KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two options worth considering. The Mannan Pipefish boasts a smooth linear action, a lengthened spring, and a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, providing a comfortable and precise typing experience. This switch is perfect for casual typists seeking a delightful and strain-free keyboarding journey. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. It features a lengthened single-stage spring, giving it a bouncy feel with each keystroke. With a standard spring weight, the Tourmaline Blues strike a balance, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for the translucency needed for RGB lighting, making it visually appealing for those who plan to incorporate lighting effects into their setup.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Mannan Pipefish differs from the Tourmaline Blue. The Mannan Pipefish features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning it with the top housing material. This choice ensures a consistent sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile throughout the keypress.

When using a switch with different top and bottom housings, the characteristics of each housing material will be divided between the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. The bottom housing, influenced by the nylon material in the Mannan Pipefish, will provide a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing, shared by both the Mannan Pipefish and the Tourmaline Blue, will significantly impact the sound when releasing a key. This distinction allows for a varied auditory experience depending on the specific switch being used.

Despite these differences, it is important to note that both the Mannan Pipefish and the Tourmaline Blue offer the advantages of using polycarbonate in the top housing. Users of either switch can expect a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for stunning RGB lighting effects. So, while the bottom housing may differ, the inclusion of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences in weight. The Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a slightly more substantial typing feel.

For individuals who value a lighter switch, the Mannan Pipefish would be the preferable choice as it allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the contrary, the Tourmaline Blue's heavier forces may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push, providing a satisfying tactile feedback during typing.

Although the weights of the two switches differ, they cater to different preferences. While both switches offer a smooth linear feel, the Mannan Pipefish's light actuation and bottom out forces provide a more responsive and effortless typing experience, which may be desired by users who prioritize longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's slightly heavier forces deliver a more deliberate and substantial keystroke, appealing to individuals who value a more pronounced tactile response. In this way, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same distance of 4 mm traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance for both switches is equal, resulting in similar results and experience for the users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches fall into the category of neutral switches, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the sound of these two switches may be similar, your choice of keyboard components may influence the final sound outcome.

In terms of feel, the KTT Mannan Pipefish offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses. These switches require minimal force to activate and provide a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch 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.

On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as offering a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Similar to the Mannan Pipefish, the Tourmaline Blue is also described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Lastly, the Tourmaline Blue is categorized as a mild switch, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics.

Overall, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches both offer subjective qualities that contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. While the Mannan Pipefish may provide a sleeker feel with its polished finish, the Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery typing sensation. The sound profile of these switches is similar, classified as neutral, but can also be influenced by other factors. Therefore, both switches have their unique qualities, catering to different preferences, but you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, depending on accompanying components.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are seeking an effortless and strain-free typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be an excellent choice. With its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, this switch offers a comfortable and precise typing experience. It is perfect for casual typists who are looking for a delightful journey without putting too much pressure on their fingers. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you are someone who values a deep and thocky sound profile and enjoys a bouncy feel with each keystroke, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be a great option for you. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, these switches strike a balance and are enjoyable for a wide range of users. The Tourmaline Blue switches provide a buttery and effortless typing sensation, making your typing experience seamless and uniform. Moreover, the Tourmaline Blue switches are described as easy-to-press and offer a low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.

In summary, if you prioritize comfort, precision, and a sleek typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a deep sound profile, bouncy keystrokes, and a buttery typing sensation, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more