KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the TTC Yunhai both present compelling options, each tailored to different typist preferences. The Mannan Pipefish is celebrated for its effortlessly smooth linear action, which is enhanced by a lengthened spring and a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, making it an excellent choice for casual typists seeking a comfortable and strain-free typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai offers a distinct typing experience characterized by its deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, appealing to those who desire a gentle, almost feathery touch with each keystroke. While the Pipefish is recognized for its neutral and polished feel, the Yunhai’s feathery quality creates a unique auditory and tactile experience. Both switches cater to different typing styles, providing exceptional comfort and performance; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mannan Pipefish and the TTC Yunhai exemplify the diverse approaches to switch housing materials within mechanical keyboards, showcasing both contrast and similarity in their designs. The Mannan Pipefish features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer plastic construction. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Yunhai utilizes nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's softer nature. The distinct attributes of these two materials lead to different acoustic experiences, with the polycarbonate’s clarity making it more suitable for RGB lighting applications, while the nylon's absorbing quality creates a more muted auditory sensation.
On the bottom side, both the Mannan Pipefish and the Yunhai opt for nylon housing. This choice results in a consistent acoustic characteristic between the two switches—the use of nylon lends depth and fullness to the typing experience. Because nylon is inherently softer, both models benefit from a sound profile that is rounded and less harsh, regardless of the differing top materials. This similarity in bottom housing means that when users engage with either switch, they can expect a comparable experience in terms of felt sound quality, contributing to an overall thoughtful and nuanced typing feel.
The differing top housing materials ultimately indicate the unique sound profiles of the KTT Mannan Pipefish and TTC Yunhai, while the identical bottom housings establish a foundational consistency in their performance. When pressed, the distinct qualities of each switch material manifest differently; users will feel the impact of the nylon bottom housing more during the bottom-out phase, producing a rich and resonant sound, while the contrasting top materials influence the sound and feel upon releasing the keys. This thoughtful separation in materials allows for an intricate blend of auditory experiences, catering to users who appreciate both the sharpness of polycarbonate and the warmth of nylon in their keyboards.
Weight
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, though the Mannan Pipefish is slightly lighter in this regard. The Mannan Pipefish has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Yunhai requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference makes the Mannan Pipefish a better choice for those who favor a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended periods of typing or gaming. In contrast, the heavier feel of the Yunhai switch may appeal to users looking for a more substantial push during key presses. Overall, while both switches offer a light experience, the Mannan Pipefish stands out for its lower actuation and bottom out forces, making it the lighter option.
Travel distance
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. In comparing the two, the Mannan Pipefish offers a more substantial travel experience, which may appeal to users who appreciate a deeper keystroke and prefer a more traditional feel. On the other hand, the Yunhai switch's 3.6 mm travel distance delivers a quicker, more responsive action, making it suitable for gamers and those who favor faster response times. For individuals who find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, the Mannan Pipefish would be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the Mannan Pipefish is the longer switch, while the Yunhai is the shorter option, catering to different user preferences regarding key feel and speed.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
The sound profile of the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch is neutral, offering a moderate sound that makes it versatile for different environments, whether at home or in the office. This quality ensures that its auditory feedback won't be distracting, lending itself well to both casual and focused typing sessions. On the other hand, while the TTC Yunhai switch does not have a specific sound profile detailed, its deep and rounded sound suggests a more pronounced auditory experience. This characteristic may appeal to those seeking a tactile and immersive typing ambiance, enhancing the overall engagement during use.
When it comes to feel, the Mannan Pipefish switch is polished, providing a distinctly smooth and refined typing experience. The reduced friction and enhanced key travel contribute to a sleek action, which is ideal for typists who enjoy a seamless experience without any resistance. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai switch embodies a feathery quality, making it incredibly easy to press and necessitating minimal effort from the fingers. This feature can significantly decrease finger fatigue, making it advantageous for extended typing sessions, whether for gaming, work, or study.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and TTC Yunhai switches offer unique experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Mannan Pipefish provides a neutral sound with a polished feel, making it suitable for versatile environments and extended use, while the Yunhai excels in delivering a deeper sound and an effortlessly light actuation. For typists looking to achieve a smooth and precise typing journey, the Mannan Pipefish is an excellent option, while those preferring an incredibly light feel may find the Yunhai to be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches can lead to enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with distinct characteristics that may cater to personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the TTC Yunhai linear switches, consider your personal typing style and preferences. If you favor a smooth and polished typing experience that feels refined and effortless, the Mannan Pipefish, with its light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, makes an excellent choice. This switch is particularly suitable for casual typists who appreciate a neutral sound profile and desire a comfortable typing journey without the strain. On the other hand, if you lean towards a softer touch that minimizes finger fatigue, the TTC Yunhai switch, with its slightly higher 50g bottom-out force and feathery feel, may be ideal for you. This switch delivers a unique combination of a gentle actuation and a pleasingly deep sound profile, making it a great fit for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth, polished experience or a soft, effortless feel, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard to your specific needs and enjoyment.
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