Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 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, two popular options that often come to mind are the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Mannan Pipefish. The Ink Black V2 is a classic linear switch that has garnered a loyal following within the community. It is praised for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish offers effortless and enjoyable typing with its smooth linear action and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. This makes it ideal for casual typists seeking a strain-free typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities and advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Mannan Pipefish differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish uses polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This makes it particularly useful for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2 offers a slightly softer and less sharp experience compared to the Mannan Pipefish due to the difference in their top housing materials.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Black V2 and the Mannan Pipefish diverge once again. The Ink Black V2 maintains its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile to its top housing. The thin and higher-pitched clacky sound carries over to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish employs nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a rounded and slightly duller sound when typing on the Mannan Pipefish compared to the Ink Black V2. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and overall typing experience will differ between these two switches due to the distinction in their bottom housing materials.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Mannan Pipefish contribute to distinct sound profiles. While both switches offer a relatively high-pitched sound, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings create a slightly softer and less sharp clacky sound. In contrast, the use of polycarbonate in the Mannan Pipefish's top housing results in a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing in the Mannan Pipefish leads to a deeper and fuller sound compared to the bottom housing of the Ink Black V2. Therefore, while there may be some similarities, each switch provides a unique typing experience due to the specific properties of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Ink Black V2 has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Mannan Pipefish. The actuation force of the Ink Black V2 is 60 grams, providing a medium-heavy push feel, while the Mannan Pipefish requires only 37 grams for actuation, resulting in a lighter typing experience. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Black V2 is 70 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel when pressing all the way down, whereas the Mannan Pipefish requires just 45 grams, which indicates a lighter bottoming out sensation. These weight differences between the two switches cater to different preferences and purposes. Those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions may find the Mannan Pipefish more suitable. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Ink Black V2.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 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 with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The travel distance for both switches is equal, providing users with a consistent typing experience. Whether you choose the Gateron Ink Black V2 or the KTT Mannan Pipefish, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is known for its low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy characteristics. These switches have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. The Mannan Pipefish, on the other hand, is described as having a neutral sound profile. While the specific sound characteristics of the Mannan Pipefish are not provided, neutral switches generally have a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches are referred to as mild and polished. Being mild switches, they offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The polished finish ensures smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and providing an overall sleek typing experience. Similarly, the Mannan Pipefish switches are described as easy-to-press and polished. These switches offer a low-impact typing feel with minimal resistance during key presses, making typing effortless and comfortable. The polished finish of the Mannan Pipefish also contributes to smooth key travel and reduced friction.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Mannan Pipefish switches offer smooth and enjoyable typing experiences. While the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Mannan Pipefish are not provided, it can be inferred that they offer a neutral sound and a light and comfortable typing feel. The Gateron Ink Black V2 is known for its low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound, as well as its mild and polished feel. Although the exact qualities may differ, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with smooth key travel and reduced friction. Depending on personal preference, either switch can deliver similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a classic and reliable linear switch, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is a great choice. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a slightly heavier switch. The Ink Black V2 is best known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, making it a favorite among the mechanical keyboard community.
On the other hand, if you value effortless and strain-free typing, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is a fantastic option. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams, it provides a comfortable and precise typing experience. Perfect for casual typists, the Mannan Pipefish switch features a smooth linear action and a lengthened spring that enhances typing comfort.
In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2 has a low-pitched, bassy, and even chirpy sound profile, offering a mellow and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes.
When it comes to feel, the Ink Black V2 is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Mannan Pipefish offers an easy-to-press and polished feel, requiring minimal force to activate keys and ensuring a low-impact and responsive typing feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a classic and rich sound, go for the Ink Black V2. However, if you value effortless and strain-free typing with a lighter switch, the Mannan Pipefish is the way to go. Both switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience, making them great options for different typists.
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