Gateron Ink Box Black vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are many factors to consider, including the typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel of the switch. Two popular options in the linear switch category are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Mannan Pipefish. The Ink Box Black is known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. Its distinctive sound signature resembles a shaken spray paint can. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish offers effortless and enjoyable typing with its smooth linear action and light 45g actuation force. It is perfect for casual typists seeking a strain-free keyboarding journey. While these are just general pointers, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Mannan Pipefish have distinct differences that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This blend results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ink Box Black retains its proprietary INK blend, which produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. Conversely, the Mannan Pipefish adopts a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound experience.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the two switches result in distinct sound profiles. The Ink Box Black's INK blend provides a slightly clacky and higher-pitched sound, while the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate and nylon housings create sharper and fuller sounds respectively. However, both switches offer satisfying and unique sound experiences based on their chosen materials. The selection of housing materials, whether proprietary blends or traditional materials like polycarbonate and nylon, significantly impacts the sound characteristics of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Gateron Ink Box Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Mannan Pipefish's lighter 37 grams. This means that the Ink Box Black requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ink Box Black is also heavier with a force of 70 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish is lighter at 45 grams. This indicates that the Ink Box Black delivers a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy feel, while the Mannan Pipefish provides a lighter and potentially faster keystroke.
Considering the weight aspect, some users may prefer the lighter option like the Mannan Pipefish as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for professional use or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might prefer the heavier force of the Ink Box Black. The actuation and bottom out forces of these switches significantly impact the typing experience and should be chosen based on personal preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics, catering to different user preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Mannan Pipefish being closer to the average of 4.0 mm. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. In this case, the Ink Box Black switch would be the preferred option for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a switch with more depth. In that case, the Mannan Pipefish switch with its longer travel distance would be a better choice. Overall, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether one prioritizes responsiveness or a more substantial key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Box Black linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This type of switch offers a sharp and snappy sound profile, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by the switches. Overall, if you prefer a sharper and more high-pitched sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black is a great option. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound, the KTT Mannan Pipefish is a suitable choice.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a silky and polished typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The silky feel enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience. Additionally, the polished finish contributes to a sleek typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch provides an easy-to-press and polished typing feel. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Like the Gateron Ink Box Black, the Mannan Pipefish also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance and enhanced comfort.
Considering the information provided, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches differ in sound and feel. The Gateron Ink Box Black produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish has a neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black offers a silky and polished typing experience, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish provides an easy-to-press feel. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort, with their respective features contributing to a strain-free typing experience. If you prefer a sharper sound and a silky feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black is a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound and an easy-to-press feel, the KTT Mannan Pipefish is worth considering. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black may be the better option for you. These switches offer a smooth and creamy typing experience, with a polished finish that enhances the overall smoothness.
On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Mannan Pipefish switch may be more suitable for you. With its effortless and enjoyable typing experience, these switches are perfect for casual typists seeking a strain-free keyboarding journey. The easy-to-press nature of these switches, combined with their polished finish, offers a low-impact and responsive typing feel.
Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you prioritize a heavier typing experience with a clacky sound or a lighter and more effortless typing experience with a neutral sound. Consider your personal preferences, typing style, and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to make the best choice for your needs. Overall, both switches provide smooth and refined typing experiences, so you can't go wrong with either option.
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