KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can greatly influence your typing experience. The KTT Mannan Pipefish and Haimu Orange Sea are two compelling linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Mannan Pipefish is celebrated for its effortless and enjoyable typing experience, featuring a smooth linear action complemented by a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. This switch is particularly appealing to casual typists who desire a strain-free keyboarding journey, making it a neutral yet polished choice. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea offers an impeccably smooth typing feel paired with a neutral sound signature, positioning it as an invigorating option for those who appreciate an accented experience without overwhelming noise. While both switches provide solid performance for typing, they differ in nuance and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The comparison of housing materials in the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Haimu Orange Sea reveals a notable consistency in their construction, particularly for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate material, which significantly influences the auditory characteristics of their performance. The polycarbonate housing is characterized by its stiffness, resulting in a higher-pitched, sharper, and crisper sound profile. This commonality in using polycarbonate not only assures a similar acoustic experience but also enhances visual appeal through its translucency. For enthusiasts interested in RGB lighting, the polycarbonate’s clarity serves to amplify the lighting effects, thereby creating a uniform aesthetic across both switches.

In contrast to the top housing, the bottom housing materials differ in their sound profiles and tactile feedback. Both the Mannan Pipefish and the Orange Sea feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound during use. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound waves compared to its polycarbonate counterpart, resulting in a duller yet rounder auditory experience. This divergence at the bottom housing level ensures that while the acoustics differ during interaction, they both retain similar qualities overall due to the nylon's classic performance characteristics. Thus, beneath the sharply resonant tops lies a foundation of rich sound provided by the nylon bottoms.

The interplay between these materials further accentuates the individual strengths of each switch. While the combination of polycarbonate tops in both the Mannan Pipefish and the Orange Sea creates a vibrant and clear sound when keys are released, the nylon bottoms contribute to an enriched tactile experience when pressed. This design philosophy capitalizes on the unique properties of the materials, resulting in a multifaceted typing experience for users. The shared polycarbonate top housing enables a uniform acoustic performance during the release of keys, while the aluminosilicate base of both switches guarantees that their sound profiles complement each other, thus generating a cohesive and satisfying experience.

Weight

The KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches exhibit identical specifications in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, both requiring 37 grams to actuate and reaching a bottom-out force of 45 grams. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience with both switches, resulting in a lightweight feel that is ideal for extended use, whether for work or long gaming sessions. Because both switches have the same actuation and bottom out forces, they offer the same lighter experience, appealing to those who favor a softer touch rather than a more substantial typing sensation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Mannan Pipefish has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Haimu Orange Sea features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance has implications for user experience; the Mannan Pipefish provides a more pronounced feel when pressing down on the key, which may appeal to those who appreciate a deeper engagement. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Orange Sea can enhance responsiveness, making it particularly suitable for gamers who prioritize speed. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: if you favor a more substantial feel, the Mannan Pipefish is your best bet, but if you’re looking for quick response and a more abrupt action, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the way to go.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch boasts a neutral profile that offers a moderate sound signature, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This quality is beneficial for typists who appreciate a balanced auditory experience without distractions. The specific sound characteristics of the Haimu Orange Sea switch are unknown; however, it is commonly understood that its sonic output is descriptively neutral as well. Ultimately, while the Mannan Pipefish provides a well-rounded sound experience, clarity regarding the Orange Sea's sound profile remains elusive.

When assessing the feel of these switches, a distinct contrast emerges. The Mannan Pipefish is characterized by its polished action, which ensures a smooth and refined typing experience due to thoughtful engineering or effective factory lubrication. This results in diminished friction and fluid key travel, making it a delight for relaxed typing sessions. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switch offers an accented feel, which suggests it delivers a more tactile experience. Known for its invigorating feedback, this switch fosters a snappier and more engaged typing sensation, providing a different level of interaction when compared to the smoothness of the Pipefish.

In summary, while both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches showcase valuable qualities, they cater to different preferences in the typing experience. The Mannan Pipefish excels in providing a smooth, neutral sound and a polished feel suited for casual typists, whereas the Orange Sea, while its sound profile is less defined, emphasizes tactile feedback and an invigorating actuation that appeals to those who enjoy a more responsive typing experience. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, either switch could be an excellent addition to your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and specific use cases. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience without any unnecessary strain, the Mannan Pipefish serves you well with its polished feel and neutral sound profile, making it a great option for both casual and professional environments. Its 45-gram bottom-out force allows for a comfortable typing journey, especially for those who enjoy long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more invigorating experience that offers pronounced feedback while still maintaining a smooth linear action, the Haimu Orange Sea might be your best bet. With its unique accented feel, it provides a snappy and reactive typing sensation that can make your typing more engaging and enjoyable. Ultimately, choosing the right switch will help enhance your typing experience, so consider how much feedback you desire and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more