Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer a linear typing experience are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Mannan Pipefish. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is a budget-friendly linear switch from Gateron's G Pro lineup, designed to provide a smooth typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the G Pro Red features a frosted light diffuser, allowing for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish offers effortless and enjoyable typing, thanks to its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. It is particularly suitable for casual typists seeking a delightful and strain-free keyboarding journey. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, we find that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is also advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches will yield similar results.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Mannan Pipefish employ nylon. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, as the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be present in both.
It is worth noting that the top housing has a more substantial impact on the sound when you release a key, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. However, since both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Mannan Pipefish share the same housing materials for their respective tops and bottoms, the distribution of these qualities will be consistent in both switches. Thus, users can expect a similar performance in terms of sound and tactile experience from both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Mannan Pipefish.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is clear that both switches offer a relatively light typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, both switches would provide a suitable option. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mannan Pipefish's 37 grams, but both switches have a similar bottom out force of 50 grams and 45 grams respectively. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the pressure required to trigger a keystroke and the feeling of pressing all the way down.
Considering weight is important for individuals who value prolonged typing or gaming sessions. A lighter switch allows for longer periods of typing without straining the fingers or hands. Both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Mannan Pipefish provide a light actuation force, making them suitable for users who prioritize endurance and comfort during extended use.
However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, both switches may be considered light. Some individuals prefer a heavier actuation force for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. In such cases, options with heavier forces would be more suitable.
In summary, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches offer a lightweight typing experience, with the Mannan Pipefish having a slightly lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience - whether it be a lighter touch for longer usage or a more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on the keys, you will feel the same distance traveled for both switches. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Mannan Pipefish have a neutral sound profile. This means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a moderate sound. These switches are suitable for a wide range of users, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. The creamy sensation provides a smooth and buttery feel, as if your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. The mild characteristics make it approachable to most users, as it stands in a safe middle-ground zone. The polished finish and possible factory lubing result in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance.
On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is described as easy-to-press and polished. These switches have a smooth and refined finish, offering a sleek typing experience. The easy-to-press characteristic means they require minimal force to activate, providing a low-impact and comfortable typing feel. This makes them ideal for reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
In summary, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches have their own unique qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience, providing a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish is easy-to-press and polished, offering a low-impact and comfortable typing feel. Both switches are suitable for most users and provide a delightful typing experience. If you are looking for similar results, choosing either switch will give you a satisfying tactile and auditory experience for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that provides a smooth typing experience with a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is a great choice for you. With its medium-light actuation force, vibrant RGB lighting effects, and satisfying auditory experience, it allows you to elevate your typing performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you prioritize effortless and enjoyable typing, the Mannan Pipefish switch is the one for you. Its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and easy-to-press nature provide a comfortable and precise typing experience. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist or whether you plan to use them at home or work. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky feel with its smooth and buttery typing experience, while the Mannan Pipefish switch offers an easy-to-press and polished feel, enhancing the overall smoothness and low-impact typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Mannan Pipefish switch depends on your personal preferences and priorities in terms of typing experience.
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