KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences vary widely, and two compelling options are the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both linear switches tailored to enhance your typing experience. The Mannan Pipefish, with its effortless 45g actuation and bottom-out force, is designed for casual typists who appreciate a smooth and polished keystroke, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a strain-free and enjoyable experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g distinguishes itself with a whisper-quiet operation that mimics the delicate sound of raindrops, making it ideal for quieter environments while still offering a balanced 53g force that delivers a satisfying tactile response. Each switch has its strengths, with the Pipefish focusing on comfort and ease of use, while the Silent Sakura emphasizes a more discreet and refined typing 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
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, we find a notable distinction in their materials for both the top and bottom housings. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer properties, allowing for clearer sound resonation. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for users who want to accentuate RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing, which is more classic yet serves a different acoustic purpose. The nylon absorbs sound rather than amplifies it, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating an overall experience that is rounder and more muted.
The bottom housing materials of the two switches further emphasize their differences. The Mannan Pipefish’s bottom housing is made from nylon, which contributes to a similar deeper sound profile as its top housing counterpart, leading to a consistent auditory experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g’s bottom housing is polycarbonate, aligning it with its top housing in providing a high-pitched and resonant sound. This variation implies that while the Mannan Pipefish primarily leans towards a cohesive and deeper sound due to the nylon on both ends, the Silent Sakura - 53g provides a contrast that delivers crispness in the top with a strong bottom-out impact, showcasing how each component may affect the overall typing experience differently.
Ultimately, these differences in housing materials yield distinct sonic profiles as well as tactile experiences when typing. The KTT Mannan Pipefish offers a more uniform sound experience where the softer nylon contributes to a rounder auditory feel throughout. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g allows for a dualistic sound profile, with the sharper highs of the polycarbonate top housing balancing with the full-bodied sound of the nylon bottom. If one seeks similarities in the results of each type of switch, it must be noted that both switches can still achieve satisfying typing experiences; they just take different pathways to reach their respective auditory signatures.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Mannan Pipefish features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a good option for users seeking a more effortless typing experience, ideal for prolonged use at work or during extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Sakura has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial feel during key presses. Consequently, users who prefer a stronger push may gravitate towards the Silent Sakura for its medium-light feedback. Overall, the Mannan Pipefish is the lighter option, while the Silent Sakura is the heavier choice, appealing to different typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch share an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that both switches will provide a comparable feel when pressed, offering the same degree of depth and responsiveness when typing or gaming. Consequently, users can expect similar tactile results and feedback from either switch, contributing to a consistent keystroke experience across keyboards equipped with these 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch features a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This balanced acoustic quality allows typists to engage in their work without drawing attention to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura switch is engineered to provide an exceptionally quiet typing experience, reminiscent of raindrops softly tapping on a window. This is particularly appealing for users who need to maintain a low noise level while typing, such as in shared workspaces or during late-night sessions.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish offers a notably easy-to-press design, characterized by gentle resistance during key presses and a light actuation force of 45g. This results in a comfortable and low-impact typing experience, effectively reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth key travel, enhancing overall typing fluidity. Conversely, information regarding the feel of the Silent Sakura - 53g is not provided, leaving the tactile experience of this switch somewhat unknown, but it is implied that the design aims for a satisfying keystroke due to its carefully balanced bottom-out force of 53g.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking a switch for effortless and enjoyable typing, the KTT Mannan Pipefish stands out with its neutral sound profile and light actuation force, making it well-suited for users who type frequently. The Silent Sakura, although lacking detailed information about its feel, promises a whisper-quiet experience with its higher bottom-out force, appealing to those who prioritize sound dampening. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing environments, and their unique qualities can help typists find their ideal mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you seek a lightweight and effortless typing experience, where comfort and ease reign supreme, the Mannan Pipefish is an ideal pick. Its low actuation and bottom-out force of just 45 grams make it perfect for casual typing sessions, allowing you to type with minimal exertion and reduced finger fatigue. This switch’s neutral sound profile also makes it quite versatile, accommodating both at-home and office environments without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel while still enjoying a whisper-quiet experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g may be your best choice. Its slightly higher 53-gram force provides a satisfying keystroke that balances lightness with feedback, catering to those who appreciate a bit more resistance without the noise. This makes it suitable for quiet office settings or shared spaces where sound can be a concern. In summary, your decision should reflect your typing style, comfort requirements, and environmental considerations, ensuring you select a switch that enhances your keyboarding experience.
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