KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both popular choices in the linear switch category. The Mannan Pipefish offers an effortless and enjoyable typing experience with its smooth linear action and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. This switch is perfect for casual typists looking for a comfortable and precise keyboarding journey. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon showcases KTT's dry-lube design and progressive spring, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. Its low-pitched and mild attributes make it a pleasing option for those seeking a neutral and gentle keystroke. 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
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mannan Pipefish and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon share similar housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches planning to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Mannan Pipefish and Sea Salt Lemon will provide similar sound profiles and aesthetic effects with their polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Mannan Pipefish and the Sea Salt Lemon incorporate nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is because its softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, producing a duller and rounder sound. For both switches, the qualities brought by the nylon bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. Therefore, potential users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel between the Mannan Pipefish and the Sea Salt Lemon.
Overall, the housing materials of the Mannan Pipefish and the Sea Salt Lemon are largely the same, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing and nylon for their bottom housing. This choice in materials results in similar sound profiles for both switches, with the polycarbonate top housing enhancing the clarity and resonance of the sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness. Although the switches may have subtle differences in sound and feel due to the split between the top and bottom housings, users can expect a comparable typing experience between the two models.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon requires slightly more force with an actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, when bottoming out, the Mannan Pipefish requires 45 grams of force, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon demands a slightly higher 53 grams. Overall, the Mannan Pipefish offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a slightly more substantial typing feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer distinct characteristics, allowing users to choose according to their preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key accompanied by either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent tactile experience in terms of the distance before actuation.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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
The Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers a smooth and precise typing experience. Its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, along with the lengthened spring, ensure effortless and enjoyable typing. The sound profile of the Mannan Pipefish is described as neutral, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced typists in various settings. When it comes to feel, this switch is easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate. It offers a low-impact and responsive typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch represents a different experience. Its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design contribute to a buttery smooth typing feel. The sound profile of the Sea Salt Lemon is low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Similar to the Mannan Pipefish, the Sea Salt Lemon has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various users and environments. The feel of the Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most typists.
In conclusion, the Mannan Pipefish and Sea Salt Lemon linear switches have contrasting sound profiles, with the Mannan Pipefish being neutral and the Sea Salt Lemon having a low-pitched tone. However, both switches share a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Mannan Pipefish is easy to press and offers a polished finish, resulting in a refined typing feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can deliver enjoyable and strain-free keyboarding journeys.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light and comfortable typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is the way to go. With its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, this switch provides effortless and enjoyable typing. It offers a smooth linear action and an easy-to-press feel, making it perfect for casual typists seeking a strain-free keyboarding journey. In terms of sound, the Mannan Pipefish is described as neutral, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched and buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is the better choice. With its 53g bottom-out force and progressive spring, these switches offer a mellow and bass-heavy tone. Although its feel is described as mild, it still provides a gentle typing experience. Whether you prefer a light and effortless typing feel or a low-pitched and buttery smooth experience, both switches offer their unique advantages. Ultimately, the choice between KTT Mannan Pipefish and KTT Sea Salt Lemon depends on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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