KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Oil King, two exceptional linear mechanical keyboard switches. The Mannan Pipefish switch offers a seamless and enjoyable typing experience with its smooth linear action and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, making it perfect for casual typists seeking a strain-free keyboarding journey. On the other hand, the Oil King switch stands out with its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, creating a sensory experience like no other. While the Mannan Pipefish switch boasts an ease of pressing and a neutral feel, the Oil King switch embraces a low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished nature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personalized typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Oil King differ significantly. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is especially beneficial for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In contrast, the Oil King features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Thus, while both materials serve their purpose and create distinct sound profiles, the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate offers a sharper tone, while the Oil King's nylon produces a deeper tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Mannan Pipefish and Oil King rely on nylon as their material choice. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This characteristic leads to a duller and rounder sound, which is equally applicable to both switches. Therefore, the bottom housing in each switch contributes to the overall sound profile, creating a similar deep and resonant tone in both the Mannan Pipefish and Oil King.
While the top and bottom housings in the Mannan Pipefish and Oil King differ, their impact on the switch's sound and feel is distinct. Pressing down on a switch will primarily highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In this regard, both the nylon bottom housing of the Mannan Pipefish and the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Oil King contribute to a substantial impact when typing. On the other hand, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when letting go of a key. With the polycarbonate top housing of the Mannan Pipefish, users can expect a clearer and more resonant sound upon key release, while the Oil King's nylon top housing will create a rounder sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are noticeable differences. Firstly, in terms of actuation force, the Mannan Pipefish requires a lighter force of 37 grams, while the Oil King requires a heavier force of 55 grams. This means that the Mannan Pipefish is more sensitive and requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke compared to the Oil King. On the other hand, when considering bottom out force, the Mannan Pipefish has a slightly lighter force of 45 grams, while the Oil King is heavier at 65 grams. This suggests that the Oil King offers a more substantial typing experience, as it requires more force to fully press down the key compared to the Mannan Pipefish.
These differences in force can have an impact on the user's typing experience and preferences. Those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Mannan Pipefish more suitable, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for a smoother and potentially faster keystroking experience. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger and more tactile typing feel may opt for the Oil King, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces providing a more robust and satisfying typing experience. It is worth noting that while the forces differ between the two switches, they both have their own unique advantages and it ultimately comes down to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. Both switches offer a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on the keys. Therefore, you can expect a comparable typing experience from both switches.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as neutral, meaning it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes. This makes it a good choice for both beginners and advanced users, whether they are using the switch at home or at work. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch offers a low-pitched sound with a deep and rich tone, reminiscent of bass tones. This gives it a more mellow and bass-heavy sound profile, which some users may find pleasing. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch is known for being easy to press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This smoothness is often achieved through factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch. Typing on the Oil King switch feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Similar to the Mannan Pipefish switch, the Oil King switch is also described as polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the Mannan Pipefish and Gateron Oil King switches seem to offer different subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Mannan Pipefish provides a comfortable and precise typing experience with a neutral sound and an easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience. It is important to consider factors such as intended use, typing style, and personal preferences when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are a casual typist seeking a strain-free and enjoyable typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, easy-to-press and polished feel, as well as a neutral sound profile, this switch offers a comfortable and precise typing journey. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65g and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be a perfect fit. With its creamy and silky feel, as well as a low-pitched and bassy sound, you can expect a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preference for actuation force, typing feel, and sound profile.
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