KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often stand out are the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Durock White Lotus. The Mannan Pipefish switch 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, perfect for casual typists seeking a strain-free experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed with the discerning typist in mind. It strikes the perfect balance with its delicate tactility, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Durock White Lotus differ in terms of their composition. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity. In contrast, the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel. While both materials have transparent properties suitable for RGB lighting, the Mannan Pipefish's polycarbonate housing ensures a more distinct and vibrant lighting effect.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon as the material of choice. However, the Mannan Pipefish boasts a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows for greater sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the White Lotus's nylon bottom housing offers the same properties, impacting the overall sound profile.
Despite their divergent housing materials, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Durock White Lotus share similar characteristics. Both switches prioritize sound quality, with the Mannan Pipefish focusing on a clear and resonant tone, while the White Lotus aims for a unique and premium feel. Additionally, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a deeper and fuller sound experience. Although the specific composition of the top housing materials differs, both switches effectively enhance the sound when pressing down on a key or releasing it, with the material properties of the top housing playing a significant role in the sound produced upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are significant differences to consider. The Mannan Pipefish has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, meaning a gentle press is enough to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the White Lotus requires a slightly heavier force of 46 grams to initiate a keystroke. This indicates that the White Lotus provides a more substantial push feel, catering to individuals who prefer a stronger typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Mannan Pipefish requires 45 grams of force to bottom out, which is still on the lighter side. In contrast, the White Lotus demands a slightly higher bottom out force of 56 grams, categorized as medium-light. These force differences suggest that the White Lotus offers a more resistant and satisfying bottoming out experience compared to the Mannan Pipefish. However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the lighter force range, making them suitable for extended typing periods in professional or gaming settings. In summary, individuals who prioritize a lighter feel for prolonged usage may prefer the Mannan Pipefish, while those seeking a stronger and more substantial push may lean towards the Durock White Lotus.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. Consequently, both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and keypress 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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 Mannan Pipefish offers a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate tone that is suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the White Lotus has a low-pitched sound, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for any level of typing proficiency and for use 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 and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Mannan Pipefish and White Lotus switches are described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, both switches offer a low-impact typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. The Mannan Pipefish switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The White Lotus switch, on the other hand, is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It also has a subtle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both offer enjoyable and strain-free typing experiences. The Mannan Pipefish has a smooth linear action and a light actuation force, providing a precise typing experience. Its sound profile is neutral, and it offers an easy-to-press feel with a polished finish. The White Lotus switch, on the other hand, offers a delicate tactility and a low-pitched sound profile. It has a light actuation force and an easy-to-press feel, with a mild and subtle typing experience. Both switches are suitable for casual typists and extended typing sessions. While they have some differences in sound and feel, they provide similar results in terms of comfort and accuracy.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a delightful and strain-free keyboarding experience, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its smooth linear action, light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, and lengthened spring, this switch provides effortless and comfortable typing. It is perfect for casual typists who want a precise and enjoyable typing journey.
On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch that strikes the perfect balance between tactility and user comfort, the Durock White Lotus switch is the way to go. These switches offer a delicate tactility that is ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the removable light column allows for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup.
When it comes to sound, both switches have a neutral profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the White Lotus switch has a more low-pitched and mellow tone, providing a bass-heavy sound compared to the Mannan Pipefish.
In terms of feel, both switches offer an easy-to-press experience, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Mannan Pipefish switch is described as polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The White Lotus switch, on the other hand, offers a mild and subtle feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most.
Ultimately, the choice between the Mannan Pipefish and the Durock White Lotus switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize effortless and precise typing, the Mannan Pipefish is the way to go. If you prefer a light tactile switch with a delicate tactility and captivating RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus is the ideal choice. Consider your typing needs and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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