TTC Gold Red vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the TTC Gold Red and the KTT Mannan Pipefish. Both switches fall under the linear category, offering a smooth typing experience. The Gold Red is known for its light-medium level of resistance and snappy sound profile, adding a subtle touch of personality to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish impresses with its effortless and enjoyable typing experience, thanks to its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. If you're looking for a switch that offers a buttery smooth feel and a modest sound profile, the Gold Red might be the one for you. However, if you prioritize easy-to-press keys and a strain-free typing journey, the Mannan Pipefish deserves your attention. Now, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Linear

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Gold Red and KTT Mannan Pipefish both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice of material offers several benefits, such as creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications. Therefore, both switches are likely to provide similar sound characteristics and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housings.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Red and the Mannan Pipefish use nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience and sound quality when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches.

While the top and bottom housings may have the same qualities in terms of material, it is important to note that each housing plays a different role in the overall sound and feel of a switch. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will be more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding this distinction allows users to appreciate the nuanced differences in sound and feel between the Gold Red and the Mannan Pipefish, even if the materials used for their housings are the same.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, both switches have relatively low forces. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 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. Both switches can be considered lightweight, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where the user may prefer a lighter touch. However, it is important to note that the Gold Red requires slightly more force for both actuation and bottom out compared to the Mannan Pipefish. This means that the Gold Red may offer a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, both switches provide a similar lightweight typing experience, with the Gold Red being slightly heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results and can be considered equal in this aspect.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red switch is best described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral. These switches produce a deep and satisfying sound when pressed, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. They are considered to have a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various uses. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is also described as neutral in terms of sound. This means it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. It is important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red switch offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience. These switches provide a gentle and approachable typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. They have a mild resistance that is not too light or too heavy, making them suitable for most users. The Mannan Pipefish switch, on the other hand, is described as easy-to-press and polished. These switches offer minimal resistance during key presses, allowing for effortless and comfortable typing. They also have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches offer a smooth and pleasant typing experience. They have similar qualities such as a neutral sound profile and a polished finish. The Gold Red switches have a slightly more pronounced sound profile with a thocky and low-pitched tone, while the Mannan Pipefish switches emphasize ease of press with a light actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference and specific typing needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red switch would be an excellent choice for you. It has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is light, and provides a snappy sound profile without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with even lighter actuation and bottom-out force of 45 grams, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch would be the ideal option. This switch offers an effortless and enjoyable typing experience, with a 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. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes, and offer a polished finish for a sleek and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for actuation force and the level of smoothness in typing you desire.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more