KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offer distinct typing experiences. The Mannan Pipefish boasts a smooth linear action, light actuation force, and comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for casual typists looking for effortless key presses. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura stands out with its tactile feedback, snappy response, and buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance between tactility and a mild sound signature. While the Mannan Pipefish is perfect for those seeking a strain-free typing journey, the Purple Sakura is the go-to option for a satisfyingly tactile 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Sarokeys Purple Sakura both use polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, both switches feature nylon for the bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While both switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the distinction lies in how these materials impact the sound and feel of typing. The KTT Mannan Pipefish's bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, given the qualities of nylon. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura's top housing will influence the sound when a key is released, as the characteristics of polycarbonate come into play at that moment. Overall, the choices of housing materials in each switch contribute to their unique sound profiles, offering users different typing experiences based on their preferences for sound and feel.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Sarokeys Purple Sakura play a crucial role in shaping the sound and typing experience of each switch. While both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile, they diverge in the use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in differences in sound depth and fullness. Understanding how these materials influence the sound and feel of typing can help users choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to their distinct typing experiences, catering to a variety of user preferences.
Weight
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mannan Pipefish requires 45 grams, while the Purple Sakura needs 60 grams. This means that while the Mannan Pipefish is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, the Purple Sakura offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Mannan Pipefish, while those who like a stronger push feel may lean towards the Purple Sakura for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the overall typing experience and should be considered based on individual preferences and needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is clear that the Mannan Pipefish has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. While both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their travel distances, they also cater to different preferences. The Mannan Pipefish may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press and more feedback, while the Purple Sakura may be favored by those looking for a quicker response time and a more shallow key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the user's desired typing experience.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound level, making them suitable for various environments and preferences. While the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience without being too loud or distracting.
Moving on to feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch is known for being easy to press and polished, providing a smooth and comfortable typing experience. The light actuation force of 45g makes typing effortless and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch is described as buttery, mild, and snappy. This means that it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke, a gentle typing experience, and a super responsive feel. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing comfort and precision to the users.
In conclusion, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer different but equally appealing qualities. The Mannan Pipefish provides a comfortable and strain-free typing experience with its easy-to-press and polished feel, while the Purple Sakura offers a decadently buttery downstroke and a snappy response. Whether you prefer a linear switch with a smooth action or a tactile switch with a pronounced but balanced tactility, both options are excellent choices for casual typists looking for an enjoyable keyboarding journey. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. Opt for the Mannan Pipefish if you seek a light and effortless typing experience with its smooth linear action and light bottom-out force, ideal for casual typists looking for comfort and precision. On the other hand, go for the Purple Sakura if you prefer a slightly heavier tactile switch with a snappy response and buttery downstroke for a balanced tactile feel and a mild sound signature. Ultimately, whether you prioritize lightness and precision or a bit more tactile feedback and snappiness, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience suitable for various typing styles and preferences.
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