KTT Ash Gray vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stand out as two distinct options for typing enthusiasts. The Ash Gray switch is praised for its tactile response, offering a light touch combined with a crisp actuation that provides just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. This results in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. While the Ash Gray is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Vanilla Ice Cream is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. 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
38g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique characteristics that affect the sound and feel of the switches. The Ash Gray switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch's proprietary KTT blend top housing creates a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. However, both switches use different materials for their bottom housings: the Ash Gray utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates POK for smooth, clacky, and durable switches.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Ash Gray and Vanilla Ice Cream switches, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience based on the qualities of their respective materials. The use of polycarbonate in the Ash Gray top housing results in a clear and resonant sound profile, while the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream top housing offers a distinct high-pitched and clacky sound. Additionally, the Nylon bottom housing of the Ash Gray contributes to a duller and rounder sound, whereas the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream enhances smoothness, clackiness, and durability.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and Vanilla Ice Cream switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, feel, and durability. The different housing materials used in each switch offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Ash Gray or a high-pitched and clacky sound with the Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience based on their distinctive housing materials.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch each have their own unique actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ash Gray requires a heavier force of 53 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 48 grams. This means that while the Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter overall, it still provides a satisfying typing experience with a bit more resistance than the Ash Gray. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of keypress depth. Whether you prefer the tactile feel of the Ash Gray or the smooth linear feel of the Vanilla Ice Cream, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the travel distance of these switches is equal, making them both suitable options for those looking for a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, giving typists a unique auditory experience with each key press. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a more traditional sound with the Ash Gray or a distinctive and resonant sound with the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and mild, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance and light actuation force. This switch enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch gives typists a buttery and creamy feel, akin to a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. With a seamless and effortless typing sensation, users can enjoy a luxurious typing experience with the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Ash Gray provides a neutral sound and an easy-to-press, mild feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound and buttery, creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, allowing users to customize their keyboard typing experience to their liking.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a light touch with a crisp actuation and a subtle tactile feedback, the Ash Gray may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and easy-to-press feel of the Ash Gray or the buttery and creamy typing experience of the Vanilla Ice Cream. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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