KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both offer unique advantages for different typing preferences. The Mannan Pipefish excels in providing an effortless and enjoyable typing experience with its smooth linear action, light 45g actuation force, and comfortable feel. Ideal for casual typists looking for a strain-free journey, this switch is easy to press and polished. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed for office environments, focusing on discretion and quiet typing. With a light actuation and subtle sound signature, this switch is bouncy, easy to press, and snappy, catering to professional settings. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to best decide on the best switch for you.
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
The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Mountain Top switches are both made of nylon, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. However, the Mannan Pipefish's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Mountain Top's nylon top housing. This difference in material results in a more resonant sound for the Mannan Pipefish switch, giving it a unique auditory experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top housing is clear, allowing for better RGB lighting effects compared to the Gateron Mountain Top's opaque nylon top housing. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the Mannan Pipefish switch maintains a consistent sound profile throughout with its nylon bottom housing, while the Mountain Top may have a slightly different sound due to the contrasting materials used for the top and bottom housings. Overall, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the sound and feel of both switches, offering users distinct options based on their preferences.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Mountain Top switches, they both provide users with a similar level of durability and reliability. Both switches use high-quality plastics that are known for their long-lasting properties, ensuring that the switches will withstand daily use and maintain their performance over time. Additionally, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches offers a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, making them suitable options for users looking for a reliable switch for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is clear that both switches fall on the lighter end of the spectrum. The Mannan Pipefish has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, with the Mannan Pipefish being slightly lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force. This makes them ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods, such as for work or gaming. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may find the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top to be more satisfying. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the Mannan Pipefish has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mountain Top has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. These differences may seem minimal, but they can have a significant impact on the typing experience. For those who prioritize faster response times and a more agile feel, the Mountain Top with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial keypress and a greater sense of depth may find the Mannan Pipefish to be more suited to their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style, as both offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs.
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 Mountain Top 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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch is known for being easy to press and offering a polished typing experience. The light actuation force of 45g provides a comfortable and responsive typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. These attributes contribute to a gentle typing experience with a lively feel and responsive feedback. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a comfortable and low-impact feel.
Ultimately, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches offer a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience with their own unique characteristics. While the Mannan Pipefish switch focuses on effortless typing with its smooth linear action and light actuation force, the Mountain Top switch caters specifically to office environments with its quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. Whether you're a casual typist seeking a strain-free journey or in need of a discreet switch for professional settings, both options provide a comfortable and precise typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light actuation force, the Mannan Pipefish switch is the way to go. It is perfect for casual typists seeking comfort and precision. On the other hand, if you are in an office setting and prioritize discretion with a quiet yet comfortable typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is the better choice. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and easy-to-press feel, so the decision comes down to whether you prefer a polished typing experience with the Mannan Pipefish or a bouncy and snappy feel with the Mountain Top. Consider these factors carefully to determine which switch best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
