KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silent Ocean are both excellent options to consider. The Mannan Pipefish stands out for its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, making it ideal for those who want an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean offers a silent typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter working environment. 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
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
Partial box
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
Both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silent Ocean use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. While both switches share this feature, the slightly different designs of the top housings may still result in subtle variations in sound and feel.
On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer composition, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience on the switches, with the Mannan Pipefish likely providing a more muted and softer typing sound compared to the Silent Ocean.
When considering the overall typing experience, the combination of different housing materials in the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silent Ocean plays a crucial role. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, while the polycarbonate top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials enhances the complexity of the typing experience on these switches, offering users a variety of sound profiles and tactile feedback to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the heavier 45 grams required by the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch. In terms of bottom out force, the Mannan Pipefish requires 45 grams, while the Silent Ocean needs a heavier 65 grams to bottom out. The Mannan Pipefish provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Silent Ocean offers a more substantial push feel for those seeking a heavier typing experience. Both switches provide different weights for actuation and bottom out forces, giving users the option to choose based on their preferred typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance. Both switches provide a consistent typing experience with a relatively short travel distance compared to other switches on the market. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches makes them ideal choices for those who prefer a shorter keystroke when typing or gaming. Overall, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches offer comparable results in terms of 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 Ocean 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, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers a neutral profile that suits most users' needs, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. This switch provides a moderate sound level that is not too loud, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific information available regarding its sound profile. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a moderate sound level, the Mannan Pipefish would be a reliable choice.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch is designed to be easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance during key presses. The light 45g actuation force ensures effortless typing and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal friction. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch. If you prefer a switch that requires minimal force and provides a smooth typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish would be a favorable option.
Overall, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers a comfortable and precise typing experience with its smooth linear action, light actuation force, and polished finish. It is suitable for casual typists looking for strain-free typing sessions. While information about the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is limited, based on the qualities of the Mannan Pipefish, it is likely that you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a light actuation force and a smooth, effortless typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a different sound profile, the Silent Ocean could be a better option. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for you during your typing sessions. Happy typing!
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