TTC Flame Red vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red is best known for its stunning light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who enjoy backlit RGB keyboards. Typing on these switches provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, categorizing them as neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out for its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, offering typists a remarkably smooth and creamy feel. Acoustically, these switches deliver a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, categorized as buttery, creamy, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we can see that both switches use different materials for their top housing. While the Flame Red utilizes nylon for its top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream employs a proprietary KTT blend that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This contrast in sound characteristics can greatly influence the typing experience for users, with the Flame Red providing a more muted and round sound while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a sharper and more pronounced sound.

On the other hand, when looking at the bottom housing materials of the two switches, we see a more significant difference. The Flame Red's nylon bottom housing is known for its softer plastic properties that absorb sound well, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes POK material for its bottom housing, which is incredibly smooth, durable, and has excellent wear and shock resistance properties. The POK material contributes to the switch's overall smoothness, clacky sound, and durability, providing a stark contrast to the sound characteristics produced by the Flame Red's nylon bottom housing.

Although the housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches vary between the Flame Red and Vanilla Ice Cream, the impact of these materials on the typing experience is substantial. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The use of nylon for the top and bottom housing in the Flame Red offers a consistent typing experience with a deep and full sound profile, while the combination of KTT blend and POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a unique and distinct sound signature with smooth and durable qualities.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Flame Red is slightly heavier than the Vanilla Ice Cream. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream may be the better option, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may gravitate towards the Flame Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The TTC Flame Red 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. In this case, the Flame Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The Flame Red's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a little more depth to the key press, which some users may find satisfying. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer a different feel and experience based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Flame Red linear switch offers a moderate and neutral sound profile that should suit most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound signature, providing a sharp and clean auditory experience. If you prefer a sharper sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the better choice.

When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch provides a weighty smoothness and a polished typing experience, offering a middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as buttery and creamy, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels like effortlessly gliding across the keys. If you enjoy a more luxurious and buttery typing sensation, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more to your liking.

Taking all of this information into account, it's clear that the Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red provides a neutral sound with a mild and polished feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and resonant sound paired with a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a moderate and polished typing experience or a more luxurious and buttery feel with a sharper sound profile.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prioritize visual aesthetics and enjoy a weightier smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the Flame Reds with their stunning light diffuser are the way to go. Additionally, if you have a backlit, RGB keyboard, these switches will truly shine. On the other hand, if you value a remarkably smooth and creamy feel in each keystroke, along with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches, with their use of POK material, would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile (Flame Red) or a high-pitched, resonant, and buttery typing experience (Vanilla Ice Cream). Consider these aspects carefully to ensure you select the switch that best fits your typing preferences and overall keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more