Huano Acacia vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders stand out: the Huano Acacia and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, offering a consistently pleasant typing experience right out of the box. This switch is ideal for users who value a smooth, reliable feel without the need for extensive customization. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch sets itself apart with its innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing a uniquely creamy and buttery tactile experience that can be reminiscent of the dessert it's named after. Acoustically, the Vanilla Ice Cream has a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, giving it a character that appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Both switches have their merits, making them suitable for different types of typists and gaming enthusiasts alike; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.39 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, several distinct characteristics emerge that highlight both their similarities and differences. The Acacia's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which is known for its rigidity and translucence, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy RGB lighting because the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for optimal light diffusion. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary blend of materials for its top housing, which also aims to produce a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both housings cater to providing a crisp sound profile, the specific materials employed differ, suggesting that while they may achieve similar auditory results, the acoustic nuances may not be entirely alike.

The bottom housings of both switches reveal a stark contrast in material composition and the resultant auditory experience. The Huano Acacia uses nylon for its bottom housing, known for its softer structure that absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is a classic choice, favored for its ability to create a more rounded auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK material bottom housing, which is not only strong and durable but also offers a higher coefficient of friction, resulting in an exceptionally smooth feel. The POK material contributes to a clacky sound—this contrast highlights how the choice of materials at the bottom of the switch influences the overall tactile feedback and sound quality in different ways.

Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials of both switches plays a crucial role in their overall performance. With the Huano Acacia, the balance of the crisp, high-pitched sound from the polycarbonate top combined with the deep and rounded auditory impact of the nylon bottom creates a distinctive typing experience. In comparison, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream aims for a similarly bright sound signature from its top housing while the POK bottom housing provides a smooth and robust feel. Thus, when evaluating the overall sound and tactile experience, the unique properties of each material yield distinctly different auditory signatures, despite some similarities in their high-pitched sound profiles. Understanding how these materials interact allows for a deeper appreciation of the nuances each switch brings to the table.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. As a result, those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may find the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream more suitable for their needs. In terms of overall feel, the Acacia, being heavier, offers a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who appreciate a stronger push during key presses. Ultimately, while both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Huano Acacia is better suited for those who favor a medium-light resistance, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream caters to those who prefer an even lighter touch.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is identical, measuring at 3.5 mm. This equal travel distance means that users pressing either switch will experience the same amount of movement when activating the key. Consequently, you can expect similar keystroke feedback and responsiveness from both switches, providing a consistent typing experience across both options. Since their travel distances are the same, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, allowing for comparable performance in terms of key actuation depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a well-balanced auditory experience that is somewhat subdued compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, which presents a more vibrant and lively sound profile. The Acacia’s acoustics can be characterized as clean without being overly intrusive, making it suitable for environments where quiet typing is appreciated. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream’s high-pitched and marbly sound makes it stand out, delivering sharp and clear auditory feedback with a touch of resonance. Users who prefer a louder and more crystalline typing experience may gravitate more toward the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, especially if they are seeking that distinct clacky tone reminiscent of a playful tap on marble.

When considering the feel, the Hauno Acacia is known for its medium-light weight and generous lubrication, allowing for a pleasant typing experience straight out of the box. This switch provides a balanced and satisfying keystroke with minimal stem wobble, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a light touch without compromising control. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, on the other hand, excels with its buttery and creamy feel, characterized by a silky smoothness that can make each keystroke feel effortless. This exceptional smoothness is attributed to the materials used and the factory lubrication applied, resulting in a typing experience that feels luxurious and fluid, akin to gliding effortlessly along the keys.

In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches provide distinct yet appealing qualities, catering to different preferences among typists. The Acacia offers a clean sound and balanced feel with light resistance, while the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched acoustics and a silky typing experience that’s decidedly creamy and buttery. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences—whether one values a more subdued sound and consistent feel or seeks a vibrant, resonant sound coupled with an exceptionally smooth keystroke.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light switch that offers a well-rounded typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia is a formidable choice. Its factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble ensure a solid and reliable feel, making it particularly suitable for long typing sessions or gaming where comfort and consistency are key. Additionally, if you favor a more subdued sound profile, the Acacia will likely align better with your tastes. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter actuation force and appreciate a switch that delivers an exceptionally smooth and creamy keystroke, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is designed to impress. Its unique POK materials contribute to a buttery typing sensation and a distinctive high-pitched sound that many find appealing. The Vanilla Ice Cream is ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory experience while typing or gaming. In the end, both switches have their merits, so consider your preferences for weight, sound, and feel to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more