Gazzew LT vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the Gazzew LT and the KTT Mannan Pipefish. Both switches belong to the linear switch family, which means they offer a smooth keystroke experience without any tactile feedback. However, they differ in various aspects that cater to different user preferences. The LT is best known for its enticing lilac hue and its auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. Typing on the LT switches feels like an immersive experience as each keystroke produces a satisfying thock sound. Furthermore, the LT switches offer a seamless glide, enhancing the typing experience even further. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish is renowned for its effortless and enjoyable typing action. With a lengthened spring and a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, these switches provide a comfortable and precise typing experience. They are perfect for casual typists seeking a delightful and strain-free keyboarding journey. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Gazzew LT Linear

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew LT and the KTT Mannan Pipefish have contrasting materials for their top housings. The LT utilizes a proprietary plastic blend often referred to as "boba plastic," which offers a softness that delivers a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish incorporates polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for switches with clear housings, as its translucency allows for optimal RGB lighting effects. While the LT focuses on delivering a softer, more resonant sound, the Mannan Pipefish prioritizes a cleaner and more vibrant sound experience.

In terms of the bottom housings, the Gazzew LT and the KTT Mannan Pipefish differ once again. The LT's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing shares its softness with the top housing, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's relatively softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and more rounded sound. Therefore, while the LT's bottom housing contributes to a softer and more resonant experience, the Mannan Pipefish's nylon bottom housing enhances the switch's ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile.

When comparing the overall sound and feel of the two switches, it is essential to consider the role of both the top and bottom housings. The materials used for each housing have distinct effects on different aspects of the switch's performance. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Therefore, the Gazzew LT's soft and resonance-enhancing Gazzew blend bottom housing will provide a unique tactile experience. Conversely, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. In this aspect, the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top housing, with its stiffer nature, will create a sharper and crisper sound. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide an exceptional sound experience, albeit with different characteristics based on their respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The LT switch's actuation force is currently unavailable, while the Mannan Pipefish requires 37 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the LT switch is on the heavier side at 65 grams, while the Mannan Pipefish is lighter at 45 grams.

The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it can significantly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Mannan Pipefish, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces provide a more effortless keystroke. This lighter weight can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, allowing users to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue.

On the other hand, some individuals prefer a more substantial typing experience and may favor the LT switch. Although the actuation force of the LT switch is unknown, the heavier bottom out force of 65 grams provides a strong push feel, delivering a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. This can be appealing for those who enjoy a demanding and tactile typing experience.

In summary, the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch have notable differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The LT switch is heavier overall, with a currently unknown actuation force but a substantial 65-gram bottom out force. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish is lighter, requiring 37 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for weight and typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch have different travel distances. The LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the traditional 4.0mm distance. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish has a travel distance of 4 mm, maintaining the traditional length.

If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Gazzew LT switch with its shorter travel distance would be the better choice. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch with its longer travel distance may be more suited to your preferences. It's important to note that some individuals find shorter travel distances too abrupt, whereas others appreciate the quickness. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the typing experience you desire.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gazzew LT linear switch is best known for its deep and resonant thockiness, creating an auditory symphony during typing. This switch offers a seamless glide with every keystroke, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. Its smooth linear action, light actuation and bottom-out force, and lengthened spring contribute to a comfortable and precise typing journey. While the LT switch is described as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as neutral in terms of sound profile.

Regarding feel, information about the LT switch is unknown. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, further improving the overall typing feel.

In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The LT switch provides a deep and resonant thockiness with a seamless glide, while the Mannan Pipefish switch offers an effortless and enjoyable typing experience with its light actuation force and polished feel. In terms of sound, the LT switch has a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched profile, while the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as neutral. While these switches have their own unique characteristics, depending on the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, one can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy the auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness, the Gazzew LT switches are the way to go. With their enticing lilac hue, they provide a seamless glide with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and value an effortless and enjoyable typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish switches are a great choice. Their smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light actuation force ensure a comfortable and precise typing journey. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound, the LT switches excel in this regard. However, if you prefer a neutral sound profile, the Mannan Pipefish switches are more suitable. Finally, if you prioritize an easy-to-press and polished feel for reduced finger fatigue and smooth key travel, the Mannan Pipefish switches offer these characteristics. Overall, consider your preferences for force, sound, and feel when deciding between these two switches to ensure an optimal typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more