KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer unique typing experiences. The Mannan Pipefish is a linear switch that provides effortless and enjoyable typing with its smooth action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation force. Ideal for casual typists looking for a strain-free keyboarding journey, this switch offers a comfortable and precise typing experience. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze is a clicky switch with no specific standout features mentioned. While the Mannan Pipefish is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the Spring Breeze does not have any specific categories listed. Depending on your preferences, you may lean towards the Mannan Pipefish for its smooth linear action or the Spring Breeze for its unique clicking sound. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Spring Breeze both feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Spring Breeze uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Mannan Pipefish creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound.
Both switches showcase the use of nylon for their bottom housings, providing a consistent deep and full sound profile when typing. The choice of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound due to its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. However, the top housing materials differ between the two switches, with the Mannan Pipefish featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Spring Breeze utilizing a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Mannan Pipefish offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze provides a deeper and fuller sound experience.
In terms of functionality, the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom housings of the switches. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has more impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Both the Mannan Pipefish and the Spring Breeze offer unique sound profiles due to their choice of housing materials, with the Mannan Pipefish delivering a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, and the Spring Breeze providing a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is evident that the Mannan Pipefish is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, with 37 grams and 45 grams respectively, while the Spring Breeze is slightly heavier with 40 grams actuation force and 55 grams bottom out force. This makes the Mannan Pipefish ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, whereas the Spring Breeze provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. Despite the differences in force, both switches offer a smooth keystroke feel for a comfortable typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches would ultimately depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. The Mannan Pipefish and the Spring Breeze offer a similar typing experience in terms of key travel distance. Both switches provide a consistent feel when typing and offer a satisfying keypress that is neither too shallow nor too deep. Whether you prefer the linear switch of the Mannan Pipefish or the clicky switch of the Spring Breeze, both options will provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience with their identical travel distances.
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 Spring Breeze 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
Overall, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light actuation force, making it ideal for casual typists looking for comfort and precision. In terms of sound, the Mannan Pipefish has a neutral profile that is suitable for various environments. When it comes to feel, the Mannan Pipefish is easy-to-press and polished, providing a gentle resistance and smooth key travel for a low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, so it's difficult to directly compare it to the Mannan Pipefish. However, based on the qualities of the Mannan Pipefish, if the Spring Breeze clicky switch offers similar smoothness, light actuation force, and comfortable typing experience, then users can expect a comparable level of typing satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for linear versus clicky switches and specific typing needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch or the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is important to factor in your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light actuation force, the Mannan Pipefish would be an excellent choice. This switch is ideal for casual typists looking for a strain-free and precise typing journey. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky sound and medium-light actuation force, the Spring Breeze may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are seeking and which features align best with your needs.
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