KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present intriguing options that cater to varied preferences and typing styles. The Mannan Pipefish, a linear switch, excels in delivering an effortless and enjoyable typing experience, featuring a smooth linear action and a gentle 45g actuation force that makes it ideal for casual typists seeking a delightful, strain-free keyboard journey. By contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), known for its Hall effect technology, offers a balanced typing experience with a satisfyingly neutral sound signature and a super smooth keystroke, all while managing to produce the coveted "thock" that enthusiasts crave. The unique design of the Sticky Rice switch, featuring a dustproof stem to reduce wobble, enhances tactile feedback without compromising on performance. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths: the Mannan Pipefish prioritizes ease of use and comfort, while the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a refined tactile sensation accompanied by a pronounced auditory response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) showcase remarkable similarities, particularly in their choice of top housing material—polycarbonate. Both switches benefit from the inherent properties of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This shared feature not only delivers clarity and resonance in sound but also enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially for users who employ RGB lighting to elevate their keyboard's visuals. The translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows light to pass through effectively, making both the Mannan Pipefish and the Sticky Rice (V2) visually striking while maintaining a pronounced auditory experience.

In stark contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge significantly. Both the Mannan Pipefish and the Sticky Rice (V2) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which inherently affects the sound profile during typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to its polycarbonate counterpart. This softer material absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, adding to the overall auditory experience. Therefore, while the top housings create a crisper sound, they complement the bottom housings’ ability to produce a rich sound, demonstrating how the combination of materials influences the typing experience of each switch.

When considering how these materials work together, it becomes evident that the distinct characteristics of each housing contribute to a layered auditory experience. The polycarbonate top housing predominantly influences the sound when the key is released, while the nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role during the key's bottoming out, creating a cohesive sound profile throughout the keypress. Consequently, even though the top and bottom housings are made of different materials, the result is a balanced combination where the sharper tones of the polycarbonate harmoniously blend with the deeper tones of nylon. This thoughtful material selection in both the Mannan Pipefish and the Sticky Rice (V2) ensures that users can achieve a full range of auditory feedback while typing, effectively showing that while the materials contribute uniquely, they ultimately work together for an optimized keyboard experience.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we can observe that both switches are on the lighter side of the spectrum, appealing to users who favor effortless key presses for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Mannan Pipefish features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has slightly higher values, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, the Mannan Pipefish is the lighter option, making it ideal for individuals seeking a more delicate touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a slightly stronger push feel, which could offer a more gratifying typing experience for those who prefer a heavier resistance. Despite these differences, both switches maintain a relatively light profile overall, making them suitable for a range of uses, although users can expect a marginally heavier feel from the Sticky Rice (V2).

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch measures 4 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Mannan Pipefish provides a more robust feel, which can appeal to users who prefer a deeper key press experience and a more pronounced tactile response. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance is designed for quicker responses, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who value speed and rapid actuation. Ultimately, if you're seeking more depth in your keystrokes, the KTT Mannan Pipefish would be suitable, whereas the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) would cater to those looking for a more responsive and faster keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch boasts a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or at work. This neutrality lends itself well to a typing experience that won't be distracting or disruptive, catering to both casual users and those who type frequently. Meanwhile, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch is renowned for its "thock" sound signature that enthusiasts often covet, the specifics of its sound characteristics aren't detailed in the provided description. However, given its reputation, it likely delivers a pleasant and satisfying auditory feedback that combines well with its typing feel.

In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish excels with its easy-to-press characteristics and polished finish. The switch requires minimal force to activate, which translates to an effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions. The smoothness of the switch enhances comfort and responsiveness, allowing users to enjoy a fluid typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), while not explicitly described in terms of its tactile feel, is appreciated for its super smooth keystrokes due to its dustproof stem that minimizes wobble. This implies a refined typing sensation that, while different from the Mannan Pipefish, still caters to a high-quality input experience.

In conclusion, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Mannan Pipefish stands out with its neutral sound and effortless feel, suitable for a broad audience of typists seeking comfort and a polished typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its thock sound signature and smooth keystroke, appeals more to those who prioritize sound and a refined tactile sensation. While the qualities differ, they both promise satisfying typing experiences that could meet various user preferences.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the choice between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're a casual typist who values lightness and effortless keystrokes, the Mannan Pipefish is an excellent option. Its low 45-gram actuation force and smooth linear action make it perfect for extended typing sessions without inducing fatigue. Additionally, its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for both home and office environments. On the other hand, if you’re the kind of user who appreciates a refined, tactile sensation and the satisfying "thock" sound that stem from a more solid build, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) would be a better fit. With a slightly higher 50-gram bottom-out force, it offers a balanced, polished typing experience that reduces wobble and enhances stability while still being easy to press. Therefore, whether you lean towards the effortless typing joy of the Mannan Pipefish or the satisfying feel of the Sticky Rice (V2), you can find your ideal switch to complement your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more