KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Mars both offer distinct advantages, appealing to different types of users who enjoy the smooth typing experience characteristic of linear switches. The Mannan Pipefish stands out with its effortless 45g actuation and bottom-out force, allowing for a comfortable and strain-free typing experience that’s particularly ideal for casual typists. Its longer spring length ensures a polished and neutral feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize ease of use and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches introduce an innovative design with a unique POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, suggesting enhanced durability and stability for those who may engage in more intensive typing or gaming sessions. While both switches cater to a smooth linear action, the Mannan Pipefish is perfect for users seeking light and effortless keystrokes, whereas the Gateron Mars appeals to those in search of longevity and robustness in their typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The comparison of housing materials between the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Mars highlights significant differences that influence their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is revered for its stiffer structure that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality is particularly beneficial for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mars employs nylon for its top housing, which tends to result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb more sound, thus creating a rounder and more muted auditory response. The distinctions in the top housing materials exhibit how they uniquely cater to differing preferences in sound clarity and resonance.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the Mannan Pipefish and Gateron Mars utilize nylon, but they differ in the additional material choices for the bottom housing. The Mannan Pipefish features a nylon bottom housing, aligning with its top housing’s material to produce a cohesive sound signature that emphasizes depth and fullness. In contrast, the Mars employs a POM bottom housing. While POM also contributes to a deeper profile, its unique properties enable it to create a more muted sound compared to nylon. Each combination of housings presents distinct sound characteristics, leading to contrasts in the typing experience where the bottom housing's material defines the bottom-out feel and sound, while the top housing influences the release sound.
Ultimately, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Gateron Mars utilize different materials for their top housings, the similarity in using nylon for their bottom housings creates a foundation for comparable results. Each switch’s sound profile will retain a degree of depth and fullness from the nylon bottom, but the diverging materials in the top housings will shape the final auditory experience. As a result, users may find a balance of clarity and resonance in the Mannan Pipefish through its polycarbonate top combined with nylon bottom, whereas the Gateron Mars will deliver a sound that is rounder and more subdued, characteristic of its nylon-POM pairing. This interplay of materials underscores how sound and tactile feedback can vary widely even within the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch with the Gateron Mars linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force, while the bottom out force for the Mars switch remains unknown. The Mannan Pipefish requires a lighter actuation force of only 37 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or intense gaming, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Mars has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Additionally, while the Mannan Pipefish has a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a consistent tactile experience, the absence of the bottom out force specification for the Mars switch leaves a gap in understanding its overall feel during heavy use. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch experience would find the Mannan Pipefish advantageous, while those desiring a stronger tactile feedback may gravitate toward the Mars.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Mars linear switches, the difference is noteworthy. The Mannan Pipefish features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mars has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Mars switch offers a quicker actuation, which can enhance responsiveness, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel, favoring users who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and quickness, the Gateron Mars is the better option, but if you prefer a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the KTT Mannan Pipefish would be the optimal choice.
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 Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Mannan Pipefish is characterized by a neutral sound, which means it features a moderate actuation force requirement along with a balanced sound profile. This trait makes it versatile for both home and office environments, suitable for casual and more experienced typists alike. On the other hand, there is no specific information regarding the sound characteristics of the Gateron Mars switch; thus, its acoustic profile remains unknown. However, the sound output of both switches can heavily depend on factors like the keyboard case and keycap material used, which means you could potentially achieve a sound that complements your preference with either switch.
In terms of the feel of the switches, the Mannan Pipefish is praised for its effortless typing experience, characterized by an easy-to-press action. The light 45g actuation force ensures that users can type comfortably without undue stress on their fingers, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions. Furthermore, the polished feel that results from high-quality materials or factory lubing enhances the overall typing experience by minimizing friction and providing smooth key travel. Unfortunately, the tactile or resistance characteristics of the Gateron Mars switch are not detailed, leaving a gap in our understanding of its feel compared to the Mannan Pipefish.
In conclusion, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers a definitive neutral sound profile and an effortless, polished typing experience, the Gateron Mars linear switch lacks specific descriptions in these areas. This suggests that if you choose the Mannan Pipefish, you can expect a comfortable, smooth typing journey, while the Gateron Mars's performance in sound and feel remains uncertain. For those seeking a reliable and enjoyable typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish stands out as a strong candidate given its known qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Mars linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you're someone who values a light and effortless typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish is an excellent choice. With its 45g bottom-out force, this switch allows for comfortable, strain-free typing that's perfect for long hours of use, whether you're a casual typist or someone who spends significant time on the keyboard. Its smooth action and neutral sound profile make it versatile for any setting, be it at home or in the office. Conversely, if you seek a switch that embodies innovative design and construction, the Gateron Mars may appeal to your preferences, especially if you’re interested in exploring cutting-edge materials like the Nylon and POM blend used in its housing. While the details on its actuation force and sound profile remain unspecified, if you prioritize unique design elements over specific tactile feedback, the Mars could be the switch for you. In essence, if effortless typing and minimal finger fatigue are your priorities, go for the Mannan Pipefish; however, if you’re inclined to experiment with new switch technologies, the Gateron Mars could provide an intriguing option.
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