KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. 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 typing journey. This switch is perfect for casual typists who value a strain-free and delightful experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that adds a touch of character to your typing experience with its thuddy and punchy sound profile. It offers a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance between sharp sensation and user comfort. While these general pointers can help you make a decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best determine which switch is the right fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more defined audio experience. Additionally, both switches benefit from polycarbonate's translucency, as it allows for RGB lighting effects to be displayed effectively.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Mannan Pipefish and the Viola Tricolor differ in their choice of material. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes nylon, which provides a unique typing experience. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the Mannan Pipefish produces a duller and rounder sound when the keys are pressed.
Similarly, the Viola Tricolor also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This allows for a more satisfying typing feel, as the Viola Tricolor produces a duller and rounder sound when keys are pressed.
In summary, while both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the choice of housing material for the bottom housing sets them apart. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes nylon, resulting in a softer and more rounded sound, while the Viola Tricolor offers a similar experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Mannan Pipefish providing a unique typing experience with its nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Mannan Pipefish switch has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, meaning it requires a gentle push to trigger a keystroke. In comparison, the Viola Tricolor switch's actuation force is unavailable, which makes it difficult to determine how it compares. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Mannan Pipefish switch has a force requirement of 45 grams, which is still considered light. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Consideration should be given to the weight of the switches as well. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Mannan Pipefish offers the advantage of allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for keyboards used at work or during prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might prefer a switch with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. In such cases, the Viola Tricolor switch would be a suitable option due to its medium-heavy bottom out force.
Overall, while the actuation force of the Mannan Pipefish switch is known and relatively light, the exact force required for actuation by the Viola Tricolor switch remains unknown. However, in terms of bottoming out, the Viola Tricolor switch is undoubtedly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on an individual's personal preferences for typing experience and the desired weight of the keyboard.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a decent amount of travel distance, with the Mannan Pipefish having a more traditional and slightly longer travel distance compared to the Viola Tricolor. Gamers might favor the Viola Tricolor with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or pressing keys may opt for the Mannan Pipefish and its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth when using the keyboard.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. These switches provide a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. They have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers an easy-to-press experience. These switches provide gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is described as accented. This means that it offers a medium amount of tactility, providing a prominent amount of feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. These switches offer a snappy and reactive feel, creating an invigorating typing sensation. They have a moderate to firm actuation force, adding to the overall immersive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch is best known for its effortless and enjoyable typing experience. It offers a smooth linear action, light actuation force, and a polished finish, resulting in a comfortable and precise typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with its pronounced tactility. It strikes a balance between providing satisfying feedback and not being overly tactile. While they offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches provide a delightful and strain-free keyboarding journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a casual typist seeking a delightful and strain-free typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its smooth linear action, light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, and lengthened spring, this switch provides effortless and enjoyable typing. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate the keys and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Its polished finish ensures smooth key travel and enhances the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with pronounced tactility and a touch of character, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be the better option. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, this switch offers a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. It strikes a perfect balance, providing a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. The Viola Tricolor switch also delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding depth and richness to your typing experience. If you enjoy switches with an accented tactile feel and a snappy and reactive typing sensation, the Viola Tricolor would be an invigorating choice for you.
Ultimately, the decision between the Mannan Pipefish and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize effortless typing and a smooth, low-impact feel, go for the Mannan Pipefish. If you prefer pronounced tactility and a touch of character in both feedback and sound, the Viola Tricolor would be the ideal choice. Consider your typing style, preferences, and the type of experience you want from your mechanical keyboard switches.
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