KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between options can greatly influence your typing experience. The KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is celebrated for its smooth linear action and lightweight 45g actuation force, making it an excellent choice for casual typists who prioritize comfort and a strain-free experience. Its polished feel enhances the overall enjoyment of typing, making every keystroke delightful. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch offers a robust typing experience with its Ly stems, providing a super smooth action complemented by a resonant sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory element to each key press. While the Pipefish is ideal for those seeking a relaxed and effortless typing journey, the Tomcat (Heavy) appeals to users who appreciate a more tactile and audible feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a similar and highly favorable sound profile. The key characteristic of polycarbonate is its stiffness, which contributes to the production of a sharper and more resonant sound when keys are pressed. This is particularly important for enthusiasts seeking a crisp auditory experience while typing or gaming. Moreover, both switches feature clear housings made from polycarbonate, providing not only a distinctive aesthetic appeal but also functional benefits, notably with RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate enables vibrant illumination effects, enhancing the overall visual experience.
In contrast to their top housings, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a fuller and deeper sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, serves to absorb sound more efficiently than its harder counterparts. This results in a rounder and less piercing bottom-out sound, which is particularly notable when typing or hitting the keys firmly. As such, the combination of polycarbonate in the top and nylon in the bottom allows users to appreciate both clarity on keystrokes and warmth upon release. This balance fosters a uniquely tailored experience, combining sharpness with depth.
When considering the overall sound characteristics of both switches, the distinct qualities of each housing material intertwine to create a harmonious typing experience. The polycarbonate top ensures a bright and clear sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom enriches the sound with a deeper resonance during key presses. This duality exemplifies how different materials can complement each other; even though the top and bottom housings differ, the resultant sound profile remains cohesive, offering an appealing auditory experience for users seeking both clarity and depth in their keyboard interactions.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch with the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, a significant difference in actuation and bottom out forces becomes apparent. The Mannan Pipefish features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suited for users who prefer a softer, more effortless typing experience—ideal for long hours of typing or gaming. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a heftier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, catering to those who appreciate a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if users opt for the heavier Tomcat switch, they may find it less fatiguing for shorter sessions but potentially more demanding for extended use. Ultimately, the Mannan Pipefish is the lighter switch, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is decidedly heavier, offering choices tailored to varying preferences in typing feel and force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, the Mannan Pipefish features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Mannan Pipefish offers a deeper press, which might appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to those seeking speed and responsiveness, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who benefit from quicker actuation times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for depth versus responsiveness, with the Mannan Pipefish providing a more traditional feel and the Tomcat (Heavy) catering to those who favor a nimble 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 Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it versatile enough for various environments whether you're in an office or at home. This neutrality is characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level, which is ideal for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is known for its resonant sound profile, although specific descriptors and characteristics of this resonance aren't provided. Thus, while the Pipefish offers more of a balanced acoustic experience, the Tomcat's sound may provide a more pronounced auditory feedback, which could appeal to some users depending on their preferences.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish stands out with its polished nature, signifying that it offers a smooth and refined typing experience. The materials used and potential factory lubrication contribute to reduced friction and an overall sleek key travel. This is particularly desirable for typists looking for a strain-free experience. While specific characteristics of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch's feel aren’t mentioned, it does incorporate Ly stems, which are known for their super smooth action. Thus, while the Pipefish emphasizes smoothness and polish, the Tomcat likely provides a similar smooth typing experience influenced by its stem design.
In conclusion, when comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, both offer smooth typing experiences, though the Mannan's polished finish and neutral sound make it a great choice for balanced, everyday use. The Tomcat, with its resonant sound profile and super smooth Ly stems, may cater to users seeking a more noticeable auditory experience. Regardless of their differences, users can expect a refined typing journey from either switch, making them both strong contenders in the linear switch category.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches should be guided by your personal preferences in typing experience and usage context. If you prioritize a light, effortless feel and smooth typing action, the Mannan Pipefish is an excellent option. Its low actuation and bottom-out force of 45 grams make it ideal for casual typists, particularly those seeking a comfortable, strain-free experience for extended typing sessions. Its neutral sound profile complements environments where you may need to balance comfort with discretion, making it versatile for both home and work settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel in your keystrokes, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) with its 64-gram bottom-out force will provide a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. Ideal for those who enjoy a heavier switch without compromising on smoothness, the Tomcat’s characteristically resonant sound profile could enhance your typing experience, especially in scenarios where audible feedback is desirable. In the end, your decision should reflect your specific typing needs, frequency of use, and environmental considerations, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to fit your lifestyle perfectly.
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