KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches for your typing or gaming needs, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Cherry MX Speed Silver are both standout options to consider. The Mannan Pipefish offers a smooth linear action with a light 45g actuation force, making it ideal for casual typists looking for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver excels in rapid response, featuring low spring resistance and linear action for quick triggers, making it a top choice for competitive gamers. The Mannan Pipefish is easy-to-press and polished, while the MX Speed Silver is textured and low-pitched. 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Cherry MX Speed Silver both offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While they differ in material, both top housings play a significant role in the sound produced when typing on the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Mannan Pipefish and the MX Speed Silver utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in material choice for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches. Whether you're typing on the Mannan Pipefish or the MX Speed Silver, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a consistent sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Mannan Pipefish and the Cherry MX Speed Silver plays a crucial role in defining the sound profiles of these switches. While the Mannan Pipefish utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound, the MX Speed Silver opts for nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience with a focus on absorbing sound for a smoother sound profile. Whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the depth of nylon, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Mannan Pipefish is the heavier option. The Mannan Pipefish has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the MX Speed Silver has an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force that is unspecified. The Mannan Pipefish requires more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the MX Speed Silver. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Speed Silver for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier feel of the Mannan Pipefish for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch both have relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches. The Mannan Pipefish has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the MX Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver for faster response times. The Mannan Pipefish, on the other hand, offers a bit more depth with its 4 mm travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 usage scenarios without being overly loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deep and satisfying, adding a tactile element to the typing experience. Sound preference can be subjective, so it ultimately comes down to personal choice and the environment in which the keyboard will be used.
When it comes to feel, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch stands out for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation and providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. The polished finish of the switch further enhances the overall feel by reducing friction and ensuring a refined key travel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is described as textured, offering noticeable friction during key presses which can appeal to users who prefer a more tactile response. Again, personal preference plays a significant role in determining which type of feel is most desirable for individual users.
Considering all the available information, both the Mannan Pipefish and Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and use cases. While the Mannan Pipefish excels in providing a comfortable and strain-free typing experience with its neutral sound profile and easy-to-press feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver targets gamers with its rapid response time, thocky sound, and textured feel. Whether one chooses the Mannan Pipefish for general typing purposes or the Cherry MX Speed Silver for competitive gaming, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying and efficient typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences in sound, feel, and typing requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light actuation force, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be a great choice. It is perfect for casual typists seeking comfort and precision in their keyboarding journey. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for maximum speed and instant response, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch would be ideal. With its low spring resistance and linear action, it is designed for quick and precise keystrokes, making it essential for gaming where milliseconds matter. Consider your typing preferences and usage needs when choosing between these two switches to ensure you find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard.
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