KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Huano Sakura both present appealing options with their linear characteristics, yet they cater to different typing preferences. The Mannan Pipefish is celebrated for its effortless and enjoyable typing experience, featuring a smooth linear action and a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, making it particularly suitable for casual typists seeking comfort during lengthy sessions. In contrast, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, which can enhance the experience for those who type for extended periods without the distraction of excessive noise. While the Mannan Pipefish leans toward a polished and neutral feel, the Sakura’s unique acoustic profile may appeal to users looking for a lighter, more 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
35g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Huano Sakura, a clear distinction arises in the top housing composition, yet both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material. The KTT Mannan Pipefish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which fosters a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiff nature of the material. This results in a crisp and resonant acoustic feedback, making it especially fitting for applications where RGB lighting is involved, given its translucent property. In contrast, the Huano Sakura is constructed with a polyketone (POK) top housing that, while maintaining a smooth keystroke experience, differs fundamentally in sound quality. The POK material’s characteristics provide a stable and durable structure, contributing to a more subdued sound profile compared to the Mannan Pipefish.
While the top housing differs significantly between the two models, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Huano Sakura utilize nylon for their bottom housing. As a classic switch material, nylon imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is acknowledged across the design of both switches. Given that nylon absorbs more sound than its harder counterparts, the auditory output from the bottom housing remains consistent between both models, highlighting the shared acoustic qualities despite the contrasting top housing materials. This commonality ensures that while users may experience varied sound profiles from the top, the overall key response is bolstered and rounded through the resilience of the nylon bottom.
Ultimately, the combination of materials results in a blend of auditory experiences dependent on which part of the switch is engaged. While the top housing of the KTT Mannan Pipefish delivers a clear and bright response due to its polycarbonate construction, the Huano Sakura’s POK material offers different yet uncompromising sound quality with smoothness at its core. Nevertheless, when it comes to the bottom housing, the familiar characteristics of nylon serve to unify the typing experience across both models, as each switch design merges the varied attributes of their housing materials to create a unique but coherent acoustic signature.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. The Mannan Pipefish features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Sakura is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams, also maintaining a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while both switches bottom out with the same force, the Sakura requires slightly less force to activate, making it the lighter option. The Mannan Pipefish, on the other hand, provides a marginally heavier actuation feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch with less activation force might lean more towards the Huano Sakura, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance might opt for the Mannan Pipefish.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Mannan Pipefish switch offers a more substantial depth and feedback when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance aligns with the trending preference among gamers and fast-paced typists for quicker response times. While both switches provide a linear feel, the Mannan Pipefish is the longer option, making it potentially more suitable for those who appreciate a deeper key press, whereas the Sakura caters to those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their keystrokes.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura 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 switch has a neutral auditory profile, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This moderate sound level allows it to fit seamlessly into most typing scenarios, catering to both beginners and seasoned typists alike. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Huano Sakura switch remain unspecified, leaving an unknown dimension to its acoustic quality. However, it’s essential to note that sound output can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used, meaning both switches could potentially produce a sound profile that suits individual preferences depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish stands out with its polished touch, providing a remarkably smooth typing experience thanks to its refined finish, which could be attributed to quality materials or factory lubing processes. This results in reduced friction and fluid key travel, ensuring comfort during long typing sessions. Contrarily, the Huano Sakura switch's feel is not described, suggesting an absence of detailed feedback on its tactile performance. Therefore, while the Mannan Pipefish is easily regarded for its superior tactile nature, the Sakura's experience remains unknown, which may affect its appeal to typists seeking specific tactile feedback.
Overall, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Huano Sakura linear switches cater to different needs in the realm of mechanical keyboards. The Mannan Pipefish boasts a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sakura's acoustic qualities are yet to be explored, leaving an intriguing aspect for potential users who may find the right setup with it to enhance their typing sessions. Ultimately, if you're looking for effortless typing, the Mannan Pipefish could be the better choice, while the Sakura presents an opportunity for discovery in sound and feel, contingent on the overall keyboard configuration.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Huano Sakura linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a smooth and polished typing experience, particularly for casual typing sessions, the Mannan Pipefish is an excellent choice. Its effortless key press and neutral sound profile make it adaptable for both home and work environments, ensuring that you have a comfortable and precise typing journey without adding strain. On the other hand, if you plan on using your keyboard for extended periods and prefer a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, the Huano Sakura switch will serve you well. While both switches have the same bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Sakura is designed to cater to typists who appreciate a softer feel over longer typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a polished, enjoyable typing experience with the Mannan Pipefish or a light and comfortable touch for extensive use with the Sakura switch.
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