KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Mannan Pipefish is praised for its effortless and enjoyable typing experience, thanks to its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force. This switch is perfect for casual typists seeking a comfortable and precise keyboarding journey. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. While the Mannan Pipefish provides a strain-free typing experience, the Smoothie Silver offers swift and tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Smoothie Silver differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also adds to the deeper sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a pleasing typing experience through the unique qualities of their housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top housing offers a translucent appearance that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing provides a more traditional solid look. The use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches also impacts the overall sound and feel of typing on them. The bottom housing of each switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing contributes to the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a balanced typing experience that combines the unique qualities of both materials in each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Mannan Pipefish and the Gateron Smoothie Silver ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The sharper and crisper sound of the Mannan Pipefish may be preferred by those who enjoy a more distinct typing experience, while the deeper and more muted sound of the Smoothie Silver may be favored by those who prefer a softer sound profile. Both switches offer a unique typing experience due to the combination of different housing materials in their design, allowing for a customizable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, with 37 grams versus 45 grams, respectively. When it comes to bottom out force, the Pipefish requires 45 grams, whereas the Smoothie Silver's force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish may be the better choice for longer typing sessions or gaming. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver may be the preferred option. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Mannan Pipefish. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0mm being the most common, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver may appeal to users looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 Mannan Pipefish switch offers a neutral profile that suits various typing needs, making it a versatile option for both beginners and experienced users. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch boasts a thocky sound that provides a unique auditory experience during typing. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch provides an easy-to-press experience with minimal force required for activation, resulting in a comfortable and efficient typing session. Additionally, its polished finish contributes to a smooth and refined key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. However, details on the feel of the Smoothie Silver switch are unknown at this time. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Mannan Pipefish and Smoothie Silver switches each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Mannan Pipefish switch offers a neutral sound and easy-to-press feel with a polished finish, the Smoothie Silver switch presents a thocky sound profile for a different auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing. Keep in mind that other factors such as keyboard build and keycaps can also impact the overall typing experience with these switches.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a light and effortless typing experience with a comfortable actuation force, the Mannan Pipefish may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound and feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver could be the better option. Overall, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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