KTT Glimp vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Glimp and the KTT Mannan Pipefish. The Glimp switch is best known for striking the perfect balance between a substantial typing experience and manageable resistance. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, the Glimp switch offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch is designed to provide effortless and enjoyable typing. With its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light actuation and bottom-out force, it offers a comfortable and precise typing experience. Perfect 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 make the best decision based on your individual preferences and needs.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, specifically the polycarbonate top housing, are identical. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to be showcased effectively due to its translucency. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal when using either the Glimp or the Mannan Pipefish.

In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches employ nylon, which is a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottoms elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a consistent experience in terms of the sound produced when pressing down on keys, as the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel for both the Glimp and the Mannan Pipefish.

While the housing materials of the top and bottom for a given switch can vary, in the case of the Glimp and the Mannan Pipefish, their top and bottom housing materials remain the same. This means that the qualities brought by each housing material are evenly distributed throughout the switch, providing a cohesive sound profile and overall typing experience. When users press down on these switches, they will feel the impact of the nylon bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the polycarbonate top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound produced. Overall, the consistent use of housing materials in both switches ensures that users will have a similar experience regardless of which switch they choose.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Glimp is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as light.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish would be the ideal choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for those who prefer longer typing sessions, such as professionals using the keyboard at work or enthusiasts engaging in extended gaming sessions. However, if a more substantial typing feel is desired, the Glimp switch would be a better option due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This heavier force provides a stronger push feel and may be favored by individuals seeking a more tactile and pronounced typing experience.

Overall, the Glimp and Mannan Pipefish switches offer different levels of actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with choices based on their preference for either lighter or heavier typing experiences. Regardless of the choice, both switches are designed to offer smooth linear keystrokes, ensuring efficient and accurate typing performance.

Travel distance

The KTT Glimp linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance traveled. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a specific travel distance of 4 mm, either the Glimp or the Mannan Pipefish would be suitable options.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Glimp switch is known for its clacky profile. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the sound profile of the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is described as neutral. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, suitable for most purposes and environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to the switch either having lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials that enhance the glide of the fingers across the keys. This creamy sensation makes typing effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is described as easy-to-press. It has gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Glimp switch provides a satisfying and responsive typing experience with its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force. Its clacky sound profile adds to the auditory enjoyment of typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch offers effortless and strain-free typing with its smooth linear action, light actuation and bottom-out force, and polished finish. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, albeit with slightly different qualities. If you are looking for a similar result in terms of sound and feel, either switch can be a suitable choice based on your personal preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch that provides a satisfying and responsive typing feel, the KTT Glimp linear switch is the way to go. With its comfortable actuation force and tactile feedback, it strikes the perfect balance for those seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. The Glimp switch also adds an enjoyable clacky sound profile to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and precise typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is the better choice. Its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, combined with its lengthened spring, provide an effortless and strain-free keyboarding journey. The Mannan Pipefish switch is perfect for casual typists seeking a delightful typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the Glimp switch has a creamy and mild feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience, while the Mannan Pipefish switch is easy-to-press and polished, providing a low-impact and sleek typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Glimp and Mannan Pipefish linear switches depends on your preference for typing experience, whether it be a medium-light, clacky feel or a light, smooth feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more