KTT Cream Yellow vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow switch is loved for its distinctively clacky sound, bouncy typing feel, and shortened bottom-out distance, making it a great choice for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the ingenious use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. Its high-pitched and clacky sound signature sets it apart from the competition, offering typists a luxurious typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, derived from special mixed materials. Despite the difference in materials, both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, whether seeking a sharp, resonant sound or a clacky, high-pitched tone.

In terms of the bottom housings, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and clacky sound. The POK material's coefficient of friction and wear resistance make it an excellent choice for creating a smooth typing experience with lasting durability. While the nylon bottom housing of the Cream Yellow offers a different sound profile, both bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience by impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.

Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Cream Yellow and the Vanilla Ice Cream switches results in unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The qualities of the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the sound, feel, and durability of the switches. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Cream Yellow or the proprietary KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream, each material brings its own characteristics to the table, providing users with options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences. Ultimately, while the housing materials differ between the two switches, they both offer high-quality construction and a range of sound profiles to suit different tastes.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams actuation force and 48 grams bottom out force. This means that the Cream Yellow will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream will offer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on their respective force requirements, catering to individuals with varying preferences for switch weight.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Cream Yellow and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning users will experience a similar key feel when pressing down on either switch. This consistent travel distance ensures a consistent typing experience, whether using the Cream Yellow or Vanilla Ice Cream switches. Due to their identical travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation when using either of these switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Cream Yellow linear switch offers a sharp and snappy clacky sound when pressed, thanks to its unique design that produces a crisp, bright, and percussive audio feedback. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that is reminiscent of two billiard balls colliding, providing typists with a clean, resonant, and marbly auditory experience. The choice between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference, as both offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow linear switch is praised for its bouncy typing sensation, offering users a spring-like and elastic feedback that gives keys a lively and rebounding feel when pressed. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is noted for its buttery and creamy typing experience, providing typists with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that feels effortless and uniform. Whether you prefer a bouncy and lively feel or a smooth and buttery typing experience will determine which switch is the better option for your mechanical keyboard setup.

In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches both offer unique sound signatures and typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow excels in delivering a sharp and snappy clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its high-pitched and marbly sound with a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience. It's important to experiment with both switches to determine which one aligns best with your preferences and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a distinctively clacky sound while offering a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch would be the better option for you. Consider your preferences in sound, feel, and actuation force when making your decision between these two unique switches. Ultimately, choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences for an optimal typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more