KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the TTC Silent Frozen both offer unique experiences for users. The Mannan Pipefish is a linear switch that boasts effortless and enjoyable typing. With its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, it provides a comfortable and precise typing experience, making it perfect for casual typists seeking a delightful and strain-free keyboarding journey. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch from TTC is also a linear switch but is best known for its extremely quiet sound profile. Not only are these switches super smooth, but they also have a pillowy type feel, granting users a unique tactile experience. Categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Buttery', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', they offer a different typing sensation altogether. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the TTC Silent Frozen switches share a common polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is useful in switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either of these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Mannan Pipefish features a nylon material while the Silent Frozen utilizes polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Mannan Pipefish creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Its stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the bottom-out sound.
When using switches with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a combination of the characteristics offered by the individual housing materials in the overall typing experience of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, we can see that they have similar weights. The Mannan Pipefish has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Frozen has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. Both switches can be considered lightweight, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. The actuation force is the force required to trigger a keystroke, and in this case, both switches offer a smooth and relatively light actuation force. Similarly, the bottom out force, which measures the force required to press the key all the way down, is also comparable between the two switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results when using either the Mannan Pipefish or the Silent Frozen switches in terms of the force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Mannan Pipefish is slightly longer. However, both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Mannan Pipefish being more in line with the standard 4.0 mm and the Silent Frozen being slightly shallower at 3.5 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Mannan Pipefish. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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 linear switch is described as neutral, meaning it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is described as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. The thocky sound profile of the Silent Frozen switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, similar to a soft "knock" or a deep "thud." Additionally, the low-pitched and muted characteristics of the Silent Frozen switch contribute to a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers an easy-to-press typing experience with gentle resistance during key presses. Its light actuation force requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This feature enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Mannan Pipefish switch is also described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is characterized by a creamy, buttery, feathery, and subtle feel. The creamy sensation of the Silent Frozen switch is attributed to the application of lubricant in the switch at the factory. Typing on a Silent Frozen switch offers a smooth and buttery experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The buttery and feathery nature of these switches ensures a seamless and lightweight keystroke experience, reducing finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions. Moreover, the subtle resistance of the Silent Frozen switch contributes to a gentle typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. Similar to the Mannan Pipefish switch, the Silent Frozen switch also features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch differ in their sound and feel characteristics. The Mannan Pipefish offers a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press feel with a polished finish. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile, along with a creamy, buttery, feathery, and subtle feel, all while also having a polished finish. If you prefer a moderate sound and an easy-to-press feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch is a suitable option. However, if you desire a more satisfying and quiet sound, along with a smooth and lightweight typing experience, the Silent Frozen switch would be a great choice. Keep in mind that both switches offer polished finishes, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are certain factors to consider. If you are a casual typist seeking a delightful and strain-free keyboarding journey, the Mannan Pipefish switch is an excellent choice. Its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force provide a comfortable and precise typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize an extremely quiet sound profile, the Silent Frozen is the way to go. It offers a pillowy type feel and produces a deep, rich, and satisfying "thocky" sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch is easy to press and offers a low-impact typing feel, while the Silent Frozen switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Ultimately, your choice would depend on whether you prioritize comfort and precision in typing or a silent and satisfying sound profile in your mechanical keyboard.
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