KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer unique options to suit different preferences. The Mannan Pipefish is a linear switch that provides an effortless and enjoyable typing experience with its smooth action, light actuation force, and comfortable key presses. Ideal for casual typists looking for a strain-free keyboarding journey, this switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Neutral', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. With a punchy tactile bump and unique translucent jade yellow housing, this switch is perfect for those who prefer a tactile feedback while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon and its ability to absorb sound effectively. However, the Mannan Pipefish's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing, which produces a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in top housing material allows for a different typing experience between the two switches, with the Mannan Pipefish offering a more clear and resonant sound while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a softer and more muted typing experience.
On the other hand, if we focus solely on the top housing material, we see a clear difference between the two switches. The Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top housing is transparent, allowing for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding a visually pleasing element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing does not offer this translucent quality, resulting in a more traditional appearance without the added flair of RGB lighting. This aesthetic difference may appeal to different preferences among users, with some preferring the flashy look of RGB lighting and others opting for a more understated design.
In terms of tactile feedback, the difference in top housing material can also impact the overall typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate used in the Mannan Pipefish's top housing may result in a more tactile and responsive feel when pressing down on the keys, while the softer nylon material of the Silent Yellow Jade's top housing may offer a smoother and more cushioned typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, aesthetics, and tactile feedback.
Weight
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Mannan Pipefish provides a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches provide different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing intensity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Mannan Pipefish's 4 mm. The Mannan Pipefish offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial and deliberate key press. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or individuals seeking a faster response time. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, and ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Yellow Jade 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
In terms of sound, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch is generally described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is known for providing a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique housing and tactile bump. The sound produced by both switches can further be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch is favored for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and decreases finger fatigue during extended usage. Additionally, the switch offers a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction for a refined typing experience. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is not specified, so it may offer a different typing experience compared to the Mannan Pipefish switch.
Overall, both the Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch have their own unique qualities to offer. The Mannan Pipefish provides a comfortable and precise typing experience with its smooth linear action and light actuation force, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with its distinctive sound profile. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a delightful typing journey. Ultimately, with their different characteristics, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of typing enjoyment and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a light, effortless typing experience with a smooth linear action and minimal noise, the Mannan Pipefish switch would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a quiet, tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize light actuation force and smooth key travel or quiet, tactile feedback with a punchy bump. Consider your personal typing style and needs to determine which switch best suits your preferences.
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