KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Mannan Pipefish is a linear switch known for its effortless and enjoyable typing experience, thanks to its smooth action and light 45g actuation force. Ideal for casual typists looking for a strain-free journey, this switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Neutral', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch from Wuque Studio provides a tactile bump for tactile feedback while still maintaining smoothness. With a neutral sound signature, this switch is categorized as 'Stepped', 'Neutral', and 'Easy-to-press'. Both switches have their own strengths and advantages, but which one is the best for you? Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, it is evident that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, providing a consistent sound profile across the two.
However, a point of contrast between the Mannan Pipefish and the WS Light Tactile lies in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The Mannan Pipefish utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile also uses nylon for its bottom housing, showcasing a similar sound profile to the Mannan Pipefish. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches highlights a shared focus on providing a satisfying and immersive typing experience through the use of nylon.
Overall, the different housing materials chosen for the top and bottom of the switches play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile. While the top housing, mainly made of polycarbonate in both switches, influences the sound upon key release, the bottom housing, constructed from nylon in both cases, impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. By carefully selecting materials for each housing component, both switches aim to deliver a unique typing experience that caters to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that both switches are relatively light in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Mannan Pipefish has a slightly lighter actuation force at 37 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile's 45 grams. Similarly, the Mannan Pipefish also has a lighter bottom out force at 45 grams in comparison to the WS Light Tactile's 50 grams. Both switches provide a smooth and relatively easy typing experience due to their lighter forces, making them ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, some users may prefer a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel. In this case, the WS Light Tactile would be the better choice with its slightly heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, they offer a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect to feel the same amount of travel when pressing down on a key, whether they are using the Mannan Pipefish or the WS Light Tactile switch. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is consistent, providing a familiar tactile sensation for users regardless of which switch they choose to use.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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, both the Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the WS Light Tactile tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound signature. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of users and settings. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch is known for offering an easy-to-press experience, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a smooth and comfortable typing feel. Additionally, it is described as polished, meaning it has a sleek and refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile tactile switch is characterized as easy-to-press as well, offering gentle resistance during key presses for effortless typing. It is also described as stepped, providing a mild tactile bump with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Overall, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering responsive and low-impact typing feel.
In conclusion, while the Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the WS Light Tactile tactile switch have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both cater to users looking for a pleasant and comfortable typing experience. Whether you prefer a smooth linear action with a polished finish or a snappy tactile bump with a stepped feel, both switches are designed to provide an enjoyable and strain-free keyboarding journey. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are a casual typist looking for a pleasant and strain-free typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish linear switch with its light 45g actuation force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a subtle tactile bump and neutral sound profile, the WS Light Tactile switch could be a great option for a smooth and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound, so consider what qualities are most important to you when choosing between these two switches.
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