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KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Gateron Mini i

An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a linear switch and a tactile switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The KTT Mannan Pipefish offers a smooth, linear action that is characterized by its effortless responsiveness, featuring a light 45g actuation force that promotes a comfortable and strain-free typing journey. This switch is ideal for casual typists who value a polished, uninterrupted keystroke, enhancing both the speed and fluidity of their typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i provides a gentle tactile feedback with each keypress, making it a suitable option for office environments where subtlety is key. Its lightweight design allows for prolonged typing sessions without the overpowering noise often associated with mechanical keyboards, ensuring a professional atmosphere while still delivering the satisfying feedback that many typists crave. Ultimately, while the Pipefish excels in offering a seamless typing experience perfect for leisurely or intense use, the Mini i stands out for delivering a balanced, quiet tactile sensation perfect for the workplace. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

37g

Actuation force

40g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

50g

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Pre-travel

1.40 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.40 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm spring

Spring

22mm double-stage spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Mini i, a notable distinction emerges in their top housings. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes polycarbonate, which is known for its rigidity and clear sound profile. This material produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that enhances the auditory feedback when typing. Its translucency also makes it an appealing choice for those who wish to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively, creating an attractive aesthetic. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i features a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer composition. Nylon’s properties lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a typing experience that feels more rounded and mellow. Thus, while the Mannan Pipefish’s polycarbonate top is designed for a crisp response, the Mini i’s nylon top opts for a richer sound texture, showcasing the varying priorities of each switch.

Both switches, however, share similarities in their bottom housings, as they both utilize nylon. This choice presents a unifying aspect between the two products. The nylon housing operates under the principle of sound absorption, contributing to a rounder and more muted sound profile that feels less sharp compared to switches with harder materials. This similarity means that regardless of the differences at the top housing level, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Gateron Mini i provide an enjoyable, plush typing experience at the bottom, allowing for a deeper auditory experience when the key is pressed down. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a consistent, satisfying baseline in both switches.

In summary, the contrasting sounds produced by the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Gateron Mini i can be attributed to their differing top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon. The unique features of each top housing shape the auditory experience while typing, with polycarbonate offering a sharper profile and nylon providing a fuller one. Nonetheless, the similar nylon bottom housing presents a cohesive aspect that ensures both switches deliver a comforting tactile response when engaged. Thus, for enthusiasts considering these switches, the choice ultimately comes down to their preference for the top housing's character, while understanding that both will offer a common foundation of deep sound resonance due to the properties of nylon in the bottom section.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for comfortable, extended typing sessions. The Mannan Pipefish has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Gateron Mini i features a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Mannan Pipefish is the lighter switch, requiring less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Mini i, which has a stronger push feel. In terms of feel, users preferring a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Gateron Mini i, given its heavier forces. However, both switches are designed for users who favor lighter key presses, making either option a good choice for prolonged typing or gaming.

Travel distance

The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Mannan Pipefish the longer option, offering a more substantial depth when pressed, ideal for those who favor a more tactile and robust keystroke experience. In contrast, the Mini i's 3.4 mm travel distance is designed for quicker actuation, making it a suitable choice for gamers who appreciate a more responsive feel. While both switches will produce different sensations during use, the choice between them ultimately hinges on personal preference for either a heartier or more rapid response when typing or gaming.

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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.

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 profile, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Mini i switches are classified as neutral. This means that neither switch produces an overly loud or distracting noise, making them suitable for both home and office environments. The Mannan Pipefish offers a moderate sound that caters to a wide range of users, while the Mini i also aligns with this neutral characteristic, providing a sound profile that allows for focused typing without being intrusive. It’s important to remember that sound quality can be influenced by the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used. However, based solely on their switch characteristics, users can expect a similarly unobtrusive auditory experience from both switches.

In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish excels with its easy-to-press and polished design. It offers a light actuation force that promotes a smooth, refined typing experience, minimizing finger fatigue during extended use. The polished nature of the switch enhances the overall tactile experience, allowing for fluid key travel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i is characterized by a bouncy and snappy feel, thanks in part to its spring-like mechanics. It combines gentle resistance and a lively rebound, creating a responsive typing experience that features a mild tactile feedback without being overwhelming. While both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use, the Mini i introduces a subtle sense of liveliness that distinguishes it from the smoother feedback of the Mannan Pipefish.

Overall, when comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, both present appealing options for different user preferences. The neutral sound profiles of both switches make them suitable for quiet settings, while the Mannan Pipefish emphasizes a smooth and effortless experience, perfect for casual typists. Conversely, the Mini i offers a more dynamic feel with its bounciness and subtle tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate a gentle interaction with their keys. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results, making them commendable choices depending on whether one prefers a polished linear feel or a more bouncy tactile sensation.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use cases. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, particularly for extended sessions, the Mannan Pipefish is an excellent option thanks to its light actuation force, polished finish, and neutral sound profile. It’s perfect for casual typists or enthusiasts who enjoy a simple, strain-free keyboarding journey. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that balances gentle tactile feedback and a lively feel, the Gateron Mini i is your best bet. Its bouncy yet subtle characteristics make it suitable for shared work environments, allowing for satisfying feedback without being overly loud or intrusive. In summary, choose the Mannan Pipefish for a pure linear experience that promotes comfort, while opting for the Mini i when you want a touch of tactility and a more engaging feel during typing.

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