KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silent Grey. The Mannan Pipefish is a linear switch known for its effortless and enjoyable typing experience, featuring a smooth linear action, light 45g actuation force, and a comfortable typing feel perfect for casual typists. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke that is satisfying and silent. While the Mannan Pipefish may be preferred for its easy-to-press and polished feel, the Outemu Silent Grey is ideal for those seeking a more tactile and quiet typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silent Grey both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the nylon bottom housing, the Mannan Pipefish and the Silent Grey differ slightly. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller and rounder sound. This means that while both switches may share similar characteristics in their top housing, the bottom housing material will ultimately impact the overall sound and feel of the switch.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Mannan Pipefish and the Silent Grey benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings. The clear nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall look of the switch. However, when it comes to the feel and sound produced by the switches, the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, affecting the overall typing experience. While both switches may have polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housing material will ultimately determine the overall sound and feel of the switch during use.
Ultimately, the choice between the Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silent Grey will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharper, crisper sound, but the difference lies in the nylon bottom housing. The Mannan Pipefish offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Grey provides a slightly different typing experience with its own nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer a duller, rounder sound or a crisper, more resonant sound will ultimately guide your decision between these two switches.
Weight
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Mannan Pipefish also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 65 grams, providing a softer typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may gravitate towards the Mannan Pipefish. In contrast, the Silent Grey offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom when pressed. Whether you prefer the smooth linear feel of the Mannan Pipefish or the quiet tactile sensation of the Silent Grey, you can trust that the travel distance will remain consistent across both switches. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference regarding the type of switch you prefer rather than the travel distance.
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 Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10 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, it can be said that the Mannan Pipefish switch provides a neutral typing experience with a moderate sound profile, suitable for a variety of typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quiet typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more discreet keyboarding session. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers an easy-to-press experience with minimal force required for key actuation. This results in a comfortable and effortless typing journey, perfect for avoiding finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The switch's polished finish also contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch is not specifically described, but given its tactile nature, it can be assumed to provide a satisfying and responsive typing feel.
Overall, while the Mannan Pipefish and Outemu Silent Grey switches differ in their sound and feel qualities, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable and comfortable typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a linear switch with a neutral sound profile and easy-to-press feel, like the Mannan Pipefish, or a tactile switch with a quiet operation, like the Outemu Silent Grey, both options offer their own unique benefits. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience with a smooth linear action, the Mannan Pipefish would be an excellent choice. It is suitable for casual typists looking for strain-free typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is the way to go. It is ideal for those seeking a satisfying and silent typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and desired experience.
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