KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Mannan Pipefish is a linear switch that offers an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. With its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, it provides a comfortable and precise journey for casual typists. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow is also a linear switch, known for its captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow's medium-weight makes them suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches offer polished finishes, ensuring a smooth and refined feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The POM material gives the Sunset Yellow a unique and pleasing sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Mannan Pipefish employs a nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM bottom housing, providing a similarly deep and muted sound profile. Both switches have bottom housings that create a rounded and duller sound.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, they each have notable impacts on the overall sound and feel of the keys. When pressing the Mannan Pipefish, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing can be observed in the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the impact of the POM top housing on the release sound is more apparent. Similarly, with the Sunset Yellow, the POM bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a role in the sound during key release. Despite the differences in housing, both switches offer unique and appealing sound profiles through their combination of materials.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Everglide Sunset Yellow bring distinct characteristics to each switch. The Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing enhances depth and fullness. In comparison, the Sunset Yellow's POM top and bottom housings contribute to a more muted and unique sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer satisfying sound profiles through their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in their weight. The Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter weight makes it ideal for individuals who prefer a smoother and more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 51 grams, falling into the medium-light category. This slightly heavier weight gives typists a more substantial push feel, satisfying those who enjoy a more tactile and pronounced typing experience. While the forces of both switches are not significantly different, they do provide distinct sensations for typists. If one desires similar results, either switch can be chosen depending on whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of comparison, the Mannan Pipefish offers a slightly longer travel distance than the Sunset Yellow. The traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm provides a deeper and more satisfying tactile experience, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a hearty and pronounced keystroke. On the other hand, the 3.2 mm travel distance of the Sunset Yellow appeals to those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses and potentially enhances overall responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
In terms of sound, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch is characterized as having a neutral sound profile. This means it produces a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you use the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range reminiscent of deep and rich bass tones. Additionally, it is described as having a thocky sound, which refers to a deep and satisfying sound when the key is pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. However, based on the provided information, it can be inferred that the Mannan Pipefish will provide a more neutral sound while the Sunset Yellow will offer a deeper and richer sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, it is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is described as creamy and frictionless. The creamy feel is attributed to the smooth and buttery typing experience, likely due to factory lubrication or specific materials. Typing on the Sunset Yellow switch is likened to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys with a silky sensation. Furthermore, the switch is also described as polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Based on this information, it can be concluded that both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, but the Sunset Yellow provides an additional creamy and frictionless feel.
In summary, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers a neutral sound profile and easy-to-press feel. It provides a comfortable and precise typing experience with a light actuation force and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a bassy sound profile with a thocky sound. It provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience with smooth and effortless key presses. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the sound and feel qualities differ between the two switches, they both provide enjoyable and strain-free typing journeys. Therefore, whether you choose the Mannan Pipefish or the Everglide Sunset Yellow, you can expect a pleasant typing experience with similar overall results in terms of comfort and precision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for an effortless and strain-free typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is an excellent choice. With its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, this switch offers a comfortable and precise typing journey. It is perfect for casual typists who want to enjoy a smooth and easy-to-press keyboard switch. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more indulgent typing experience with a captivating sound profile, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be the better option. The rich, bassy sound produced by these switches, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, adds a touch of luxury to your typing. With a medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams, the Sunset Yellow switches are suitable for a wide range of users. They offer a distinct gliding feel, thanks to the unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method. The combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch provides an easy-to-press experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. This results in reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The polished finish of the switch also contributes to a sleek and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing sensation. With lubricant applied at the factory and specific materials used, typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Like the Mannan Pipefish switch, the Sunset Yellow switch also has a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch will depend on your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a strain-free and neutral typing feel, along with a moderate sound profile, the Mannan Pipefish switch is the way to go. However, if you're looking for an indulgent typing experience with a bassy sound and a creamy, frictionless feel, the Sunset Yellow switch is the perfect match. Consider your typing style, preferences, and desired sound profile when making your decision.
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