Bsun Jade Rosales vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Jade Rosales and the KTT Mannan Pipefish both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Bsun Jade Rosales, a product of XY Studio's extensive refinements, is renowned for its custom housings and stems, resulting in a remarkably smooth typing experience that enthusiasts often rave about. This switch is particularly appealing to those who prioritize premium build quality and nuanced feel. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish is designed with casual typists in mind, featuring a longer spring and light 45g actuation force that ensures effortless keystrokes and a strain-free typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more playful and relaxed approach to typing. While both switches share a linear classification and promise a smoother keypress, their distinct characteristics lead to different user experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Jade Rosales and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches exhibit both similarities and differences that contribute to their unique sound profiles. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This similarity means that users can expect a clear and resonant acoustic experience from both switches, especially beneficial for those utilizing RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. The polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances the overall auditory clarity, ensuring that both switches create a lively sound when pressed.
However, the bottom housing materials present a striking contrast that profoundly influences the switches' overall acoustics and tactile feedback. The Bsun Jade Rosales features a proprietary Custom Milky Material for its bottom housing, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish employs traditional nylon. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and generates a deeper, fuller audio profile, which creates a stark contrast to the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the proprietary blend used in the Jade Rosales may introduce unique sound dynamics, though the specific characteristics of its sound profile remain undefined without additional details. This difference in bottom housing material indicates that users of the Mannan Pipefish are likely to experience a more rounded sound with a more substantial bottom-out feel during typing, whereas the Jade Rosales may bring an innovative auditory experience shaped by its custom material.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in these switches demonstrates how varying housing components can lead to distinct sound dynamics, even when the top housing materials are the same. The polycarbonate top provides a crisp, clear sound for both switches, but the diverging bottom housing types allow for differing auditory experiences—with one favoring deeper tones and the other potentially introducing unique sound qualities due to its proprietary composition. Gamers and typists looking for specific sound profiles may find their preferences align more with the Mannan Pipefish's fuller, softer sound or the Jade Rosales's potentially unique auditory characteristics shaped by its Custom Milky Material.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jade Rosales features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. This means that the Pipefish would likely be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions for users who prefer minimal resistance. Additionally, the heavier feel of the Jade Rosales may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches aim to provide a satisfying keypress, the Jade Rosales tends toward a firmer push, whereas the Mannan Pipefish offers a gentler touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is clear that the Jade Rosales has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mannan Pipefish features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference in travel distance may influence user experience significantly: the shorter 3.5 mm distance of the Jade Rosales is often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times and minimal actuation force, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish, with its 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial, pronounced keystroke that provides a satisfying depth when typing. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Jade Rosales would be the preferred option, whereas if a more deliberate keystroke is desired, the Mannan Pipefish is the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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 Bsun Jade Rosales switch has not been specifically characterized, so it's difficult to compare directly. However, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is described as neutral, producing a moderate sound profile that makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This neutrality in sound can make the Pipefish a safer choice for those who are concerned about disturbing others around them while typing. Although the Jade Rosales switches don't have a specified sound profile, they likely retain a refined character that complements their overall smoothness, which can be similar to the Pipefish's adaptable sound.
In terms of feel, the Jade Rosales switches are exceptionally smooth, benefiting from meticulous refinements over the past year, including custom housings and advanced lubrication techniques. This results in a luxurious typing experience that reduces friction significantly. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches also offer an easy-to-press action with a light actuation force of 45g, coupled with a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel. The combination of light resistance and refined surfaces makes both switches excel in comfort and responsiveness, ideal for prolonged typing without discomfort or strain.
In conclusion, while the sound characteristics of the Bsun Jade Rosales switches remain unspecified, they are likely to provide a smooth auditory experience similar to the KTT Mannan Pipefish's neutral sound profile. Both switches excel in providing a refined feel, making typing effortless through their smooth operation and thoughtful design. The choice between the two may come down to personal sound preferences and the specific typing experience one seeks, but each option guarantees a high level of comfort and performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches should hinge on your specific typing preferences and intended usage. If you value a nicely balanced feel with a smooth and refined typing experience, the Jade Rosales, with its 53 grams of bottom-out force, would be an excellent option. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing, providing a tactile satisfaction that can enhance your focus during longer typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for something lighter and easier to press, the Mannan Pipefish's 45 grams of actuation and bottom-out force will appeal to you. This makes it perfect for casual typists or those who might type for extended durations without wanting to feel fatigued. The Pipefish's polished feel and neutral sound profile make it versatile for both casual and professional environments. Ultimately, if you prefer a more substantial feedback while typing, lean towards the Jade Rosales; but if effortless and strain-free typing is your priority, the Mannan Pipefish is the way to go.
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