KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. KTT Mint

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often come to mind are the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the KTT Mint, both of which are linear switches. The Mannan Pipefish switch offers an effortless and enjoyable typing experience, thanks to its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. This makes it an excellent choice for casual typists seeking a comfortable and precise keyboarding journey. On the other hand, the Mint switch provides a satisfyingly smooth linear feel with a poppy thockiness, thanks to its long pole stem. It also offers a light and fleeting type feel that is perfect for those who prefer a delicate touch. While these general characteristics give us a glimpse into what each switch has to offer, let's dive a bit deeper into their specific features to help you make the best decision for your individual needs.

By the numbers

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

KTT Mint Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

$2.91 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Mannan Pipefish and the KTT Mint both share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. As a result, both the Mannan Pipefish and the Mint will provide similar sound profiles and aesthetic effects when it comes to the top housing material.

However, when considering the bottom housing, the Mannan Pipefish and the Mint differ in their choice of material. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mint also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar deeper and fuller sound experience as the Mannan Pipefish. Therefore, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches provide comparable sound profiles with the use of nylon.

It is important to note that the qualities of each housing material, polycarbonate and nylon, are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the impact and sound quality will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the release of the key will be more affected by the top housing. This means that the differences in material between the Mannan Pipefish and the Mint will primarily be noticeable in the feel and sound when bottoming-out or releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer a range of sound profiles thanks to their choice of housing materials, providing a variety of options for keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, compared to the Mint's actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier. Similarly, the Pipefish has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Mint has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and value the ability to type for longer periods, the Mannan Pipefish may be the preferred choice due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feedback and prefer a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Mint, as its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more pronounced typing experience.

It's worth mentioning that while the Mannan Pipefish and Mint differ in their actuation forces and bottom out forces, they still fall within the same general range. Therefore, although the Mint may provide a slightly heavier typing feel, it is not dramatically different from the Pipefish, and users can expect relatively similar results when typing on both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures a consistent typing experience and allows users to get similar results when using either switch. Overall, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the KTT Mint provide a satisfying and comfortable typing experience due to their equal travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is best described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Overall, both switches offer pleasant sound profiles, but the Mannan Pipefish gives a more neutral sound while the Mint provides a low-pitched sound. It's worth noting that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is known for being easy to press. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a mild typing experience and falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its characteristics. Like the Mannan Pipefish, the Mint switch is also described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience.

In conclusion, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch offer enjoyable typing experiences. The Mannan Pipefish has a smooth linear action, light actuation and bottom-out force, and a polished finish, making it suitable for casual typists seeking a comfortable and precise typing journey. On the other hand, the Mint switch has a satisfyingly smooth feel with a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. Both switches have a similar polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Mannan Pipefish has a more neutral sound, the Mint switch provides a low-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, but both are likely to provide a pleasant typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a seamless and pleasurable typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch is the way to go. With its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, this switch provides a comfortable and precise typing experience. It is perfect for casual typists seeking a delightful and strain-free keyboarding journey. On the other hand, if you prefer a satisfyingly smooth switch with a poppy thockiness, the Mint linear switch is a great choice. Its long pole stem enhances the typing experience, offering a light and fleeting type feel. When it comes to sound, both switches have their unique characteristics. The Mannan Pipefish is described as neutral, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. The Mint, on the other hand, has a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish has an easy-to-press characteristic, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It also has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The Mint offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, with a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Mannan Pipefish and Mint linear switches depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you are seeking.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

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KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more