KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two great options to consider are the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the KTT Semi Mute. Both switches offer unique features and benefits that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Mannan Pipefish is best known for its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, providing an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. It is perfect for casual typists looking for a strain-free and precise keyboarding journey. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch, despite its completely silent operation, is tailor-made for those who value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, the Semi Mute switch offers a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages; 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mannan Pipefish and KTT Semi Mute both utilize polycarbonate material for their top housing, resulting in similar characteristics. With polycarbonate, both switches exhibit a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches featuring RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually appealing aesthetic.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ in material composition. The Mannan Pipefish employs nylon for its bottom housing, while the Semi Mute continues with polycarbonate. Typing on the Mannan Pipefish with nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. It absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing continues to contribute to a sharper and crisper sound profile.
In terms of how the housing materials affect the overall typing experience, the bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Therefore, users will experience the qualities of the nylon housing on the Mannan Pipefish while feeling the impact and hearing the resulting sound. Conversely, the top housing material, shared by both switches, plays a larger role in the sound that occurs when a key is released.
In summary, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and KTT Semi Mute share the advantages of using polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, they diverge in the material used for their bottom housing, with the Mannan Pipefish employing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Semi Mute continues with polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches showcase the influence of housing materials on the typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affecting the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, compared to the Semi Mute's slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Mannan Pipefish requires a lighter force of 45 grams, while the Semi Mute requires a heavier force of 58 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish would be a suitable choice as it provides a smoother and less resistant keystroke. This lighter actuation force allows for extended typing sessions without excessive strain. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may find the Semi Mute appealing due to its slightly heavier actuation force. This can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback and may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer key press.
It is important to note that both switches have their own unique characteristics, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. However, if someone is seeking similar results in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, both switches provide a relatively light typing experience with the Mannan Pipefish being slightly lighter overall.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have the same travel distance, both measuring 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience from both switches.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
In terms of sound, the Mannan Pipefish switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound level, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use in various environments such as home or work. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch is specifically designed to minimize noise and provide a quieter typing experience. It is described as a muted switch, producing softer and quieter sounds compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes it ideal for those who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers an easy-to-press experience. It has a light actuation force, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This results in effortless and comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the switch is considered mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Overall, its qualities fall in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users.
In conclusion, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Mannan Pipefish is known for its smooth linear action, light actuation force, and comfortable typing experience. It has a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press feel, enhanced by its polished finish. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch is tailor-made for a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing. It features a linear actuation, advanced dampening technology, and a muted sound profile. The switch offers a buttery and mild typing feel. Both switches provide pleasant and enjoyable typing experiences, but with slightly different focuses. If you are seeking a strain-free and precise typing journey, the Mannan Pipefish switch is a great choice. However, if a noise-free environment and gentle typing experience are your priorities, the Semi Mute switch is the way to go.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize effortless and enjoyable typing, along with a comfortable and precise experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its light 45g bottom out force, this switch offers a strain-free keyboarding journey, perfect for casual typists. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, particularly during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is the way to go. With its medium 58g bottom out force and advanced dampening technology, this switch provides a comfortable and gratifying typing feel while producing a softer and quieter sound. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your individual preferences and priorities for your keyboarding experience.
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