuses on effortless typing with an easy-to-press linear action. Ultimately, both switches aim to deliver a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, catering to a diverse range of keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can expect to achieve similar results in typing satisfaction with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a light tactile bump and a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, then the Foggy Shadow may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a smooth linear action, a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, and an easy-to-press and polished feel, then the Mannan Pipefish could be the ideal option for your typing experience. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal typing style and preferences when choosing between these two innovative mechanical keyboard switches.
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