TTC Gold Red Pro vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro and KTT Mannan Pipefish both present compelling options, albeit with distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The TTC Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, offering a seamless and adaptive typing experience that suits a wide range of activities, from gaming to professional work. Its neutral sound signature allows for a balanced auditory experience while typing, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish is designed specifically for comfortable and effortless typing, featuring a smooth linear action coupled with a light actuation force of 45g. This makes it an excellent choice for casual typists seeking a strain-free experience and delightful tactile feedback. Both switches share a linear feel and a polished finish, appealing to users who prefer a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Mannan Pipefish both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similar sound profile for both switches. The characteristics of polycarbonate, such as its stiffness and translucency, allow for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The clarity and resonance produced by polycarbonate make these switches particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. As both switches share this material for their top housing, users can expect a consistent auditory experience regarding the keypress release, with both switches producing a pronounced and bright sound.
When examining the bottom housing, both switches opt for nylon, a classic choice known for its distinct sound dynamics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing produces a deeper, fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer nature that absorbs sound better than harder plastics. This affinity for sound absorption results in a rounder, duller auditory experience when the switch is bottomed out. As both the Gold Red Pro and Mannan Pipefish feature nylon in this regard, they exhibit comparable characteristics during the actuation of the key, focusing on a rich, rounded feel when pressed down.
In summary, while the Gold Red Pro and the Mannan Pipefish utilize different materials for their bottom housing compared to their top housing, the distinct characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon ensure complementary auditory profiles. Both switches will yield similar results in terms of sound and feel, albeit with their unique take on the keypress experience. The combination of a crisp release from the polycarbonate top and the deep, round bottom-out from the nylon ensures that users will enjoy a well-balanced typing experience, regardless of their choice between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This indicates that the Pipefish requires less force to register a keystroke, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unavailable, while the Mannan Pipefish has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which means it provides a clearer tactile feedback when pressed fully down. As a result, users who prefer a lighter switch may gravitate toward the Mannan Pipefish, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feedback should consider the TTC Gold Red Pro, although its bottom out force remains unknown. Overall, the contrasting actuation forces contribute to different typing experiences, with the Mannan Pipefish being the lighter option and the Gold Red Pro potentially offering a more robust feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, the differences are clear. The TTC Gold Red Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Gold Red Pro the shorter option, appealing to users who favor quicker response times typical of gaming, as shorter travel distances can enhance performance. Conversely, the Mannan Pipefish, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may be more appealing to those who prefer a more substantial key press that feels less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference: if you value speed and responsiveness, the Gold Red Pro would be a suitable choice, whereas if you appreciate a deeper typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish may be the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch produces a neutral sound signature, characterized by a thocky and low-pitched tone. This deep and rich sound is satisfying during use, giving a subtle yet pronounced auditory feedback that can appeal to a wide range of users. Its low-pitched quality makes it suitable for both quiet office environments and more casual settings. In parallel, the KTT Mannan Pipefish also features a neutral sound profile, making it equally versatile. While they share this neutral characteristic, individual acoustic performance can vary based on the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps, but both switches will generally provide a moderate and accessible auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro switch emphasizes a polished and silky tactile experience, ensuring smooth key travel with minimal friction. The mild resistance creates a gentle typing experience that is approachable for users of varying skill levels. This makes it feel very comfortable during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish complements this with its easy-to-press mechanism, which requires minimal force to activate the switches. The combination of its polished finish and light actuation force enhances the effortless typing experience, further reducing finger fatigue. Ultimately, both switches excel in smoothness and ease of use, but they approach it in slightly different ways.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches offer an enjoyable and versatile typing experience, making them appealing to casual typists and gaming enthusiasts alike. The Gold Red Pro leans slightly towards a deeper auditory experience with its thocky sound, while the Mannan Pipefish shines with its light actuation force, catering to ease and comfort. Both switches share polished finishes, ensuring smooth key travel and minimized friction. With these qualities, users can expect satisfactory results regardless of which switch they choose, thanks to their compatibility across multiple settings and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're looking for a versatile switch that can handle everything from gaming to office work with ease, the Gold Red Pro is an excellent option. Its neutral sound profile and refined feel make it suitable for a variety of environments, ensuring that whether you’re casually typing or engaged in intense gaming sessions, you’ll enjoy a smooth and pleasant experience. On the other hand, if you're someone who values a light actuation and seeks a switch that will keep finger fatigue at bay for long periods of use, the Mannan Pipefish is a great choice. Its lower actuation force and easy-to-press design make it ideal for casual typists who want a comfortable experience without unnecessary strain. Ultimately, consider your primary typing activities and the feel you prefer, and you’ll be well-equipped to select the switch that best suits your needs.
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