KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you'll find that both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer unique advantages. The Mannan Pipefish switch is perfect for those seeking an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. With its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, this switch provides a comfortable and precise typing journey. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch caters to those in need of a quieter typing option. With a cushy and pillow-like bottom-out feel, and minimal audio feedback, this switch is ideal for environments that demand reduced noise levels. Both switches possess a polished and refined feel, making them suitable for any typing experience. However, let's go beyond these generalities and delve deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch, so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in composition but share some similar qualities. The Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffness of polycarbonate produces a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is not overly sharp. Both materials provide a satisfying sound experience, albeit with slight variations in pitch and sharpness.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Mannan Pipefish utilizes a nylon material which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer composition, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which also offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This thin and higher-pitched sound is often described as clacky, providing a unique typing experience.
It is important to note that the respective housing materials of these switches influence different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when the key is released. Despite these slight differences, both the Mannan Pipefish and the Silent Ink Black deliver satisfying sound profiles that may vary in pitch and sharpness but provide an enjoyable typing experience overall.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Mannan Pipefish has a relatively lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Silent Ink Black provides a more substantial typing experience that may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, making it suitable for individuals seeking a switch that allows them to type for longer periods comfortably. Despite these differences, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, ensuring similar overall results regardless of the force required.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience a similar distance of movement. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback with their equal travel distances, making them suitable options for keyboard enthusiasts and typists alike.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 classified as a neutral switch, which means it has a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced typists, as well as for use in various environments such as home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as a muted switch, which produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. It significantly reduces the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers an easy-to-press experience. It requires minimal force to activate, providing a gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue even during prolonged typing sessions. The Mannan Pipefish switch is also described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing experience. This is achieved through the use of quality materials or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a silky typing experience. It offers exceptional smoothness, reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and ensures a comfortable typing experience. Like the Mannan Pipefish switch, the Silent Ink Black switch is also described as polished, offering a sleek typing experience due to the use of high-quality materials or factory lubing. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provide excellent subjective qualities. In terms of sound, the Mannan Pipefish switch has a neutral profile suitable for most purposes, while the Silent Ink Black switch is known for its muted sound that minimizes noise. In terms of feel, both switches offer an easy-to-press experience with low actuation force, reducing finger fatigue. They also share the polished characteristic, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Overall, whether you choose the Mannan Pipefish or the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch, you can expect similar results in terms of comfort, precision, and an enjoyable typing journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be an excellent choice. With its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, typing on this switch is comfortable and precise. It is perfect for casual typists who want to enjoy a strain-free keyboarding journey.
On the other hand, if you're in an environment that requires quieter typing, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. This switch provides a cushioned and pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. It is a great option for those who want to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of sound, the Mannan Pipefish offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, or if you plan to use it at home or work. The Silent Ink Black, on the other hand, produces a softer and quieter sound, thanks to its muted design.
When it comes to feel, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. The Mannan Pipefish is described as easy-to-press, offering a low-impact and responsive typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Silent Ink Black provides a silky typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch depends on your preference for typing force and sound. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, go for the Mannan Pipefish. But if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Silent Ink Black is the better option. Consider your typing needs and environment to make the right decision.
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