KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) are two options that stand out. The Mannan Pipefish offers an effortless and enjoyable typing experience with its smooth linear action and light 45g actuation force, making it perfect for casual typists seeking comfort and precision. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches provide a clacky and resonant typing experience with impeccable factory lube job for a silky smooth keystroke. While the Mannan Pipefish is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the Strawberry Wine (V2) is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'High-pitched'. 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
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound quality. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound. While the polycarbonate housing of the Mannan Pipefish is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the POM housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a unique and pleasing sound experience.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic switch material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of the nylon material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for both the Mannan Pipefish and the Strawberry Wine (V2). This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that both switches provide a similar tactile typing experience, emphasizing the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), each material brings unique qualities to the overall sound profile of the switches. The split in housing materials allows for a balance of sharpness and depth in sound, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Despite these differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Mannan Pipefish requires 45 grams, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) needs 50 grams. Both switches fall on the lighter side in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The similarities in their force requirements mean that users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel, with the Mannan Pipefish being slightly lighter than the Strawberry Wine (V2). Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is clear that the Mannan Pipefish has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Strawberry Wine's 3.4 mm. The Mannan Pipefish offers a more traditional and deeper key press experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) with its shorter travel distance provides a quicker and more responsive typing experience, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers a neutral sound profile suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. It provides a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, making it versatile for various environments. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant notes, producing a sharp and bright sound with a high-pitched profile. This switch delivers a more percussive and immersive auditory experience, ensuring a distinctive typing sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses with minimal force required for activation. This light actuation force results in effortless and comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, contributing to a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel that minimizes resistance during key presses and releases. This switch enhances overall typing smoothness, ensuring a pleasant typing experience.
Considering both the sound and feel aspects of these switches, choosing between the Mannan Pipefish and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prefer a neutral sound with an easy-to-press feel and polished finish, the Mannan Pipefish switch may be more suitable for you. However, if you enjoy a clacky, resonant sound profile with a silky smooth typing experience, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be a better fit. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, providing users with a delightful and satisfying typing experience overall.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a light and effortless typing experience with a smooth linear action, the Mannan Pipefish switch with its 45g bottom-out force is an excellent choice. It is ideal for casual typists seeking a strain-free keyboarding journey. On the other hand, if you enjoy a resonant and clacky typing sound with impeccable factory lubing for a silky smooth keystroke, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch with its 50g bottom-out force is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
