KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2

Overview

When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 present two compelling options for enthusiasts of linear switches. The Mannan Pipefish is designed for effortless typing, featuring a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force that promotes a comfortable and precise feel, ideal for casual users seeking an enjoyable and strain-free experience. Its easy-to-press design and polished smoothness make it a great choice for those who type for extended periods. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 excels in delivering a smooth linear action coupled with a satisfying balance between lightness and solid feedback at bottom-out, making it a solid choice for users who appreciate a more grounded typing experience. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches also provide premium performance at an accessible price point, offering great value for money. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

$3.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 exhibit significant differences in their top materials, while the bottom housing of both switches is composed of the same nylon material. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This property is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer structure, enhancing clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 employs a POK (polyketone) top housing. Although the POK material boasts exceptional smoothness, durability, and wear resistance, it creates a different auditory experience. Overall, while both switches utilize high-quality materials, their top housings result in distinct sound characteristics during use.

Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, creating a common thread in their acoustic profiles. The nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound because of its softer plastic composition, which effectively absorbs soundwaves and dampens the overall acoustic response. This shared nylon bottom ensures that both the Mannan Pipefish and Matcha Latte V2 will produce a consistent and warm auditory experience when pressed down, adding to the richness of each keystroke. Because the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will offer a similarly pleasing tactile sensation during typing.

In summary, the key contrasts between the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 lie in their top housing materials, with polycarbonate and POK providing different sound profiles, while both housing designs converge on the use of nylon for the bottom. To achieve comparable results in terms of the deeper sound profile, both switches leverage the nylon material’s acoustic qualities, ensuring that they resonate well with users who favor a richer typing experience. The divergence in top materials means that while their bottom responses will align, the auditory nuances will differ, offering users a choice between distinct sound profiles in their mechanical switches.

Weight

The KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Mannan Pipefish having a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Matcha Latte V2's 45 grams. This distinction suggests that the Mannan Pipefish may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, allowing for less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2's higher actuation force might appeal to those who favor a more substantial push feel, as the increased resistance can enhance tactile feedback during use. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unavailable, making a direct comparison challenging; nonetheless, the Mannan Pipefish has a bottom out force of 45 grams. Given this information, users of the Mannan Pipefish can expect a consistent, lighter typing experience, while those who choose the Matcha Latte V2 may enjoy a firmer interaction that may lend itself to more deliberate keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches, the Mannan Pipefish features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Mannan Pipefish the longer switch, providing a more substantial feel with its deeper travel, which can be comforting for users who appreciate the tactile feedback and depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel, offers a more responsive and quicker actuation, making it a favorable choice for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences; those who enjoy a hearty depth may gravitate towards the Mannan Pipefish, while those seeking faster response times might prefer the Matcha Latte V2.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is characterized by its neutral sound profile, which means it occupies a middle ground that's suitable for various environments. With a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level, this switch caters well to both casual typists and more seasoned users, making it a versatile choice for home or office settings. In comparison, the sound profile of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches is not specified, but for a smooth linear switch, one can generally expect a softer, subdued sound that typically echoes the switch's design and functionality. However, sound will largely depend on the keyboard build and keycap selection, which can further influence the audible characteristics.

In terms of feel, the KTT Mannan Pipefish offers a remarkably effortless typing experience. With an easy-to-press nature and a light 45g actuation force, this switch minimizes finger fatigue, allowing for comfort during long typing sessions. Its polished finish provides smooth key travel, significantly enhancing the overall tactile enjoyment. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is noted for its smooth, subtle linear action paired with generous factory lubrication, which also lends itself to a refined feel during operation. While specific descriptors for the Matcha Latte V2 are not provided, one can infer that its minimal stem wobble aligns with a solid typing experience, creating a balance between ease and stability that typists may appreciate.

In conclusion, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches both bring unique qualities to the table, they share a commitment to providing smooth and enjoyable typing experiences. The Mannan is lauded for its light actuation and neutral sound, making it welcoming for beginners and advanced users alike. Meanwhile, the Matcha Latte V2’s emphasis on lubrication and minimal stem wobble positions it as a premium yet accessible option. Ultimately, either choice promises a satisfying typing journey; the decision may come down to user preferences regarding sound or their specific tactile needs while typing.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you are a casual typist who values a light and effortless keypress, the Mannan Pipefish is your go-to option. Its 45-gram bottom-out force and polished feel ensure a comfortable, strain-free typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long sessions. This switch is also quite versatile, providing a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments, making it an excellent choice for both home and office use. However, if you're looking for a more premium tactile experience with enhanced factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 may align better with your needs. While its specific bottom-out force hasn't been listed, it is designed to offer a smooth and subtly solid feel, making it appealing for those seeking high-quality performance at an accessible price point. Ultimately, your decision will be based on whether you prioritize a light, effortless actuation or a richer, more refined typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more