KTT Mannan Pipefish vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silver stand out as popular linear options. The Mannan Pipefish is praised for its smooth linear action, lengthened spring, and light 45g actuation and bottom-out force, making it ideal for casual typists looking for a strain-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver doesn't have specific standout features mentioned. However, it is known for its linear feel. While the Mannan Pipefish is labeled as 'Easy-to-press', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the Silver falls under a different classification. While these general descriptions provide a starting point, it's essential to delve deeper into the characteristics of each switch to determine the best fit for your typing preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silver utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, their individual design and construction may lead to subtle differences in the overall sound and feel of typing.
In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silver's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, highlighting the importance of the overall housing composition in determining the typing experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silver contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate for their top housing, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in the Mannan Pipefish sets it apart with a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound and feel can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their preferred typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Silver linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. The Mannan Pipefish also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, whereas the Silver has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Mannan Pipefish make it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Silver provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Mannan Pipefish is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, while the Outemu Silver is heavier and offers a medium-heavy typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and reliable typing experience with a moderate travel distance. Overall, the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silver linear switches provide similar results in terms of travel distance, making them suitable choices for users seeking a key switch with a 4mm travel distance.
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 Outemu Silver comes in at $3.10 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, both the KTT Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silver linear switches are not described with specific sound characteristics. This means that the sound produced by both switches will likely fall into the neutral category, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Mannan Pipefish stands out for its easy-to-press nature and polished finish, providing a smooth and comfortable typing experience. The light 45g actuation force of the Mannan Pipefish switch allows for effortless typing, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch is not described, so it is difficult to directly compare it to the Mannan Pipefish in this aspect.
Considering the available information, if you are looking for a linear switch with a comfortable and precise typing experience, the KTT Mannan Pipefish switch seems to be a solid choice. However, if you are seeking a specific sound profile or additional information on the feel of the switch, further research or testing may be necessary to determine the best option for your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches are linear and offer a smooth keystroke, so you can expect similar results in terms of typing experience between the Mannan Pipefish and the Outemu Silver switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smoother typing experience, the Mannan Pipefish would be a great choice. It is perfect for casual typists looking for a strain-free keyboarding journey. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and do not mind the lack of additional features, the Outemu Silver might be more suitable for you. Consider your typing preferences and needs when choosing between these two switches to ensure you have the best typing experience possible.
Mentioned in this article
