Gateron CJ vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CJ and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. The CJ is praised for its higher-pitched clacks and smooth push feel, making it a 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', and 'Mild' option with a 'Low-pitched' and 'Thocky' sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing a remarkably smooth and creamy typing experience that is 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Marbly', with a 'High-pitched' and 'Resonant' sound profile. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both feature proprietary housing blends that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The CJ's INK blend top housing provides a higher-pitched and clacky sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing offers a similar high-pitched and clacky sound signature. However, the specific materials used in each blend may result in slightly different sound characteristics, with the CJ being described as relatively high-pitched and not overly sharp, and the Vanilla Ice Cream as offering a high-pitched sound signature.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the CJ's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing contributes to smooth, clacky, and durable switches. The POK material used in the Vanilla Ice Cream is known for its exceptional strength, wear resistance, and shock resistance, making it a top choice for switch housing. In contrast, the POM material in the CJ provides a unique sound experience that is on the deeper side, adding a different dimension to the overall typing experience.
While the CJ and Vanilla Ice Cream switches may have differences in their top and bottom housing materials, the overall sound profile and feel of the switches are likely to be influenced by a combination of these materials. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing contributes to the sound when releasing the key. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing blends, showcasing the diverse range of materials available in the mechanical keyboard market.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The CJ has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it easier to press down compared to the CJ. The CJ switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the CJ switch. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0mm being the most common, the slight variation may impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switches. Gamers may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the CJ switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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 Gateron CJ linear switch is known for its higher-pitched and chirpy sound profile, giving it a unique and distinct acoustic signature that sets it apart from other linear switches. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers typists a high-pitched and resonant sound that is sharp and crisp, providing an immersive auditory experience. Both switches deliver a satisfying sound when pressed, with the CJ being more chirpy and the Vanilla Ice Cream being more resonant.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch provides an impossibly smooth push feel, giving typists a mild and comfortable typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, thanks to the ingenious use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. Typists can expect a smooth and uniform typing sensation that is reminiscent of the dessert it is named after.
Overall, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both offer unique and enjoyable qualities in terms of sound and feel. Typists can expect a satisfying typing experience with the CJ's higher-pitched and chirpy sound, combined with an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream provides typists with a high-pitched and resonant sound, paired with a buttery and creamy feel that is smooth and seamless. While both switches have their own distinctive characteristics, typists can expect similar levels of satisfaction in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy the unique high-pitched clacks and smooth push feel of the CJ, then this switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a remarkably smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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