KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Mannan Pipefish is a linear switch, known for its effortless and enjoyable typing experience. With its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, it provides precise and comfortable typing. This switch is perfect for casual typists who are seeking a delightful and strain-free keyboarding journey. On the other hand, the WS Brown is a tactile switch that offers a harmony of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing even during extended sessions. Additionally, the WS Brown switches provide a delightful auditory experience due to their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. While these general pointers give an overview of each switch's qualities, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Brown features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone.
Similarly, in terms of the bottom housing, both the Mannan Pipefish and the WS Brown utilize nylon housing material. This classic choice offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softness allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics. This leads to a more muted and rounded tone when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. Therefore, both switches share the same qualities when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
However, it is important to note that while the Mannan Pipefish uses different materials for its top and bottom housing, the WS Brown employs nylon for both. This means that the Mannan Pipefish's top housing, made of polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing, which is nylon, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the WS Brown's sound will be influenced by the nylon housing for both the release and bottom-out sounds, resulting in a consistent overall sound profile.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Wuque Studio WS Brown plays a significant role in determining their respective sound profiles. While the Mannan Pipefish uses polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound, the WS Brown opts for nylon that leads to a deeper and fuller tone. Both switches share similar qualities in the bottom housing, as nylon's softness allows for more sound absorption. Furthermore, the differentiation in housing materials between the top and bottom in the Mannan Pipefish enhances the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Mannan Pipefish has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, meaning it requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Brown is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the Mannan Pipefish also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that it requires less pressure to fully press the key. The WS Brown, on the other hand, has a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, suggesting a slightly more substantial typing experience.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may appreciate the Mannan Pipefish as it enables them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals using a keyboard for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For them, the WS Brown may be a suitable choice with its heavier bottom out force. While the actuation force of the WS Brown is not available, it is likely to provide a similar typing experience to the Mannan Pipefish if the actuation force is also light.
In summary, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch offers a light actuation force and a light bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force, providing a slightly more substantial feel. However, without information on the actuation force of the WS Brown, it is challenging to make a direct comparison.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Mannan Pipefish has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. These differences may seem small, but they can have an impact on the overall typing experience. 4.0mm is considered a more traditional travel distance, providing a sense of depth and solidity when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, a 3.8mm travel distance in the WS Brown offers a slightly shallower feel. Gamers, in particular, may prefer this shorter travel distance as it allows for faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and deliberate keystroke, the Mannan Pipefish with its longer travel distance would be a better option. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired level of key responsiveness and feedback.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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
In terms of sound, the Mannan Pipefish is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps you use. As for the WS Brown, the information does not provide any specific details about its sound profile. Therefore, we cannot make a direct comparison on the subjective qualities of their sound.
Moving on to feel, the Mannan Pipefish is described as easy-to-press. This means that it offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish 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 information doesn't provide any specific details about the feel of the WS Brown switch. Thus, we cannot compare their subjective qualities in terms of feel.
Overall, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch is known for its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, making it a comfortable and precise typing experience. It is described as effortless and enjoyable, perfect for casual typists seeking a strain-free keyboarding journey. Meanwhile, the WS Brown tactile switch is described as offering a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. It has a medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. However, without specific information on the sound and feel of the WS Brown switch, we cannot make a direct comparison on these subjective qualities between the two switches. If you are looking for a similar typing experience to the Mannan Pipefish, the WS Brown could be a potential choice due to its medium-light actuation force and overall comfort. Remember to consider additional factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps to tailor the sound and feel to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a casual typist seeking a strain-free and precise typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, this switch offers effortless and enjoyable typing. The Mannan Pipefish switch provides a comfortable and smooth linear action, with a lengthened spring that enhances its overall performance. Additionally, the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments. Moreover, this switch is easy-to-press and polished, offering a low-impact and smooth typing feel.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is best suited for those who prefer a medium-light actuation force and a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. With a bottom-out force of 55g, this switch provides a familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. The WS Brown switch ensures fatigue-free typing during extended sessions and strikes a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. However, more information is needed to fully understand its sound and feel characteristics.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize effortless and precise typing with a light touch, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch is an excellent option. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the WS Brown tactile switch may be more suitable. Consider your typing needs and preferences to make an informed decision that will enhance your overall typing experience. In the end, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
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