Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Mannan Pipefish mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique qualities tailored to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its heavier 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, appealing to those who desire a more substantial typing feel. With a medium-high pitch in sound and vibrant RGB lighting effects, it provides a satisfying tactile and visual experience. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish boasts a smooth linear action with a lighter 45g actuation and bottom-out force, making it ideal for effortless and strain-free typing. While the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a clackier and more substantive typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish provides a polished and easy-to-press feel for casual typists. 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
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, we can see that they both offer unique sound profiles due to their different materials. The G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a pointy and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, but they offer slightly different tonal qualities.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Black uses a POM material that creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which produces a fuller and rounder sound. The choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, as it plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and typing experience. While both switches provide pleasant typing feedback, their bottom housing materials offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Mannan Pipefish showcase how the choice of housing materials can influence the sound and feel of a mechanical switch. While the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a blend of INK and POM for its housing, resulting in a unique sound profile, the Mannan Pipefish utilizes polycarbonate and nylon to achieve its own distinct typing experience. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy a variety of options based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is clear that there is a significant difference between the two. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a more medium to heavy switch. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a much lighter option. This makes the Mannan Pipefish ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the G Pro 3.0 Black is better suited for those who prefer a heavier, more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and individual typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressed, both switches will have the same travel feel in terms of distance covered from the top to the bottom. Users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feedback and actuation depth with these switches. So, whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Black or the Mannan Pipefish, you can be confident that the travel distance will be consistent and provide a satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is known for its clacky and subdued sound profile, giving a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various typing environments. The sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of typing, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch provides a creamy, silky, and subtle typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with gentle resistance and minimal typing fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch offers an easy-to-press and polished feel, providing effortless and comfortable typing with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to deliver a pleasant typing experience suited to the preferences of different users.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch emphasizes a heavier feel with a clacky sound profile and creamy typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers a lighter feel with a neutral sound profile and easy-to-press typing sensation. Depending on personal preference for typing feel and sound, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches strive to provide quality performance and user satisfaction, ensuring a productive and enjoyable typing journey for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, your choice should be based on your preferences for typing experience. If you desire a more substantive typing feel with a heavier actuation and bottom-out force, along with a medium-high pitch sound profile, then the G Pro 3.0 Black would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience with a smooth linear action and a comfortable 45g actuation and bottom-out force, along with a neutral sound profile, then the Mannan Pipefish switch would be the perfect fit for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking.
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