Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish

Overview

Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, which offer unique benefits to enhance your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch, is renowned for its budget-friendly yet high-quality design. With a gentle bump that won't disrupt your typing flow, this switch provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser ensures that your RGB lighting shines brightly, creating an immersive visual experience. The medium-high pitch of the G Pro 3.0 Brown also adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish showcases a smooth linear action, making it a versatile option suitable for casual typists seeking a strain-free keyboarding journey. Its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, coupled with a lengthened spring, provide a comfortable and precise typing experience. Both switches share the characteristic of being easy to press, ensuring effortless and enjoyable typing sessions. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Mannan Pipefish share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light distribution. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing.

Although both switches share similar housing materials, there may be differences in how the qualities of each material are distributed. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is primarily influenced by the bottom housing. Therefore, the specific qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be more prominent when pressing down on the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Mannan Pipefish switches. On the other hand, the sound profile when letting go of a key will be more influenced by the polycarbonate top housing. This distinction highlights how the choice of materials in different parts of a switch can affect the overall typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Mannan Pipefish share similar housing materials, namely polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. These materials contribute to specific sound profiles, with polycarbonate creating a sharper sound and nylon producing a fuller sound. The impact of each material is primarily felt in different phases of typing, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Despite these slight differences, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound profile and provide advantages for those utilizing RGB lighting.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is evident that the weights are different. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force at 55 grams, whereas the Mannan Pipefish requires a lighter force of 37 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is also heavier, requiring a force of 63 grams compared to the Mannan Pipefish's 45 grams.

Considering the weight factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Mannan Pipefish switch. The lower actuation and bottom out forces make it easier to type with for extended periods, which is ideal for those using the keyboard for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience that requires more force to trigger a keystroke, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the choice. The higher actuation and bottom out forces of this switch provide a stronger and more tactile feel while typing.

In terms of similarities, both switches offer a medium weight feel for their actuation and bottom out forces, although the G Pro 3.0 Brown is slightly heavier in comparison. If individuals are looking for switches with a similar weight, these options can provide a satisfactory result. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch are both 4 mm. Both switches have the same travel distance, meaning that users can expect similar results in terms of the distance they feel when pressing down on a key. Neither switch is shorter or longer in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is best characterized as having a medium-high pitch and delivering a satisfying auditory feedback. The sound profile is not explicitly mentioned, but it can vary based on factors such as the choice of board and keycaps used. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it falls within a moderate sound range suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It is worth noting that the sound of both switches can be influenced by other factors besides the switch itself.

Moving on to feel, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Mannan Pipefish switches offer an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses. This means that minimal force is required to activate the switches, resulting in effortless and comfortable typing, and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is also described as having a mild feel, offering a more gentle typing experience than switches with more pronounced characteristics. It is further mentioned that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages to its tactile feedback, providing some pre-travel or post-travel sensations. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as having a polished feel, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This could be attributed to the materials used or factory lubrication, leading to reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Taking into consideration all the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Mannan Pipefish switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump, a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting, a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback, and an easy-to-press feel with stepped characteristics. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers a smooth linear action, a longer spring, a light actuation and bottom-out force, a neutral sound profile, and an easy-to-press feel with a polished finish. While there are differences between the two switches, both provide comfortable and enjoyable typing experiences. If you are looking for a similar feel and sound profile to the G Pro 3.0 Brown but with linear action, the Mannan Pipefish switch can provide similar results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is a great choice. With a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, it offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation that won't disrupt your typing flow. The frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and light typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is perfect for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers effortless and enjoyable typing with its smooth linear action and lengthened spring. The light actuation and bottom-out force provide a comfortable and precise typing experience, making it ideal for casual typists seeking a strain-free journey. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and it ultimately depends on your personal preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more