TKC Kiwi vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When searching for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that come to mind are the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Mannan Pipefish. The TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch that is designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. With lightly factory lubed switches, it offers a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Additionally, the Kiwi switch boasts a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, providing a truly immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish is a linear switch that offers an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. It features a smooth linear action, a lengthened spring, and a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, making it comfortable and precise for casual typists. Both switches have their unique advantages, with the Kiwi switch providing a tactile feedback and immersive sound experience, while the Mannan Pipefish offers a strain-free and precise typing journey. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and the KTT Mannan Pipefish differ in the materials used for their housing components. The Kiwi features a UHWMPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) top housing, while the Mannan Pipefish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. These materials offer distinct sound signatures when typing. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi produces resonant clacks, resulting in a very bright sound. In comparison, the polycarbonate top housing of the Mannan Pipefish creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate material's translucency is advantageous for those intending to use RGB lighting.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Kiwi incorporates a UHWMPE material, while the Mannan Pipefish employs a nylon bottom housing. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi shares characteristics with its top housing, producing a bright and resonant sound when typing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Mannan Pipefish elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, the choice between these housing materials will influence the overall sound experience and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Despite their differences, both switches showcase the use of newer materials for their housing components. The UHWMPE utilized in both the top and bottom housing of the Kiwi contributes to a bright and resonant sound profile, whereas the polycarbonate found in the Mannan Pipefish's top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Both materials provide unique characteristics that enhance the typing experience. However, it should be noted that the use of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous if RGB lighting is a priority, as its translucency allows for better illumination. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences concerning sound and aesthetic preferences with regards to lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish requires a lighter 37 grams of force to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Kiwi requires 67 grams of force, whereas the Mannan Pipefish only requires 45 grams. This makes the Kiwi switch slightly heavier overall, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish offers a lighter typing experience, which may be favored by individuals who value typing for extended periods of time without experiencing fatigue. However, it is worth mentioning that both switches fall within the medium-heavy and light categories, respectively, indicating that users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile 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 a consistent distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This ensures a satisfying tactile feedback and a comfortable typing experience. Both switches offer a similar travel distance, allowing users to achieve similar results in terms of key press response and typing accuracy. Therefore, there is no difference in the travel distance between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a deeper and mellower tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it falls in the middle of the sound spectrum, making it suitable for various purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience in terms of sound, with the Kiwi offering a low-pitched tone and the Mannan Pipefish having a more neutral sound.
In terms of feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is characterized by its stepped and accented tactile feel. Stepped switches have a two-stage tactile feeling, with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. This creates a mild tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Kiwi is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is known for being easy-to-press. It offers minimal resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similar to the Kiwi, the Mannan Pipefish is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of feel, both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the Kiwi providing a stepped and accented tactile feel, while the Mannan Pipefish offers an easy-to-press and low-impact typing feel.
In summary, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiwi provides a low-pitched sound, creating a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Mannan Pipefish has a more neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Kiwi offers a stepped and accented tactile feel, providing a mild but prominent tactile experience, while the Mannan Pipefish offers an easy-to-press and low-impact typing feel. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, whether you prefer a tactile or linear switch, both options offer a satisfying and comfortable typing experience, delivering an enhanced and strain-free keyboarding journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump, the TKC Kiwi is a great choice. It offers a satisfying typing experience with its snappy sound profile and lightly factory lubed smoothness. The Kiwi has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. It is best suited for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter linear switch, the KTT Mannan Pipefish is a perfect option. With its smooth linear action and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, it provides effortless and enjoyable typing. The Mannan Pipefish is particularly suitable for casual typists who seek a strain-free keyboarding journey.
In terms of sound, both switches have a moderate sound profile. The Kiwi, described as low-pitched and neutral, offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Mannan Pipefish, also described as neutral, has a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes.
In terms of feel, the Kiwi is described as stepped, accented, and polished. It offers a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The accented tactility is prominent but not overwhelming. The Kiwi also provides a sleek typing experience due to its polished finish and reduced friction.
The Mannan Pipefish, on the other hand, is described as easy-to-press and polished. It offers a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This low-impact typing feel enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish provides a smooth and refined typing experience due to its polished finish and reduced friction.
Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch depends on your preference for tactile feedback and actuation force. If you prefer a heavier tactile switch with a medium-strong bump, the Kiwi is the way to go. If you prefer a lighter linear switch that offers easy-to-press and low-impact typing, the Mannan Pipefish is the better option. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
