Neo Lavender HE vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often hinges on personal preference and typing style. The Neo Lavender HE, renowned for its clean, low sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, offers a distinct experience through its innovative hall effect mechanism, providing a unique tactile feedback that sets it apart from traditional switches. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish boasts a smooth, linear action characterized by its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, complemented by a lengthened spring for an effortlessly enjoyable typing experience that is particularly appealing to casual typists. While the Lavender HE emphasizes a quiet operation and specialized design, the Mannan Pipefish prioritizes comfort and ease of use, making it a great choice for those who value a strain-free keyboarding journey. 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
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, notable differences emerge, especially in the top housing. The Neo Lavender HE incorporates a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer texture that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softness allows for sound absorption, producing a rounder acoustic experience that many typists find preferable for a comfortable, muted keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity. This stiffer material enhances the sound signature by creating a sharper and more resonant sound profile, which contrasts sharply with the deeper timbre produced by nylon.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Neo Lavender HE and KTT Mannan Pipefish utilize nylon. This consistency in material choice means that despite the differences in their top housings, both switches will maintain a similar sound quality when it comes to the bottoming out of keys. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches ensures a harmonious, muted sound profile, as nylon absorbs sound effectively and contributes to the overall tactile feel. Thus, while the top housings diverge in sound characteristic—soft and deep for nylon versus sharp and high-pitched for polycarbonate—the bottom housing unifies their acoustic signatures.
Overall, the contrasting materials in the upper housings of the two switches showcase how different choices can lead to varied auditory experiences, while the continuity in their bottom housings ensures both share a common tactile response. The Neo Lavender HE’s nylon top brings warmth and depth to the typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top lends itself to a crisp and lively feel that enhances responsiveness, particularly in RGB lighting scenarios. By understanding how these materials interact, users can effectively choose a switch that aligns with their personal preferences, knowing that similarities in bottom housing will deliver a consistent performance across these two distinct typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, both switches exhibit light characteristics, but there are subtle differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience will find the Mannan Pipefish more suitable due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience for extended use, making them ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, if someone values a softer touch and less pressure, the KTT Mannan Pipefish would be the better choice, whereas those who prefer a firmer feel may lean towards the Neo Lavender HE.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lavender HE the shorter of the two switches, offering a slightly more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quick actuation for faster response times. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial depth that some users may prefer for a satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either responsiveness or a hearty depth in the keystroke feel.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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 Neo Lavender HE switch offers a clean, low profile that sets it apart from other magnetic switches, making it ideal for users seeking a more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish features a neutral sound characteristic, striking a balance that caters well to a broad audience. Its moderate sound profile makes it versatile enough for various environments, whether you're at home or in an office. While both switches cater to different preferences, the choice between them may ultimately be influenced by personal taste, as sound is also dependent on factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Neo Lavender HE's specifics are less defined, but the KTT Mannan Pipefish is characterized by its easy-to-press action and polished texture. This switch requires minimal force thanks to its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, providing an effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions. Coupled with a smooth and refined finish, the Mannan Pipefish enhances the overall typing experience by allowing for fluid key travel. The Neo Lavender HE may offer a unique feel as well, but without more specific details, it is difficult to make a direct comparison.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Lavender HE’s clean and low sound may appeal to those seeking tranquility, while the Pipefish's neutral sound profile offers versatility for general use. On the feel side, the Pipefish shines with its effortless actuation and polished mechanism, providing a delightful typing experience. Without more information on the feel of the Lavender HE, it’s difficult to assess its performance in that regard; however, typists can expect a unique yet potentially satisfying experience from either switch based on their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a clean, low sound and are looking for a switch that pairs seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, then the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent choice. Its slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams still feels light, making it suitable for a more tactile yet subtle typing experience, particularly if you enjoy the unique attributes of hall effect technology. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that offers an effortless and enjoyable typing experience with a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, the KTT Mannan Pipefish stands out with its easy-to-press and polished feel. This switch is perfect for casual typists who want a smooth key travel and reduced finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it an ideal option for those who prioritize comfort and versatility in both home and work environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the typing experience that brings you the most joy and productivity.
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