Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Mannan Pipefish, two exceptional linear mechanical keyboard switches. The G Pro 3.0 White, a member of Gateron's G Pro series, is a budget-friendly switch that prioritizes delicate typists. With an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, this switch ensures effortless and sensitive keystrokes. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish offers an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. With a smooth linear action and a lengthened spring, it guarantees a comfortable and precise typing journey. It has a light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, making it ideal for casual typists seeking a strain-free experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Mannan Pipefish both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Since both switches have the same top housing material, users can expect a similar sound experience when typing on them.
In terms of bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 White utilizes nylon, while the Mannan Pipefish also features nylon material. Nylon is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch as they both incorporate nylon bottom housing.
It's important to note that the bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the similarities in housing materials between the G Pro 3.0 White and the Mannan Pipefish, users may notice slight differences in the sound and feel depending on the specific implementation of these materials in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light forces. The G Pro 3.0 White requires 38 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Mannan Pipefish requires slightly less at 37 grams. In terms of bottoming out, both switches have the same force requirement of 45 grams.
The lighter actuation force of these switches allows for a more effortless keystroke, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force reduces finger fatigue and allows for quicker and smoother typing or gaming movements. Both switches offer a similar experience in this regard.
However, it is important to note that while the actuation and bottom out forces are light for both switches, some individuals may prefer a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may prefer a switch with a heavier, more resistant actuation force. For them, neither the G Pro 3.0 White nor the Mannan Pipefish would satisfy their preferences.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches provide a lightweight typing experience with their relatively low actuation and bottom out forces. Whether one is lighter or heavier than the other is negligible, as the difference in force required is minimal. Individuals seeking a comfortable typing or gaming experience will find similar results with both switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a consistent and identical travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity in travel distance ensures a similar tactile feedback for users of both switches. Whether you choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White or the KTT Mannan Pipefish, you can expect comparable results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as having a clacky sound profile. This means that when pressed, the switch produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the sound of the Mannan Pipefish switch is described as neutral. A neutral switch has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer pleasant sound profiles, with the G Pro 3.0 White providing a clacky sound and the Mannan Pipefish offering a neutral sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle. This means that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with minimal force required to activate the keys. It provides a light and effortless typing feel, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Mannan Pipefish switch, on the other hand, is described as easy-to-press and polished. It also offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. Additionally, it features a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a comfortable and precise typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 White offering a range of sensations from creamy and silky to feathery and subtle, and the Mannan Pipefish offering an easy-to-press and polished feel.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Mannan Pipefish switches offer subjective qualities that enhance the typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 White provides a clacky sound profile and a range of feels from creamy and silky to feathery and subtle. It is ideal for delicate typists who prioritize a light actuation force. The Mannan Pipefish switch, on the other hand, offers a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press feel with a polished finish. It is perfect for casual typists seeking a comfortable and strain-free keyboarding experience. While the exact sound and feel of the switches may differ, depending on factors like keyboard board and keycaps used, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences with their respective qualities.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch have similarities in terms of their actuation force, with both requiring a bottom out force of 45 grams. However, they do differ in their sound and feel characteristics.
The G Pro 3.0 White is best suited for delicate typists who prefer a light and effortless typing experience. With a low actuation force of only 38g, this switch ensures sensitive keystrokes, allowing for quick and precise typing. Its frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a creamy and easy-to-press feel, making it ideal for those seeking a smooth and buttery typing experience.
On the other hand, the Mannan Pipefish switch caters to casual typists looking for a comfortable and strain-free keyboarding journey. With an easy-to-press characteristic and a light actuation force of 45g, this switch offers a responsive and low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Mannan Pipefish switch is also described as polished, providing a sleek typing experience due to its smooth and refined finish.
In summary, if you prioritize a light actuation force and a creamy, easy-to-press feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers an easy-to-press feel and a polished typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing requirements.
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