KTT Laurel vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Laurel and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and advantages. The Laurel, a medium-light linear switch, is widely recognized for its impeccable responsiveness and comfortable typing experience. Boasting a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, this switch strikes the perfect balance between comfort and productivity. Additionally, the Laurel switch presents a subtly low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers effortless and enjoyable typing with its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. Ideal for casual typists seeking a strain-free keyboarding journey, this switch ensures precision and comfort in every keystroke. While these general characteristics offer a glimpse into their unique qualities, let's dive deeper to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the KTT Mannan Pipefish differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Laurel utilizes POM in both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile that is deeper and more muted. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish features polycarbonate in its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, if RGB lighting is a factor, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a desirable choice for the top housing. Therefore, the materials used in the top housings of these switches differ and will have an impact on the sound when the keys are released.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Laurel and the Mannan Pipefish also utilize different materials. The Laurel utilizes POM in its bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile to its top housing. Both materials contribute to a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish incorporates nylon in its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housing material of each switch will have an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the keys are pressed.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the KTT Mannan Pipefish contribute to distinct sound profiles. The use of POM in the Laurel's top and bottom housings results in a deeper and more muted sound, while the use of polycarbonate in the Mannan Pipefish's top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Mannan Pipefish enhances the depth and fullness of its sound profile. However, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material will have an impact on different aspects of the sound and feel of the keys. The top housing influences the sound when the keys are released, while the bottom housing affects the sound and feel when the keys are pressed down.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is clear that both switches have relatively light forces. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. These forces in both switches provide a lighter typing experience, making them ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Despite the slight differences in force, both switches offer a similar lightness that allows for comfortable and effortless keystrokes. Therefore, for individuals who prefer a lighter feel, either of these switches would yield similar results.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, we can see that there is a difference in their respective distances. The Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mannan Pipefish has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mannan Pipefish has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Laurel.
In terms of the practical implications, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, providing a comfortable depth for typing. On the other hand, a travel distance of 3.5 mm is slightly shorter and may be preferred by gamers or individuals looking for faster response times. Choosing the shorter travel distance of the Laurel may result in a more responsive typing experience.
That being said, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more hearty typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish with its longer travel distance may be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Laurel offering a slightly shorter travel distance and the Mannan Pipefish providing a longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 KTT Laurel linear switch is known for its subtly low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it falls in the middle range and is suitable for most purposes. It is not too loud or too quiet, making it a versatile option. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. Therefore, individual keyboard setups may lead to slight variations in the perceived sound.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Laurel linear switch is described as snappy. This means that it provides a super responsive typing experience. The use of longer or dual-staged springs in the switch design contributes to this lively feel. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is known for being easy-to-press. It offers gentle 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. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch is also described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Laurel switch has a subtly low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel, providing a balanced combination of responsiveness and comfort. Meanwhile, the Mannan Pipefish switch has a neutral sound profile, an easy-to-press feel, and a polished finish that enhances the typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, and choosing between them would depend on individual typing preferences and requirements. However, it's worth mentioning that if a user desires a similar experience in terms of sound and feel, they can achieve comparable results by combining the Laurel switch with a smooth and polished keyboard setup, or the Mannan Pipefish switch with a keyboard setup that emphasizes responsiveness.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a comfortable and precise typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be a great choice. With its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, it provides an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. The smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and easy-to-press feel make typing gentle and reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Being a neutral switch, it is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that strikes the perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel linear switch is the way to go. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a snappy typing experience. The full POM housing and short travel add to the switch's responsiveness, making it feel more alive during typing. The Laurel also has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel and Mannan Pipefish switches depends on your personal preferences. Both switches offer unique advantages in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience. Consider your typing style and preferences in order to make an informed decision. In the end, both switches are excellent choices for mechanical keyboards, and you can't go wrong with either option.
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