Gateron Glory Yellow vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish offer distinct yet appealing experiences, making them both worthy contenders for any enthusiast. The Glory Yellow, known for its heavier actuation force, delivers a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance that caters to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish provides a feather-light experience, with a 45g actuation and bottom-out force, making it ideal for casual typists looking for effortless, precise keystrokes. While the Glory Yellow is favored for its robust sensation that some may find more satisfying during extensive typing sessions, the Mannan Pipefish stands out for its polished, strain-free design that can keep your fingers feeling fresh throughout longer tasks. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personal typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches, a distinct difference is evident in their top housings. The Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality arises from the softness of nylon, which absorbs sound waves effectively, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a clearer and more resonant sound, making the typing experience distinctly different between the two switches. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for vivid RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal that the nylon top cannot offer.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish share a commonality as they both utilize nylon materials. This similarity leads to a consistent experience in terms of the deeper and fuller sound profile generated during key presses. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the feel and bottom-out sound of the switch, users can expect to experience a similar tactile response from these two switches thanks to the properties of nylon. This homogeneity in bottom housing material ensures that while the top sounds may differ, the foundational feel when pressing down on either switch remains consistent.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different top and bottom housings of each switch leads to varied sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Glory Yellow's nylon top softens the sound of the keystrokes, creating a more subdued an overall experience, while the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top sharpens and clarifies the sound. However, with both switches employing nylon for the bottom housing, the fundamental tactile response will be similar, ensuring that even with differing auditory qualities, users can enjoy a cohesive typing experience that blends the softer characteristics of nylon with the unique features of each top housing. In essence, while contrast exists in the top housing materials, there is a unity of experience formed through their common nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Mannan Pipefish's lighter 37 grams, making the Pipefish a more suitable option for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during extended sessions. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the Mannan Pipefish is known to be 45 grams, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is currently unknown. Consequently, users looking for a more substantial feel may appreciate the heavier actuation force of the Glory Yellow, while those who prefer a lightweight touch should opt for the Mannan Pipefish. Overall, the differences in actuation force suggest that the Gateron Glory Yellow will provide a firmer typing experience, whereas the KTT Mannan Pipefish is designed for ease and comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This equivalent distance means that users can expect similar results in terms of key engagement and overall feel when pressing down on these keys. The consistent travel distance could provide a seamless typing experience for those who enjoy this specific feel, making either switch a viable option for enthusiasts of linear switches. With both switches offering the same travel distance, users can easily transition between them without adjusting to a significantly different keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is notably absent from the information provided, making it difficult to offer a precise comparison. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch features a neutral sound. This sound characteristic allows for versatility, making it suitable for various environments—whether at home or in a professional setting. Its moderate sound profile strikes a balance that caters to both beginners and advanced users, ensuring that typing remains a pleasant experience without excessive noise that might be distracting.
When evaluating feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is recognized for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, which together contribute to a satisfying typing experience. While the specific feel of the Glory Yellow is not elaborated upon, it can be inferred that the emphasis on smoothness aligns it with the KTT Mannan Pipefish. The Mannan Pipefish, described as having a polished feel, provides a refined and smooth typing experience thanks to its reduced friction and potential factory lubing. Consequently, both switches are likely to deliver a silky typing performance, though the Glory Yellow may offer a heavier feeling against the lighter touch of the Pipefish.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, albeit with slight variations in their characteristics. The Mannan Pipefish stands out with its neutral sound profile and polished feel, making it a comfortable choice for casual typing. While we lack specific details about the sound and feel of the Glory Yellow, its reputation for smoothness and a satisfying travel distance suggests it can provide a similarly enjoyable typing experience, especially for those who prefer a heavier switch. Ultimately, both options present appealing features for newcomers, emphasizing comfort and enjoyment in usage.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, you should consider your typing style and preferences. The Glory Yellow is an excellent choice if you prioritize a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance. However, due to the lack of specified bottom-out force, it may be best suited for those who prefer a heavier feel in their typing, potentially appealing more to gamers or typists who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience without compromising on speed. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish, with its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, is perfect for casual typists or anyone seeking a more effortless typing experience. Its polished nature and neutral sound profile make it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. If you prioritize comfort and a strain-free experience over typographical feedback, the Mannan Pipefish can enhance your keyboarding journey significantly. In the end, understanding your typing habits will guide you towards the switch that aligns best with your needs.
Mentioned in this article
