KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Mannan Pipefish is celebrated for its effortless and polished linear action, featuring a lightweight 45g actuation force and a lengthened spring that ensure a smooth and strain-free typing journey. This makes it an excellent choice for casual typists who prioritize comfort and ease during long typing sessions. In contrast, the WS Pearl switches stand out with their innovative use of ball-bearing technology, which significantly reduces friction and creates an extraordinarily smooth keystroke experience. Accompanied by a medium-high pitched sound signature, the WS Pearl caters to users seeking a unique tactile sensation and an engaging auditory feedback. While both switches are linear and designed for smooth performance, the choice between them ultimately depends on individual typing preferences and ergonomic needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, distinct differences arise, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This quality makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for those seeking clarity and resonance in their typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softness and capacity to absorb sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a more muted and rounded auditory experience. The choice of materials influences not just the sound produced but also the aesthetic appeal, as polycarbonate's translucency facilitates vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual component for enthusiasts who prioritize flashiness alongside functionality.
On the other hand, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and WS Pearl share a similarity in their bottom housing materials, as both utilize nylon. This uniformity suggests that regardless of the different materials used in their top housings, both switches should provide a consistent bottom-out feel and sound. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both models. This application of similar material helps to unify the feel of the key switches, as the bottom housing is primarily responsible for the sensations felt upon bottoming out. Therefore, while the top housings diverge dramatically in terms of sound characteristics, the nylon bottom helps provide a consistent sense of depth and richness in the auditory experience.
Overall, the diverging materials in the top housings of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the WS Pearl produce contrasting sound profiles, while both switches resonate with a similar richness due to their nylon bottom housings. This combination means that users can expect a unique auditory signature during keypresses dependent on the switch, with the Mannan Pipefish providing a brighter and more resonant output from the polycarbonate, while the WS Pearl offers a warmer and more muted experience with its nylon. The result is a tailored typing experience that balances clarity with depth, allowing users to choose their preferred style while enjoying a consistent sound feel from the shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The KTT Mannan Pipefish and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to different user preferences. The Mannan Pipefish has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as less force is required to register a keystroke. In contrast, the WS Pearl offers a slightly firmer actuation at 30 grams but has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. While both switches differ in their bottom out experiences, the Mannan Pipefish provides a lighter overall feel, appealing to users who favor a gentler touch, whereas the WS Pearl’s heavier bottom out may cater to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer lighter resistance for comfort over long periods, the Mannan Pipefish would be the better option, while the WS Pearl might be more satisfying for users who enjoy a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Mannan Pipefish measuring 4 mm and the WS Pearl at 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Pearl the shorter option, which is advantageous for those seeking quicker response times often favored by gamers. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish offers a longer travel distance, providing a heftier feel that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences; if you prioritize responsiveness, the WS Pearl would be the way to go, while the Mannan Pipefish caters to those who enjoy a deeper key press.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch offers a neutral profile. This means it produces a balanced sound that can comfortably suit both casual and professional environments, making it versatile for any typist. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl is characterized by a medium-high pitched sound signature, adding a unique auditory element to the typing experience. The sound produced by the WS Pearl may appeal more to those who enjoy a distinct acoustic quality while typing. Overall, sound is subjective and influenced by factors like your choice of keyboard and keycaps, so both switches may offer satisfying auditory experiences, albeit in different tonal ranges.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish stands out for its easy-to-press and polished characteristics. With a light 45g actuation force, it requires minimal effort to activate, significantly reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The polished nature of the switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Conversely, the specifics of the feel associated with the WS Pearl are less defined here, although the use of ball-bearings suggests a potential for increased smoothness and reduced friction during keystrokes, reminiscent of the effortless action seen in the Pipefish. If it’s an ultra-smooth typing experience you seek, both switches alight a compelling path in their distinctive ways.
In conclusion, while the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch offers a neutral sound that’s versatile and an effortless typing feel thanks to its easy actuation force and polished finish, the WS Pearl adds a unique auditory signature with its medium-high pitch and potentially ultra-smooth action. Both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring a fulfilling typing experience depending on what qualities you prioritize. Regardless of your choice, you will appreciate the smoothness in their respective ways, ensuring enjoyable and efficient keyboard use.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches will largely depend on your typing preferences and use cases. If you find yourself seeking a lightweight switch that offers an effortless typing experience, especially if you plan to engage in long typing sessions, the Mannan Pipefish would be an excellent fit for you. Its 45g bottom-out force, coupled with a smooth and polished feel, makes it ideal for casual typists who appreciate comfort and ease without feeling fatigued. On the other hand, if you desire a switch that offers a unique and remarkably smooth keystroke experience, complemented by a medium resistance, you might opt for the WS Pearl. The innovative ball-bearing design of the WS Pearl creates an exceptional typing feel that enthusiasts often crave, making it ideal for those who enjoy a slightly higher actuation force while still appreciating the sound signature and tactile feedback. Thus, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize light and effortless typing with the Mannan Pipefish or the smooth, refined mechanics and slightly firmer feel of the WS Pearl.
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