KTT Cream Yellow vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish. On one hand, the Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound and uniquely bouncy typing feel. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to a resonant audio feedback, making it a great choice for those seeking a tactile and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers effortless and enjoyable typing with its smooth linear action. With a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, this switch provides a comfortable and precise typing experience, perfect for casual typists looking for a strain-free keyboarding journey. While these attributes provide a general idea of what each switch has to offer, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you best decide which switch suits your preferences and needs.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using these switches.

Where they differ, however, is in their bottom housing material. The Cream Yellow incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Mannan Pipefish also utilizes nylon. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottoms.

These differences in bottom housing materials have a noticeable impact on the overall sound and feel of the switches. When pressing down on either the Cream Yellow or the Mannan Pipefish, the qualities of the bottom housing will be evident, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing, made of polycarbonate in both switches, will primarily affect the sound when releasing a key.

In summary, the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish share the same polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp and crisp sound profile. However, their bottom housing materials differ. The Cream Yellow with its nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Mannan Pipefish, also with nylon bottom housing, offers a similar experience. The combination of these materials provides users with unique sound and feel characteristics when typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are notable differences. The Cream Yellow has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Mannan Pipefish's 37 grams, making it slightly heavier in this regard. However, both switches have a similar medium bottom out force, with the Cream Yellow requiring 58 grams and the Mannan Pipefish requiring 45 grams.

This means that while the Cream Yellow may offer a slightly heavier initial push feel, both switches provide a similar typing experience when it comes to bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish would be the preferable choice, as it has a lower actuation and bottom out force. On the other hand, if a user desires a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Cream Yellow, with its slightly higher actuation force, would be the better option. Ultimately, weight preference plays a crucial role, with lighter switches enabling longer periods of typing without fatigue, while heavier switches provide a more satisfying and tactile keystroke.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch have different travel distances. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mannan Pipefish has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Mannan Pipefish falls closer to the most commonly used 4.0 mm travel distance, while the Cream Yellow offers a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the Cream Yellow's shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more pronounced and deeper press may opt for the Mannan Pipefish with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch has a neutral sound profile. It falls in the moderate range, making it suitable for most purposes. The sound produced by both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, if you prefer a clacky sound with a sharp and snappy feel, the Cream Yellow switch is the way to go. If you prefer a more neutral sound that is versatile for different typing scenarios, the Mannan Pipefish switch would be a good choice.

In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy typing experience. This switch has a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, which provides a unique rebound sensation when pressed. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch offers an easy-to-press feel. It requires minimal force to activate, resulting in effortless and comfortable typing. This switch also has a polished finish, contributing to a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide different typing experiences, so it ultimately depends on personal preference. If you enjoy a bouncy and spring-like feedback, the Cream Yellow switch is a great option. If you prefer a low-impact and easy-to-press feel with a polished finish, the Mannan Pipefish switch would be more suitable.

In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Mannan Pipefish switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch is clacky and provides a bouncy typing experience, while the Mannan Pipefish switch has a neutral sound profile and offers an easy-to-press feel with a polished finish. It's important to consider personal preferences and typing preferences when choosing between these switches. It's also worth noting that individual results may vary depending on other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices. Ultimately, both switches provide enjoyable and comfortable typing experiences, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall satisfaction.

Conclusion

Therefore, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and typing needs. If you are someone who enjoys a distinct clacky sound and a uniquely bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be a great choice for you. Its resonant audio feedback and spring-like sensation will enhance your typing experience and provide an energetic typing feel. However, if you prioritize effortless and enjoyable typing with minimal finger fatigue, the Mannan Pipefish switch is the better option. With its smooth linear action, easy-to-press keys, and polished finish, it offers a comfortable and precise typing experience. Additionally, the light 45g actuation and bottom-out force make it ideal for casual typists seeking a strain-free keyboarding journey. Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities and cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mannan Pipefish Linear

$3.53

$3.05 per 10

Learn more