KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing style, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Cherry MX Brown are two popular options to consider. The Mannan Pipefish stands out for its effortless and enjoyable typing experience, thanks to its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. It is especially well-suited for casual typists seeking a strain-free keyboarding journey. In contrast, the MX Brown switches are known for their subtle characteristics - the gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback offer a relatively light typing experience. Whether you prefer the easy-to-press and polished Mannan Pipefish or the textured and low-pitched MX Brown, both switches have their unique appeal. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities, exploring their nuances and features, to help you make the best decision based on your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Mannan Pipefish and Cherry MX Brown both use different housing materials for their switches. The Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing, while the MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing. Both materials have distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate housing of the Mannan Pipefish creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the MX Brown's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if sound preference is the main concern, these two switches offer different options.
Both the Mannan Pipefish and MX Brown also have nylon bottom housings. This makes them similar in terms of the material used for the bottom of the switch. As with the top housing, nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound. Whether it's the Mannan Pipefish or the MX Brown, the typing experience will elicit a similar sound and feel as the bottom housing material is unchanged. So if sound and feel are the primary factors, both switches will offer comparable results.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the housing materials of the top and bottom play a significant role. The bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether polycarbonate or nylon, has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, if individuals are particular about the feedback they receive during both pressing and releasing keys, they may observe differences in the sound and feel of these two switches, depending on their housing choices.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the MX Brown's 45 grams. This means that it requires less force to trigger a keystroke on the Mannan Pipefish switch. Similarly, the Mannan Pipefish has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the MX Brown's 55 grams. This indicates that typing on the Mannan Pipefish switch would feel lighter and require less force to fully press down the keys.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and longer periods of comfortable typing, the Mannan Pipefish switch would be a suitable choice. It allows for effortless keystrokes and reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if someone prefers a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, they should consider the MX Brown switch. Its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a bit more resistance, giving a satisfying tactile feedback while typing.
Overall, the Mannan Pipefish switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the MX Brown switch. However, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, albeit with slightly different levels of resistance. Individuals seeking similar results to the MX Brown switch's medium-light forces would find the Mannan Pipefish switch to be a comparable option.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the tactile feedback and typing experience it offers. Both the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same level of travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer similar results and provide a consistent 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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is considered neutral, offering a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, or if you plan to use the keyboard at home or work. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It also has a low-pitched tone, offering a more mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers an easy-to-press experience. These switches require minimal force to activate, resulting in a gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue even during extended typing sessions. Additionally, these switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and possible factory lubing, which reduces friction and allows for smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is described as textured. This means that these switches have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users actually prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. It is important to consider your personal preference and typing style when choosing between the textured feel of the MX Brown or the easy-to-press and polished feel of the Mannan Pipefish linear switch.
In conclusion, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers a comfortable and precise typing experience with its smooth linear action, light actuation and bottom-out force, and lengthened spring. It provides a strain-free and enjoyable keyboarding journey, making it ideal for casual typists. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch provides a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility. Its subtlety is characterized by a subdued audio feedback and a textured feel during key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the Mannan Pipefish and the MX Brown will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. However, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, ensuring satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a casual typist seeking a comfortable and strain-free keyboarding experience, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch is an excellent choice. With its smooth linear action, light actuation and bottom-out force, and lengthened spring, it provides effortless and enjoyable typing. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish is described as easy-to-press and polished, offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is the way to go. These switches have a medium-light bottom-out force and offer a relatively light typing experience. The MX Brown is also known for its textured feel, providing noticeable friction during key presses that may be preferred by some users.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize comfort and precision, the Mannan Pipefish is the better option. However, if you prefer a more subtle and textured typing experience, the MX Brown may be more suitable. Consider your desired typing feel, actuation force, and sound profile to choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and needs.
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