TTC Honey vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey 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 offer a smooth and pleasant typing experience are the TTC Honey and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches. The Honey switches are known for their smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switches provide an effortless and enjoyable typing experience with their smooth linear action, light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, and lengthened spring. While both switches have their unique characteristics, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, specifically their polycarbonate top housings, share similar characteristics. Both switches utilize polycarbonate due to its stiffness, which in turn creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's translucency is especially advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination. In terms of aesthetics, clear housings are more likely to be made of polycarbonate. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and functionality from both the TTC Honey and the KTT Mannan Pipefish when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, while their top housings may be similar, the housing materials for the bottom housings of these switches differ. The Honey employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Mannan Pipefish utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing, due to its stiffness, contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, which has an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Mannan Pipefish produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while both switches maintain certain sound qualities in their bottom housings, the choice between the Honey's polycarbonate and the Mannan Pipefish's nylon will impact the overall sound and feel of the switch.
In summary, the TTC Honey and the KTT Mannan Pipefish share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, leading to a similar sound profile. Both switches boast the advantages of polycarbonate, such as a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, as well as the option for RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, their bottom housings differ, with the Honey featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing and the Mannan Pipefish utilizing a nylon bottom housing. These differences result in variations in the bottom-out sound and feel, with the polycarbonate providing a clearer and more resonant sound, while the nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the Honey and the Mannan Pipefish will come down to personal preference based on the desired sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, one can observe some notable similarities and differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, with the Honey requiring 42 grams and the Mannan Pipefish requiring 37 grams. This means that users will experience a relatively light touch when triggering keystrokes on either switch. Additionally, both switches have relatively light bottom out forces, with the Honey at 50 grams and the Mannan Pipefish at 45 grams. This indicates that users will not need to exert significant pressure when pressing the keys all the way down. As a result, individuals who prefer lighter switches will find that both the Honey and the Mannan Pipefish offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. However, it is worth noting that the Mannan Pipefish is slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a potentially more desirable choice for those who value a feather-light typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on the user's personal preference for an even lighter touch or a slightly more substantial typing sensation.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm.
If you prefer faster response times, the TTC Honey switch would be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for quicker keystrokes. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch with its longer travel distance might be more suitable for you. Some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, so the longer option provides a more satisfying depth. Both switches offer different experiences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Honey switch produces a subdued sound when pressed. It's not completely silent, but it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch has a neutral sound profile. It falls within the moderate range in terms of sound, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. It's 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 TTC Honey switch provides a smooth and creamy typing experience. These switches have a lubricant applied at the factory, resulting in a buttery sensation as you glide your fingers effortlessly across the keys. They offer a frictionless and polished finish, ensuring reduced resistance and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch is characterized by an easy-to-press nature. It requires minimal force to activate, enhancing the typing experience by offering a low-impact and responsive feel. Like the Honey switch, the Mannan Pipefish switch also boasts a polished and smooth finish.
Taking into consideration the available information, both the TTC Honey and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches offer pleasant typing experiences. They provide smooth and effortless key presses, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Honey switch is known for its creamy and buttery feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers an easy-to-press nature. In terms of sound, the Honey switch provides a more subdued sound compared to the neutral sound profile of the Mannan Pipefish switch. However, it's important to remember that the sound and feel of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Therefore, if you are seeking similar results to either of these switches, selecting a keyboard board and keycaps that align with the desired sound and feel will play a crucial role.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a light and smooth linear switch with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a light typing experience, and its creamy feel provides a silky sensation as you type. Additionally, the subdued sound of the Honey switch makes it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with an easy-to-press action, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers effortless and enjoyable typing, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Moreover, it also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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