Durock Ice King Tactile vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Mannan Pipefish mechanical keyboard switches, we see two distinct choices catering to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile offers a luxurious typing experience with its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, appealing to those who enjoy a satisfying tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish provides effortless and enjoyable typing with its smooth linear action and light actuation force, making it a perfect choice for casual typists seeking a comfortable and strain-free typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Mannan Pipefish utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Ice King Tactile uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material in the Mannan Pipefish brings a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile to the switch, due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that produces a clearer and resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Mannan Pipefish is more likely to feature a clear housing due to its polycarbonate top housing, which allows for the use of RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile may not offer the same level of visual appeal with its nylon top housing. However, both switches provide a unique tactile typing experience, with the Ice King Tactile offering a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its nylon housing, while the Mannan Pipefish provides a crisper and higher-pitched sound due to its polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, the bottom housing material of a switch has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing material plays a bigger role when releasing a key. In this case, both the Ice King Tactile and the Mannan Pipefish benefit from the use of nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent and satisfying typing experience. However, the difference in top housing materials between the two switches can result in distinct sound profiles, with the Ice King Tactile offering a deeper and fuller sound and the Mannan Pipefish providing a sharper and crisper sound.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch. The Ice King Tactile requires 58 grams of force to actuate and 68 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish only needs 37 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter switch. The difference in force between the two switches means that users looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Mannan Pipefish, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Ice King Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Mannan Pipefish has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Tactile. The Ice King Tactile falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, which may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish offers a bit more depth in travel distance, which could be preferred by individuals looking for a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various typing environments. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch provides a silky smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, offering a polished and frictionless feel that enhances overall comfort during typing. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is known for its easy-to-press keys that require minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue and providing a low-impact typing experience. Both switches have a polished finish that contributes to smooth key travel, allowing for effortless typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a uniquely satisfying tactile typing experience with its smoothness and pronounced bump, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch prioritizes effortless and enjoyable typing with its light actuation force and smooth linear action. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can enjoy a high-quality typing experience with either switch, achieving similar levels of comfort and precision in their keyboarding journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches, you should consider your preference for typing experience and feel. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch with a pronounced tactile bump, smooth typing experience, and a more subdued sound profile, the Ice King Tactile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with easy-to-press keys, minimal resistance, and a polished finish, the Mannan Pipefish switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style, desired tactile feedback, and overall comfort during extended typing sessions.
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