KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Cherry MX Silent Red are two popular options to consider. The Mannan Pipefish offers a smooth linear action, light 45g actuation force, and comfortable typing experience, making it perfect for casual typists looking for an effortless and strain-free keyboarding journey. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red provides a similar typing experience to the MX Red but with a quieter sound profile, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While both switches have their unique strengths and characteristics, such as the Mannan Pipefish being categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', and the MX Silent Red being categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the best switch for you ultimately depends on your individual preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Cherry MX Silent Red, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the Mannan Pipefish stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. The difference in top housing material results in distinct auditory experiences between the two switches.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the Mannan Pipefish distinguishes itself with its polycarbonate top housing. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound. This contrast in top housing materials showcases how different plastics can impact the overall sound profile of switches in distinctive ways.
Ultimately, the choice between the Mannan Pipefish and the Cherry MX Silent Red comes down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing to achieve a deeper and fuller sound, the use of polycarbonate in the Mannan Pipefish's top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing. Whether you prefer a clear, resonant sound or a deeper, fuller tone, understanding the housing materials of these switches can help you make an informed decision based on your audio and visual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the MX Silent Red's 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Mannan Pipefish requires 45 grams while the MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mannan Pipefish, as it allows for longer typing sessions without as much fatigue. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making the Silent Red the shorter option. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Mannan Pipefish offering slightly more depth. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red for faster response times, while others may find the Mannan Pipefish's slightly longer travel distance more satisfying for a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound, providing a quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive settings. Depending on your preference for sound, the Mannan Pipefish switch may offer a more versatile option, while the MX Silent Red switch caters specifically to those seeking a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch provides an easy-to-press and polished typing experience, offering minimal resistance and smooth key travel for comfortable typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, potentially offering a more tactile feel with noticeable friction during key presses. Depending on your preference for key feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch may appeal to those seeking a effortless and low-impact typing experience, while the Cherry MX Silent Red switch may cater to users who prefer a more tactile feedback.
Considering all the available information, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mannan Pipefish switch provides a neutral sound profile and easy-to-press feel, ideal for versatile typing experiences, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a muted sound profile and textured feel, catering to those who prioritize a quieter and more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your specific preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch or the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a light actuation force and a smooth typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish is the way to go. It offers effortless and strain-free typing, making it perfect for casual typists looking for a delightful keyboarding journey. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying feel of a linear switch, the MX Silent Red is the better choice. Its silent operation and slightly heftier feel cater to those in noise-sensitive environments. Consider the sound profile, feel, and bottom-out force of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what matters most to you.
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