KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options to choose from. Two switches worth exploring are the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the KTT Strawberry, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Mannan Pipefish is renowned for its effortless and enjoyable typing experience. With its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, this switch offers a comfortable and precise typing journey. It is an ideal choice for casual typists seeking strain-free keyboarding. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Featuring attractive pink and clear housings, it boasts a low-pitched sound and a frictionless, silky, and buttery key press. Both switches offer polished performance, but let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make a more informed decision when choosing the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Mannan Pipefish and KTT Strawberry both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to its stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant and eye-catching effects. Therefore, both the Mannan Pipefish and the Strawberry will deliver a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ in material. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. While both materials have their advantages, the Mannan Pipefish's nylon bottom housing will provide a more distinct and rich typing experience compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing.
When using either the Mannan Pipefish or the Strawberry, the impact on sound and feel will be determined by the specific housing material used. Pressing down on the switch will result in experiencing the qualities of the bottom housing, as it has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, releasing a key will primarily showcase the impact of the top housing material. Therefore, whether you prefer a switch that excels in bottom-out sound and feel, or one that delivers a crisp and resonant sound upon release, the choice between the Mannan Pipefish and the Strawberry ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we can observe some key differences. The Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Strawberry switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a higher bottom out force of 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish switch would be a suitable choice, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This is beneficial for individuals who engage in longer typing sessions, such as office work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Strawberry switch more appealing. With its higher actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying and tactile typing experience.
Both switches offer their own advantages depending on personal preference. However, it is worth noting that while the actuation force of the Mannan Pipefish is lighter, it still requires a slightly higher force for bottoming out compared to the Strawberry switch. Therefore, those seeking a consistent typing experience with similar actuation and bottom out forces may find better results with the Strawberry switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which determines the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. In the case of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they provide a similar tactile experience. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of travel distance when using either switch.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
The Mannan Pipefish linear switch is best described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist and whether you use it at home or at work. On the other hand, the Strawberry linear switch has a low-pitched sound. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers an easy-to-press experience. It has a light actuation force, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as polished, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Strawberry linear switch provides a frictionless and silky typing experience. It offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing sensation, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Like the Mannan Pipefish switch, the Strawberry switch is also described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer desirable qualities for typing enthusiasts. In terms of sound, the Mannan Pipefish has a neutral profile, while the Strawberry has a low-pitched tone. As for feel, both switches provide an easy-to-press experience with smooth key travel. The Mannan Pipefish switch specifically offers a light actuation force, while the Strawberry switch emphasizes a frictionless and silky typing feel. Depending on individual preferences, these switches can enhance the typing experience by providing a comfortable and precise feel, with similarities in smoothness and reduced friction due to their polished finish.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking an effortless and enjoyable typing experience with a light actuation force, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. Its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force provide a comfortable and precise typing experience. This switch is perfect for casual typists who want a delightful and strain-free keyboarding journey. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and value a smooth and refined typing experience, the Strawberry linear switch would be more suitable. With its attractive pink and clear housing, the Strawberry switch offers a comfortable feel, reliable performance, and a low-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience. Therefore, based on your preference for actuation force and desired typing feel, you can make an informed decision between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique features to enhance your overall typing experience.
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