Gateron CM vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CM and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches are both popular choices with unique features to offer. The CM switch is known for its full nylon housing, providing a rich and deep sound signature, along with a smooth typing experience due to its impeccable factory lube job and lengthened, dual-staged spring. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, offering a remarkably smooth and creamy feel. Additionally, it delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Each switch has its own characteristics that may appeal to different preferences, whether you prefer the bouncy and bassy typing experience of the CM or the smooth and creamy feel of the Vanilla Ice Cream. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CM Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron CM and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Gateron CM utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches use a proprietary KTT blend top housing, offering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the CM's nylon top housing emphasizes a duller and rounder sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing produces a sharper and more distinctive sound experience.

In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gateron CM features a nylon bottom housing that complements its nylon top housing to create a consistent deep and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic of the nylon material allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches utilize a POK bottom housing, which is known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. The POK material enhances the overall smooth and clacky sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream switches, providing a unique typing experience that prioritizes durability and efficiency.

While both the Gateron CM and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer distinct advantages with their housing materials, they ultimately cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Gateron CM's nylon housing materials focus on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer a higher-pitched and clacky sound signature, thanks to their unique proprietary blend. Whether you prefer a softer and rounder sound or a sharper and more distinct typing experience, both switches deliver exceptional performance based on their housing materials.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch differ significantly. The Gateron CM switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. This difference in weight offers users the option to choose based on their preference for a lighter or stronger push feel. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch, while those seeking a heavier push feel may prefer the Gateron CM switch.

Travel distance

The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The slightly shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be preferred by those looking for an even more rapid key press experience. In contrast, the Gateron CM switch offers a touch more depth in each press, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and key press feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and resonant sound, giving off a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. If you prefer a lower frequency range with a more bass-heavy tone, the CM switch might be more suitable for you. However, if you enjoy a cleaner and sharper sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be a better choice.

Moving on to the feel of these switches, both the Gateron CM and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches are described as buttery and creamy, offering typists a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The CM switch is also noted for its polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. This creamy sensation is likely due to lubricant applied in the switch at the factory. Ultimately, both switches provide a frictionless typing experience, minimizing resistance and ensuring a fluid key travel.

In conclusion, both the Gateron CM and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer impressive sound and feel qualities. While the CM switch boasts a bassy and thocky sound profile with a buttery and polished feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and resonant sound alongside a creamy typing experience. Choosing between these switches would depend on your preference for sound tones and typing sensations. However, regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a smooth and enjoyable typing journey with either option.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a bouncier typing experience with a rich and deep sound profile, the Gateron CM switch might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force. Remember to test out both switches if possible to see which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CM Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more