KTT Darling vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Darling, a linear switch, provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the ingenious use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Darling is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both switches provide a resonant feedback, but the Darling leans towards a bouncier feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream feels buttery and marbly. Each switch caters to a different typing preference, offering a unique combination of tactile and auditory feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is evident that they offer distinct sound profiles and characteristics due to the different materials used. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, perfect for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing creates a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, providing a unique sound that may appeal to users looking for a different typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Darling's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound that may be preferred by users seeking a quieter typing experience. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing stands out for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. The POK material contributes to creating smooth, clacky, and long-lasting switches, perfect for users who prioritize durability and tactile feedback in their typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the KTT Darling and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Darling focuses on delivering a sharper and clearer sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizes smoothness, durability, and a clacky sound signature with its proprietary KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile, tactile feedback, and durability in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Darling switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in terms of force required. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is considered light. The Darling switch requires slightly more force to bottom out compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, indicating a more substantial typing experience with the Darling switch. In terms of weight, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Darling switch provides a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance indicates that both switches will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the keys move when pressed. Whether you choose the Darling or Vanilla Ice Cream switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch offers a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing a tactile and auditory feedback that is sharp, crisp, and engaging. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch also boasts a high-pitched and resonant sound signature, but with a unique marbly quality that sets it apart from others. Both switches deliver a clean and sharp sound profile, ensuring an immersive auditory experience for the user.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its bouncy nature, providing a springy and responsive feel that adds a lively touch to each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, characterized by a smooth and fluid keystroke that is seamless and effortless. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying feel for typists, but with slightly different textures and sensations.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Darling switch provides a chewy and bouncy typing sensation with a high-pitched and resonant sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a smooth and creamy feel with a marbly sound that sets it apart. Typists looking for a more tactile and springy experience may prefer the Darling, while those seeking a buttery and fluid typing feel may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying and engaging typing experience for users, ensuring that they can enjoy their mechanical keyboards to the fullest.
Conclusion
Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force that provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with bouncy feedback, along with a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Darling linear switch is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force switch that offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, accompanied by a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for feel and sound.
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