KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

The KTT Mannan Pipefish and the TKC Tangerine are two mechanical keyboard switches that both offer a smooth linear typing experience. The Mannan Pipefish switch is best suited for casual typists looking for an effortless and strain-free keyboarding journey. With its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, lengthened spring, and smooth linear action, typing on the Mannan Pipefish switch is not only comfortable but also precise. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch takes your typing experience to the next level with its incredibly smooth feel. The UHWMPE housings of the Tangerine switches add to their smoothness, a feature that is quite rare in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

TKC Tangerine Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

$6.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the TKC Tangerine switches differ significantly. The Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, its translucency makes it perfect for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, UHWMPE, a newer material, offers a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks during typing. While both materials contribute to sound production, they provide distinct sound profiles.

In terms of bottom housing, the Mannan Pipefish houses a nylon bottom, while the Tangerine has a UHWMPE bottom housing. The use of nylon in the Pipefish switch elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tangerine. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, UHWMPE, being a newer material, provides a bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing on switches. These bottom housings have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, and the contrast in materials contributes to their distinct sound profiles.

When it comes to the overall sound experience of the switches, the combination of top and bottom housings plays a crucial role. Pressing down on a switch will highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Similarly, the material of the top housing will have a more noticeable impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Consequently, the choice of housing materials in both the top and bottom sections of the switches will create unique sound profiles, enriching the typing experience for users.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. The Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which means it requires a relatively gentle push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Tangerine switch is unknown, so it is uncertain whether it is lighter or heavier in this aspect. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Mannan Pipefish has a force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to its actuation force. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, suggesting that it requires a more substantial push to fully depress the key. In terms of weight, the Mannan Pipefish is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. The Tangerine switch, although its actuation force is unknown, possesses a heavier bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile experience provided by both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as neutral. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes. It does not have any extreme sound characteristics, making it a good choice for both beginners and advanced users, whether for use at home or in the workplace. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch is described as high-pitched. This means that it produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Tangerine switch may be the better option for you.

As for feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers an easy-to-press experience. It has a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable. This switch requires minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, it is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Mannan Pipefish switch provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel.

Similarly, the Tangerine switch also offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience. It offers extremely smooth and effortless key presses, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. The keystrokes are described as smooth and fluid, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, like the Mannan Pipefish switch, the Tangerine switch is also described as polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Mannan Pipefish and Tangerine switches have some similarities in their subjective qualities. Both switches offer smooth and polished key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. They also provide a low-impact and effortless typing feel, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. However, they differ in their sound profiles, with the Mannan Pipefish switch having a neutral sound and the Tangerine switch producing a high-pitched clack. Ultimately, when choosing between these switches, it is important to consider your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps, that can influence the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a light actuation force and a strain-free typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its 45g bottom-out force and smooth linear action, this switch provides effortless and precise typing. It offers easy-to-press keys that require minimal force, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and enjoy a sharp and crisp sound profile, the TKC Tangerine linear switch would suit your needs. With a bottom-out force of 62g, these switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. The UHWMPE housings contribute to their high-pitched sound and the switches have a frictionless feel, ensuring a fluid typing experience. Both switches have a polished finish, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Mannan Pipefish and the Tangerine switch depends on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more