Zuoce Lavender vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Mannan Pipefish both offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Lavender stands out for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, appealing to those who enjoy a satisfying tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish boasts effortless and enjoyable typing with its smooth linear action and light 45g actuation force, perfect for casual typists seeking a comfortable and strain-free 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
48g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, we see a clear distinction in sound profile based on the materials used. The Lavender's POM top and bottom housing both contribute to a deeper and more muted sound, creating an overall pleasing auditory experience. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in sound profile highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material also plays a significant role. The Lavender's POM top housing may not offer the translucency that polycarbonate does, but it provides a unique and enigmatic sound profile that appeals to many. Conversely, the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who enjoy RGB lighting, as the material's translucency allows for a vibrant display of colors. This contrast in appearance demonstrates how housing materials can cater to different preferences and styles within the mechanical keyboard community.
Furthermore, the choice between POM and nylon for the bottom housing of these switches also affects the overall typing experience. The Lavender's POM bottom housing contributes to its deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Mannan Pipefish's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound. This difference in sound profile based on the bottom housing material showcases how subtle variations in materials can impact the overall feel and sound of a switch.Overall, the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the KTT Mannan Pipefish offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetics that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Whether preferring a deeper and more muted sound with POM or a sharper and crisper sound with polycarbonate, keyboard enthusiasts can choose based on their personal preferences. Additionally, the choice between POM and nylon for the bottom housing further highlights how subtle differences in housing materials can impact the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in shaping the sound, feel, and aesthetics of mechanical keyboards, offering a variety of options for enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is evident that the Lavender switch is the heavier of the two with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish switch is lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The Lavender switch provides a medium-light typing experience, whereas the Mannan Pipefish switch offers a lighter touch. Both switches have a similar actuation force, giving users a consistent typing experience in that regard. The choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel - whether one prefers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. With a difference of only 0.6 mm, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking quicker response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Mannan Pipefish with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the amount of travel distance that feels most comfortable and responsive.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 Zuoce Lavender linear switch offers a unique and clacky typing experience, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. This sound profile adds a satisfying tactile feedback to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch provides a more neutral sound, suitable for a variety of typing preferences. The moderate sound profile of the Mannan Pipefish switch makes it versatile for different environments and typing styles. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, both the Zuoce Lavender and the KTT Mannan Pipefish are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force promotes an effortless and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch is noted for its polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Overall, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel to users.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lavender switch boasts a clacky sound profile and a smooth typing experience right out of the box, the Mannan Pipefish switch provides a neutral sound and a polished finish for a comfortable and precise typing journey. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can cater to different typing styles and usage scenarios. Ultimately, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience for users seeking a reliable and enjoyable mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a smooth and clacky typing experience right out of the box, opt for the Lavender switch with its medium-light 53g bottom out force. On the other hand, if you value effortless and enjoyable typing with a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, the Mannan Pipefish switch is the way to go. Both switches offer easy-to-press keys, but the Lavender provides a crisper sound profile while the Mannan Pipefish remains neutral in its sound. Ultimately, the decision rests on your preference for sound, feel, and actuation force in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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