KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there is a wide variety to choose from. Two popular options are the KTT Mannan Pipefish, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, a tactile switch. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Mannan Pipefish is best known for its smooth linear action, light 45g actuation, and bottom-out force, providing a comfortable and precise typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for casual typists seeking a strain-free keyboarding journey. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple stands out with its exhilarating tactile bump, which adds a satisfying feedback to each keystroke. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple is described as snappy, making it a great option for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The main point of comparison between the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the SP-Star Polaris Purple lies in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it highly suitable for switches with RGB lighting, providing an aesthetically pleasing option. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that offers these qualities and plan to use RGB lighting, both the Mannan Pipefish and the Polaris Purple would yield similar results.
However, the distinction lies in the housing material used for the bottom housing. The Mannan Pipefish employs nylon, while the Polaris Purple also uses polycarbonate for this component. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing materials introduces a divergence in the sound and feel of the switches. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the SP-Star Polaris Purple share the advantage of using polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making them ideal options for those seeking this type of audio experience, particularly with RGB lighting. However, they differ in the material used for the bottom housing. The Mannan Pipefish's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile associated with stiffer plastics. Therefore, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired sound and feel during both key press and release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, some notable differences arise. The Mannan Pipefish possesses a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's actuation force is not known, but its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
Considering weight as a factor, those seeking a lighter typing experience would lean towards the Mannan Pipefish switch. Its lower actuation force allows for longer typing durations, making it an ideal choice for individuals utilizing keyboards at work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. This force is preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing, providing a sense of solidity and precision.
In summary, the Mannan Pipefish switch emerges as the lighter option, allowing for extended periods of typing, whereas the Polaris Purple switch, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Mannan Pipefish or the Polaris Purple, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the travel distance experienced when typing.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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, both the Mannan Pipefish and the Polaris Purple switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound level that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you use them at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Since both switches have a neutral sound profile, you can expect similar results in terms of sound from both switches.
Moving on to feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers an easy-to-press experience. These switches have a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch provides a mild tactile typing experience. These switches offer a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced tactile characteristics. The sound and feel of the Polaris Purple switches are approachable to most typists, as its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. Similar to the Mannan Pipefish switch, the Polaris Purple switch is also described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have their own unique qualities. The Mannan Pipefish provides a smooth, effortless, and strain-free typing experience with an easy-to-press feel and polished finish. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers an exhilarating tactile bump and a more mild typing experience, also with a polished finish. Although the sound profile for both switches is described as neutral, the overall typing experience may vary depending on your choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Ultimately, both switches offer comfortable and precise typing experiences, ensuring an enjoyable journey for both casual and advanced typists alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch is the way to go. Its light bottom out force of 45 grams allows for comfortable and precise typing, making it perfect for casual typists seeking a delightful and strain-free keyboarding journey. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate the keys, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Its polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you're in search of a tactile typing experience with a big bump, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the ideal choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides an exhilarating tactile feedback that adds excitement to each keystroke. The Polaris Purple switch also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches have a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments, whether you're a beginner, advanced typist, or planning to use them at home or work. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
