Gateron Jupiter Red vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red and the KTT Mannan Pipefish mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience. The Jupiter Reds provide a medium-heavy actuation with a single-stage spring, along with high-precision molds and soft backlight effects, appealing to those who value consistency and precision in their typing. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers a lighter 45g actuation force and bottom-out force, making it ideal for casual typists looking for a comfortable and strain-free typing experience. While the Jupiter Reds are categorized as 'Polished', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', the Mannan Pipefish is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Neutral', 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique strengths and characteristics, providing different typing experiences. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who value a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. By using the same material for their top housing, both switches are likely to deliver similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
On the other hand, the Jupiter Red and the Mannan Pipefish differ in their choice of bottom housing material. While the Jupiter Red features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Mannan Pipefish also opts for nylon, highlighting the classic nature of this material in switch construction. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. Despite their different appearances, the nylon bottom housing of both switches is likely to provide a similar tactile feel and sound profile during use.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Gateron Jupiter Red and the KTT Mannan Pipefish showcases a thoughtful approach to switch design. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences, they share similarities in their utilization of polycarbonate for the top housing, ensuring a common emphasis on clear and resonant sound production. Whether users prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller typing experience, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch. The Jupiter Red requires 45 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Mannan Pipefish, as it allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Jupiter Red for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages based on personal preference, with the Mannan Pipefish being the lighter option and the Jupiter Red offering a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. As a result, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the Jupiter Red or the Mannan Pipefish, you can be confident that the travel distance will be consistent in both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches are known for their neutral sound profiles, making them suitable for a variety of environments and user preferences. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red offers a polished, creamy, and silky typing experience, thanks to its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish provides an easy-to-press and polished typing feel, with its smooth linear action and light actuation force. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable and precise typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of keypress resistance and smoothness.
Overall, while the Gateron Jupiter Red and KTT Mannan Pipefish switches may have slightly different characteristics in sound and feel, they both strive to provide a seamless and enjoyable typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a medium-heavy actuation like the Jupiter Red or a light actuation like the Mannan Pipefish, both switches offer top-notch quality and performance. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium actuation force and a smooth, consistent typing experience, the Jupiter Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and effortless typing, the Mannan Pipefish could be the ideal option. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you're a casual typist seeking comfort or someone who values a medium-heavy actuation, both switches have their own unique advantages to enhance your typing experience. Choose wisely based on your typing needs and enjoy the journey of finding the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for you.
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