Durock Blue Lotus vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that each offers unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus is renowned for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for users who enjoy a pronounced tactile feel. Additionally, the detachable light column adds a visually captivating element with vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative 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 linear switches. 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
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both boast unique and premium housing materials that contribute to their overall feel and sound signature. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which offers a luxurious and tactile experience when typing. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing known for its high-pitched and clacky sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences.
While the Blue Lotus utilizes a nylon bottom housing to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream opts for a POK bottom housing for its smooth and durable properties. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, POK material offers exceptional strength and wear resistance, making it a top choice for switch housing. The difference in bottom housing materials influences the overall feel and sound of each switch, catering to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of construction, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience of a switch. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as sound impact and feel upon bottoming out a key, are distinct from those of the top housing, which mainly affect the sound upon key release. While the Blue Lotus and Vanilla Ice Cream switches may have different top and bottom housing materials, they both offer a well-rounded typing experience that combines the unique properties of each material to create a satisfying tactile and auditory feedback for users. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile or a smooth, clacky typing experience, both switches cater to a wide range of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus is heavier while the Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, offering a lighter touch. For those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Blue Lotus would be the better choice, as it requires a stronger push. On the other hand, if a lighter keypress is preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Vanilla Ice Cream would be more suitable. Overall, considering the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces is essential for selecting a switch that fits individual preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we can see that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Blue Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and tactility, the Blue Lotus may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for a quicker keypress, the Vanilla Ice Cream could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, providing users with a responsive typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy profile, providing a deep and rich sound during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches produce a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound, giving typists a sharp and crisp auditory experience that sets them apart from other switches. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Blue Lotus offering a deeper tone and the Vanilla Ice Cream delivering a sharper and more resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a tactile experience that is responsive and engaging. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer a buttery and creamy typing sensation, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. Each switch has its own distinct feel, with the Blue Lotus offering a prominent tactile feedback and the Vanilla Ice Cream delivering a silky and glide-like experience.
Overall, both the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer unique sound and feel experiences that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus switches are known for their tactile intensity and snappiness, coupled with vibrant RGB illumination, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switches stand out for their smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Depending on whether you prefer a deeper, bassy sound and a more tactile typing experience or a sharper, resonant sound and a smoother keystroke, either of these switches can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy, tactile feel with vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suited to your preferences. Whether you prioritize tactile intensity and swift responsiveness or a smooth and buttery typing sensation, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Lotus and Vanilla Ice Cream switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and desired typing experience.
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