Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow 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 are often compared are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is hailed for its budget-friendly excellence and delivers a unique typing experience with a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy type feel. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish offers an effortless and enjoyable typing experience with its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. It is perfect for casual typists seeking a strain-free keyboarding journey. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish share similar housing materials, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffness and clear resonance. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. As a result, users can expect similar sound and lighting experiences from both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Mannan Pipefish switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow boasts a nylon construction, while the Mannan Pipefish also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In terms of the typing experience, the bottom housing plays a significant role, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the key press. Therefore, users can expect a similar deep and full sound from both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Mannan Pipefish switches due to their shared nylon bottom housings.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish offer comparable sound profiles and aesthetic benefits due to their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing. The polycarbonate material produces a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound, while allowing for enhanced RGB lighting effects. Both switches also utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of the softer nylon plastic. Whether it's the bottom-out sound and feel or the sound when releasing a key, users can expect a similar typing experience from either the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the Mannan Pipefish switches, as the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Mannan Pipefish's lower actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is 67 grams, which is heavier than the Mannan Pipefish's 45 grams. This suggests that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Mannan Pipefish offers a lighter touch for smoother and quicker keystrokes.
Considering weight, some prefer the lighter option, like the Mannan Pipefish, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in extended gaming sessions. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, which offers a heavier actuation and bottom out force. This heavier force can provide a more satisfying tactile response, making it suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches have different actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a heavier typing experience with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish offers a lighter touch with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Choosing between the two depends on personal preferences, with lighter switches being more suitable for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial and satisfying tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when you press down on a key. In comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, there is no difference in the travel distance between the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Mannan Pipefish switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 Yellow switch is best described as having a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which can be preferred by those who do not enjoy richer and bassier sound profiles. Typing on these switches provides an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, or if you plan to use them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience. A polished switch refers to a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The creamy sensation of these switches is like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke feeling smooth and buttery. In addition, the Mannan Pipefish switch provides an easy-to-press typing experience. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force enhances the typing experience by making it effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Like the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the Mannan Pipefish switch also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking into account the available information, it is clear that both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Mannan Pipefish linear switches have their own unique qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out for its higher pitched and resonant sound profile, as well as its polished and creamy feel. It offers a bouncy type feel and is budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a great linear switch at an affordable price. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch provides an effortless and enjoyable typing experience with its smooth linear action, easy-to-press feel, and polished finish. While both switches offer subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, they provide different experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on the individual's specific preferences for sound and feel, as well as their budget. However, if a similar sound or feel is desired, both switches can deliver comparable results based on the available information.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a casual typist seeking a strain-free and comfortable keyboarding journey, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, it provides an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. The Mannan Pipefish switch also offers easy-to-press keys, which require minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and low-resistance key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and enjoy a higher pitched and clacky sound profile, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch might be more suitable for you. This switch is budget-friendly and offers a bouncy type feel. It has a polished and possibly factory lubed finish, ensuring reduced friction and a sleek typing experience.
Consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel when choosing between these switches. Ultimately, both switches serve different typing styles and preferences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns with your specific needs and requirements.
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