Durock Mamba vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Mamba and the KTT Mannan Pipefish are two mechanical keyboard switches that both offer a linear typing experience. The Mamba is best known for its gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience, while the Mannan Pipefish is praised for its effortless and enjoyable typing experience. The Mamba has a slightly heavier feel with its 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Thocky' characteristics, while the Mannan Pipefish provides a lighter touch with its 'Easy-to-press' and 'Neutral' attributes. Both switches are polished and offer a smooth linear action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the KTT Mannan Pipefish differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mamba's top housing is made of a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, which offers a pleasant, brighter sound profile without being too sharp. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it particularly suitable for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switch. Therefore, while the Mamba's blend offers a pleasant sound experience, the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate housing creates a more distinct and vibrant sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Mamba features a POM bottom housing that produces a deeper and relatively muted sound. This POM material contributes to the switch's overall sound profile by offering a more subdued tone. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, the Mamba's POM bottom housing creates a more subtle sound expression, while the Mannan Pipefish's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience.
When comparing the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to consider the impact of both the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing of each switch has a more prominent influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the tactile feedback and overall satisfaction when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing is more influential in creating the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while the Mamba and Mannan Pipefish differ in their housing materials, the impact of both housings on the overall switch experience ensures that similar results can be achieved in terms of sound and feel, albeit with distinct characteristics brought about by their specific housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, we can observe a few differences. The Mamba switch has an actuation force that is unavailable, indicating that the exact force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, suggesting it requires a relatively light touch to register a keystroke.
In terms of the bottom out force, the Mamba switch has a force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium. This means that when pressing the key all the way down, a bit of resistance will be felt at around 60 grams. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish switch has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch is needed to fully press the key.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is worth noting that the Mamba switch's actuation force is not available, making it difficult to determine the exact weight of the switch. However, if one prefers a lighter typing experience, the lower bottom out force of the Mannan Pipefish switch at 45 grams may be more suitable. This lighter force allows for more effortless typing, making it ideal for extended periods of use, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience might opt for a switch with a heavier force. While the Mamba switch does not provide specific actuation force information, its medium bottom out force of 60 grams suggests it may be a suitable choice for those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel when typing.
In summary, the Durock Mamba and KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches exhibit variations in their actuation force and bottom out force. While the Mamba switch's actuation force is unknown, its bottom out force is medium at 60 grams. In comparison, the Mannan Pipefish switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. Depending on the desired typing experience, individuals can opt for a lighter touch with the Mannan Pipefish switch or a more substantial feel with the Mamba switch, provided it aligns with their preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the Durock Mamba linear switch, it has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mannan Pipefish has a more traditional travel distance compared to the Mamba.
Shorter travel distances have gained popularity in recent times, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. In this regard, the Mamba with its 3.5 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes and improved gaming performance.
However, it is important to consider personal preferences when choosing a switch. Some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the Mannan Pipefish with its longer 4 mm travel distance would be a better fit.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness. Both switches offer their own advantages and it is important to consider these factors when making a choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Mamba switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound when pressed, making it suitable for various purposes and skill levels. Additionally, it is described as having a "thocky" sound, which implies a deep and satisfying sound when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile. Therefore, both switches offer a similar sound experience, with a moderate and neutral sound profile. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Mamba switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the KTT 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 makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Like the Mamba switch, the Mannan Pipefish switch is also described as polished, resulting in a smooth typing experience with reduced friction.
Based on the available information, the Durock Mamba and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches offer comparable subjective qualities. Both provide a gliding typing sensation and a comfortable typing experience. In terms of sound, they both have a neutral sound profile, with the Mamba switch having the added quality of a thocky sound. As for feel, they both offer polished switches, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The Mamba switch has a mild typing experience, while the Mannan Pipefish switch is easy-to-press, providing low-impact and responsive typing. Ultimately, both switches are suitable choices for individuals seeking a delightful and strain-free keyboarding journey.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a gliding typing sensation, the Durock Mamba is a great choice. Its rich and creamy auditory experience, along with its neutral and thocky sound profile, make it suitable for both beginners and advanced typists, whether for home or work use. The Mamba's mild and polished feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel, offers a safe and approachable typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and effortless typing, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is perfect for you. With its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, it provides a comfortable and strain-free typing journey. The Mannan Pipefish also offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes.
In summary, if you prioritize a medium bottom out force and a gliding typing sensation, choose the Durock Mamba. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and effortless typing, opt for the KTT Mannan Pipefish. Ultimately, both switches offer enjoyable and precise typing experiences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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