Outemu Crystal vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Crystal and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, you will find yourself faced with two unique linear switch options. The Crystal switch offers a linear typing experience with a medium-light weight and an elastic feel, providing typists with a distinct sensation while maintaining a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch sets itself apart by incorporating POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, resulting in a smooth and creamy typing experience reminiscent of its namesake dessert. Additionally, this switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that adds another layer of distinction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.40 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we see that both switches prioritize sound quality in their design. The Crystal utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound profile. The use of this relatively stiffer plastic enhances the clarity of the sound produced. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary blend for its top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, contributing to a unique auditory experience.

Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The Polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal offers a sharper sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing delivers a distinctive clacky sound. In terms of durability and smoothness, the Crystal's Polycarbonate bottom housing and the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing each excel in their respective strengths, catering to different preferences in typing feel.

While the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilize different housing materials, they both prioritize functionality and performance. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom housing of each switch allows for a balance of sound quality and typing feel. Whether it's the sharp and clear sound profile of the Crystal's Polycarbonate housing or the smooth and durable performance of the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK material, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and styles.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Crystal switch is slightly heavier overall. The Crystal switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Crystal switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, which is lighter in comparison. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of desired actuation and bottom out forces. If you prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be more suited for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience, the Outemu Crystal switch would be the better choice.

Travel distance

The Outemu Crystal 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 Crystal has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Crystal is more in line with traditional switch distances, while the 3.5mm of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is slightly on the shorter side. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Crystal switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile that sets it apart from others, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound that is clean and sharp, creating an immersive auditory experience. While both switches have a high-pitched sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a more resonant and tactile sound compared to the Crystal switch.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Crystal switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is characterized as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its luxurious and creamy feel, thanks to the materials and lubrication used in its construction.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both offer a linear typing experience, they differ in sound and feel. The Crystal switch provides a unique chirpy sound and a polished feel, ideal for those looking for a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound along with a buttery and creamy feel, perfect for typists seeking a smooth and luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal linear switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should take into account your preference for the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile with an elastic typing experience, the Outemu Crystal switch would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a high-pitched, clacky sound profile with a smooth and creamy typing feel, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more