KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Cherry MX Orange both offer unique benefits that cater to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Mannan Pipefish is celebrated for its effortlessly smooth linear action and a light 45g actuation force, making it an ideal choice for casual typists who prioritize a comfortable, strain-free experience. Its longer spring enhances the overall typing feel, resulting in a pleasant rhythm that's hard to resist for those who enjoy prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches, newly reissued with MX2A enhancements, pay homage to their popular original iteration while delivering a reliable and consistent typing experience for users seeking durability and traditional Cherry quality. While both switches share the linear characteristic and are designed for comfortable typing, the Pipefish excels in providing a delightful and polished experience, whereas the MX Orange stands firm with its legacy and reliability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Cherry MX Orange, there are notable differences in the materials used for their top housings. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and resonance properties. This material allows for greater clarity, especially beneficial for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, a classic material that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer texture absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Therefore, while the Mannan Pipefish excels in producing bright and clear sounds, the Cherry MX Orange offers a more subdued and rich auditory response.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Cherry MX Orange utilize nylon for their bottom housings, further contributing to the overall sound experience. The nylon material of the bottom housing in both switches plays a critical role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is engaged. Since both switches share the same material for their bottoms, this commonality in housing helps create a specific sound signature that enhances the depth and fullness for both options. Hence, even though the top sections offer contrasting auditory characteristics, the shared nylon material allows for consistent damping qualities that ground the user experience across both switches.
In terms of overall performance, the mixed materials in the Mannan Pipefish (polycarbonate top, nylon bottom) and the consistent nylon usage in the Cherry MX Orange indicate that sound dynamics will vary between the switches. The stiffness of the polycarbonate top may complement the softer nylon bottom by balancing the sound profile, resulting in a unique auditory signature that resonates well with different typing preferences. Conversely, the all-nylon construction of the Cherry MX Orange leads to a uniform sound experience that consistently absorbs higher frequencies, creating a rounded auditory impression. Ultimately, users can expect distinct sound profiles depending on the switch selection, underscoring the impact that housing materials have on mechanical switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The Mannan Pipefish has a light actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to press down and potentially ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange features a much heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for typing. The bottom out force of the Mannan Pipefish is 45 grams, which indicates a definitive resistance once the key is pressed down completely. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange remains unknown, leaving an incomplete picture of its overall resistance. Consequently, while the Mannan Pipefish is the lighter option with a lower actuation force and a specified bottom out force, the Cherry MX Orange caters to those who appreciate a heftier feel in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience the same travel distance when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Because they share the same travel distance, you'll achieve similar tactile feedback and keypress response, making either switch a viable choice for those who prefer a linear feel without any tactile bump or click. In this case, there is no distinction between the two in terms of travel distance, as both switches provide an equal experience for users.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is characterized by a neutral auditory profile. This means it produces a moderate sound level that's versatile enough for a wide range of environments, suitable for both home and office use without being overly disruptive. In contrast, there is no sound description available for the Cherry MX Orange, which leaves its sound characteristics unknown. Therefore, while users of the Mannan Pipefish can expect a balanced sound experience, the auditory qualities of the MX Orange remain a mystery at this time.
Regarding the feel of each switch, the KTT Mannan Pipefish excels with its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for actuation. This low actuation force not only makes typing effortless but also minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the switch boasts a polished finish that enhances its smoothness, resulting in a sleek feel during key presses and reduced friction. In contrast, there is limited information available on the tactile feel of the Cherry MX Orange, which leaves potential users in the dark about its ergonomics and overall typing experience.
In summary, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch stands out for its neutral sound profile and superior feel, offering an easy-to-press action and a polished finish that enhances the typing experience. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Orange’s sound and feel attributes remain unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. For those seeking a well-balanced and comfortable typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish is a clear choice, while the MX Orange requires further exploration to fully understand its offerings.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you are a casual typist who enjoys a light and effortless typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish is an excellent option. Its 45g actuation and bottom-out force, along with its smooth linear action, make it especially suited for long typing sessions where comfort and minimal finger fatigue are primary concerns. The neutral sound profile and polished feel further enhance the overall typing experience, making it ideal for both home and office environments. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a legacy design that offers a balanced mix of performance enhancements and reliability, the Cherry MX Orange may be more up your alley. While specific details on its actuation force aren’t provided, the MX Orange switches aim to pay homage to their predecessors while catering to high demand. Ultimately, if you prioritize ease of use and a refined typing feel, go for the Mannan Pipefish; however, if you prefer a switch with proven heritage and performance, the Cherry MX Orange should be your pick.
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