KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Akko Rosewood are two compelling options for enthusiasts and casual typists alike, each offering a unique typing experience. The KTT Mannan Pipefish stands out with its effortless actuation, featuring a light 45g force and a long spring that facilitates a smooth, strain-free typing journey, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood captivates with its distinct auditory feedback—producing a deep, satisfying "thock" sound right out of the box, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that elevates the overall tactile experience. While the Mannan Pipefish is perfect for those seeking a plush, laid-back feel, the Rosewood appeals to individuals yearning for a more pronounced acoustic 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Akko Rosewood, a striking contrast emerges in the top housing composition. The Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its deeper, fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic experience. The differences in material result in distinct auditory experiences, shaping how each switch behaves during use.
While the top housings are different, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Akko Rosewood share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality means that both switches will elicit a similar deeper sound profile when pressed down. The nylon bottom housing’s properties help absorb sound, contributing to a rounded auditory experience during key presses for both types. Therefore, when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, users will find a noticeable similarity between the two switches, underscoring that the choice of nylon for the bottom housing provides consistent characteristics in auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of the distinct top housing materials results in a unique overall sound profile for each switch, while the shared nylon bottom housing links both together in terms of key actuation feedback. The Mannan Pipefish's crisper sound from the polycarbonate top contrasts with the Rosewood’s fuller tone from nylon, and yet, both switches offer a deep acoustic signature due to the nylon bottom. This interplay between different materials showcases how specific features can greatly influence the user experience, whether through the top housing's sonic personality or the foundational depth provided by the bottom.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch with the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we can see both similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mannan Pipefish has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Rosewood has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches are considered light, the Mannan Pipefish is easier to press down, which could be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. The Rosewood, being heavier, might offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Despite their differences in actuation and bottom out forces, both switches provide a relatively light touch, making them suitable for users who favor a smooth typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity means that users will experience the same amount of key press feel and depth when using either switch. As a result, both switches will provide comparable feedback and performance during typing or gaming, ensuring that users can switch between them without experiencing a significant difference in travel distance.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 switch boasts a neutral profile, which means it strikes a balance between a moderate actuation force and a sound level that suits various environments. This makes it versatile for both casual and professional use, creating a pleasant auditory experience that won’t be disruptive in quieter settings. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch is recognized for producing a deep, satisfying thocky sound right out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This acoustics feature embraces a more pronounced auditory characteristic, ideal for users who enjoy a richer sound profile during typing.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish provides an easy-to-press experience, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This light actuation force results in comfortable, strain-free typing, especially beneficial during extended sessions. Additionally, the polished nature of these switches contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, thanks to reduced friction. On the other hand, specific qualities regarding the feel of the Akko Rosewood switches remain unknown, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, it can be inferred that their acoustic quality may suggest a certain tactile experience that aligns with the preference for a more pronounced sound when typing.
In conclusion, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Akko Rosewood linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Mannan Pipefish offers a balanced auditory profile and is designed for effortless typing with a polished finish, making it excellent for those prioritizing a smooth experience. The Rosewood switches, however, deliver a deeper sound signature, ideal for users who appreciate a thocky auditory response. While both switches would provide a satisfying typing experience, individuals' choices may lean toward the Mannan Pipefish for a more subdued environment or the Rosewood for a richer sound experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're someone who values a lightweight feel during your typing sessions and seeks an effortless, strain-free experience, the Mannan Pipefish is an excellent choice. Its gentle 45-gram actuation force ensures that you won’t feel fatigued, even during long hours of typing, while the smooth action is perfect for casual use and productivity. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier switch with a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Akko Rosewood could be the better option for you. With its satisfying ‘thocky’ sound and deep resonance, this switch excels in providing an enjoyable auditory experience right out of the box, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate sound quality alongside feel. In light of these factors, consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and overall comfort when selecting between these two fantastic linear switches.
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