Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Mannan Pipefish stand out as excellent options with distinct characteristics. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch known for its blend of tradition and innovation, offering a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish is a linear switch that provides a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light 45g actuation force. While the Jupiter Brown boasts a more tactile experience and polished feel, the Mannan Pipefish excels in offering a comfortable and strain-free typing journey. Each switch has its unique strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

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Housing materials

One key difference between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Mannan Pipefish is their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches are aesthetically pleasing with their translucent housings, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Jupiter Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer properties that absorb more sound. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish also uses nylon for its bottom housing, showcasing a similar sound profile to the Jupiter Brown.

Despite the similarities in their top housing materials, the differences in their bottom housing materials result in varying sound profiles for the Jupiter Brown and Mannan Pipefish switches. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, creating a more rounded sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. However, the split housing materials highlight how the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in sound production based on housing materials adds to the unique typing experience offered by each switch.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Mannan Pipefish share similar polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharp and crisp sound profile, their differences lie in their nylon bottom housings. The nylon bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users. The split between top and bottom housing materials showcases how each component plays a role in creating a distinct sound profile for the switches. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharper sound of the Jupiter Brown or the fuller sound of the Mannan Pipefish, both switches offer unique attributes based on their housing materials.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch. The Jupiter Brown requires 55 grams to actuate a keystroke and 70 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, categorizing it as a light switch. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Mannan Pipefish for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions, while those wanting a more substantial push feel may opt for the Jupiter Brown. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistent typing experiences across both switches, regardless of the different tactile and linear characteristics they offer. Ultimately, whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Brown or the smooth linear feel of the Mannan Pipefish, you can expect a consistent and reliable travel distance with either switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is known for providing a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various intents and purposes. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch also offers a neutral sound profile, catering to both beginners and advanced users in any setting. The sound produced by a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used, so the sound experience may vary slightly based on these additional components.

When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Brown tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, characterized by a gentle and smooth key travel. This switch is considered approachable to most users due to its middle-ground qualities. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch provides an easy-to-press and polished typing feel, requiring minimal force for key activation. This results in a comfortable and responsive typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Both switches prioritize a smooth and refined typing sensation, making them ideal choices for those seeking a pleasant typing journey.

Considering all the available information, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Jupiter Brown excels in providing a classic keystroke feel with medium-heavy weight, the Mannan Pipefish stands out for its light actuation force and smooth linear action. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, it's worth noting that both switches prioritize reliable performance and aesthetic appeal, ensuring a delightful keyboarding journey for users.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a classic keystroke feel and aesthetic appeal, the Jupiter Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with effortless and enjoyable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, the Mannan Pipefish may be more suitable. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more