KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Bsun Ragdoll both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Mannan Pipefish is celebrated for its effortless and enjoyable typing experience, featuring a smooth linear action and a light 45g actuation force, making it ideal for casual typists who value comfort and precision. Its lengthened spring design further enhances the typing experience, allowing for nuanced keystrokes without strain. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll, boasting a Y3 stem, is crafted for notably smooth travel while incorporating a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a distinct clacky sound. This combination is perfect for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Both switches cater to smooth operations but do so in ways that appeal to different tactile preferences and acoustic aesthetics. 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
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Bsun Ragdoll switches present an intriguing contrast in terms of sound profiles and tactile experience. The Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes it ideal for users looking for clearer and more resonant feedback, especially when incorporating RGB lighting due to its translucency. In stark contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing, a material that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound energy, creating a rounder and more subdued auditory experience that may appeal to those who prefer a more muted keystroke sound.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, a noteworthy similarity arises. Both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Bsun Ragdoll employ nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's capacity to absorb sound leads to a softer keystroke feel, creating a more cushioned bottom-out experience. Consequently, users of both switches will encounter a similar effect in terms of auditory feedback during key presses, despite the differences in the top housing materials. This means that while the overall sound characteristics of the switches can differ significantly, the common use of nylon in the bottom housing provides a consistent depth and fullness in sound.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Bsun Ragdoll illustrates the complexity of switch design and sound dynamics. The polycarbonate top of the Mannan Pipefish emphasizes high-frequency clarity and brightness, which contrasts with the rounded sound produced by the nylon in both models' bottoms. However, the use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches share a foundational sound quality, promoting similarities in bottom-out feedback. Therefore, while each switch offers a unique auditory experience influenced by its top housing material, the shared nylon bottom serves to unify their performance, allowing users to enjoy a balance between different sound profiles in practice.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mannan Pipefish features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, catering to those who prefer a gentler typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ragdoll has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This makes it a medium-light option, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. As a result, if you seek a lighter and more responsive switch for prolonged use, the Mannan Pipefish would be the preferable choice, while the Ragdoll would suit those who favor a bit of resistance in their keystrokes. Overall, the differences in force suggest that the Mannan Pipefish offers a softer typing experience, whereas the Bsun Ragdoll provides a firmer response.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch measures 4 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference may impact the overall feel and performance of each switch. With the Mannan Pipefish, users can expect a more traditional and deeper key press, which some prefer for its satisfying tactile feedback, especially in longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Ragdoll's 3.8 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. Ultimately, while both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to standard switches, the Mannan Pipefish has the longer travel distance, providing a heftier feel, whereas the Ragdoll offers a slightly more responsive action, appealing to users who favor less travel for swifter key presses.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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, which means it maintains a balanced sound that is neither overly loud nor excessively quiet. This makes it an appropriate choice for various environments, from home to the office, as it caters to both beginners and more experienced typists. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a clacky sound generated by its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. The inherent acoustics of the Ragdoll may lend a more playful and pronounced auditory experience that can be particularly appealing to those who enjoy tactile feedback while they type. However, since the switch's sound can also depend heavily on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, users should consider their overall setup when evaluating either option.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch is characterized by its polished nature, leading to a smooth and refined typing experience. The reduced friction and seamless key travel enhance user comfort, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Ragdoll switch are unknown. While the Ragdoll is designed for smooth travel with its Y3 stem, without more specific feel descriptors, it's difficult to make a definitive comparison.
In summary, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Mannan Pipefish excels with its neutral sound and polished feel, catering well to comfort and versatile use. Meanwhile, the Ragdoll may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced sound profile. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound characteristics, feel, or a slightly different typing experience, but both options should yield a fulfilling mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches, consider your typing style and preferences. If you favor a lighter touch and a super smooth typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish is an excellent choice with its 45g actuation and bottom-out force, making it ideal for casual typists who want a strain-free and enjoyable keyboarding journey. Additionally, the neutral sound profile and polished feel make it versatile enough for use in various environments, from quiet offices to bustling home settings. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly more substantial feel with a bottom-out force of 52g, the Bsun Ragdoll is suitable for you, particularly if you enjoy a bit of feedback that accompanies its smooth travel and unique clacky sound. Its nylon-fiberglass construction adds a distinctive character, which may appeal to those who want a more tactile and interesting sound during their typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards light and effortless typing or a firmer response with added sonority in your keyboard experience.
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