KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique features for different typing preferences. The Mannan Pipefish switch provides a smooth linear action with a light 45g actuation force, making it ideal for casual typists looking for a comfortable and precise typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch offers a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched sound and a muted essence, perfect for those seeking a balance between presence and subtlety during prolonged typing sessions. 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
37g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the PH Studio Milk Tea, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Milk Tea employs a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have their advantages, with polycarbonate providing a clearer resonant sound and POM delivering a distinctive deep sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Mannan Pipefish uses a nylon material which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Similarly, the Milk Tea also incorporates a POM bottom housing resulting in a pleasing and unique deep sound. Despite their differences in sound profile, both nylon and POM materials contribute to creating a more rounded and dull sound compared to harder plastics. This highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound profile of a switch.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the sound and feel of each switch, it is clear that the choice of material plays a crucial role. While the Mannan Pipefish and the Milk Tea differ in their housing materials, they ultimately achieve similar results in terms of offering unique and pleasing sound profiles. Whether it be the sharpness of polycarbonate or the deepness of POM, each material brings its own character to the overall typing experience, making the decision between the two a matter of personal preference.
Weight
Both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches have similar actuation forces and bottom out forces, with the Mannan Pipefish having a slightly higher bottom out force. The actuation force of the Mannan Pipefish is 37 grams, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams. The bottom out force of the Mannan Pipefish is 45 grams, and the Milk Tea has a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. In terms of weight, the Mannan Pipefish is slightly heavier than the Milk Tea. Those who prefer lighter switches may choose either option for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a stronger push may lean towards the Mannan Pipefish for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance between actuation and bottom out forces, providing a comfortable typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Mannan Pipefish offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing users with a more traditional feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch has a shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer their own advantages, with the Mannan Pipefish providing a deeper keypress feel and the Milk Tea offering a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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 Mannan Pipefish switch offers a neutral and moderate sound profile suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch presents a unique blend of high-pitched and clacky sounds, providing a balance between sharpness and subtlety. The Milk Tea switch may appeal to users who prefer a more distinct auditory feedback compared to the neutral sound profile of the Mannan Pipefish.
In terms of feel, both the Mannan Pipefish and Milk Tea switches are described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. The Mannan Pipefish switch is highlighted for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Milk Tea switch is noted for its silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Users looking for a typing switch that offers a polished and smooth feel will find both the Mannan Pipefish and Milk Tea switches to be ideal choices.
Overall, while the Mannan Pipefish and PH Studio Milk Tea switches have differing sound profiles, they both offer a polished and smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a comfortable and enjoyable typing journey with either switch. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Mannan Pipefish's neutral sound or the Milk Tea's unique auditory blend, both switches are designed to enhance typing precision and comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light actuation force, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The extended spring and comfortable 45g bottom-out force make it perfect for casual typists seeking a strain-free keyboarding journey. On the other hand, if you prioritize a unique auditory blend with a balanced high-pitched sound and a slightly lower actuation force, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch would be a great option. Designed for prolonged typing sessions, the Milk Tea switch offers a comfortable and effortless typing feel with its 43.5g bottom-out force. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches would depend on whether you value a smooth typing experience (Mannan Pipefish) or a distinctive sound profile and lower actuation force (Milk Tea).
Mentioned in this article
