TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct experiences for different typists. The Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who prefer a subtle and understated tactile feedback, allowing for an immersive typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, enhanced by a high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer different characteristics when it comes to sound profiles. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature, while also allowing for RGB lighting to shine through. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, utilizing special mixed materials for its unique sound profile. While both top housings provide distinct sound profiles, they each cater to different preferences in terms of typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing features exceptional durability with smooth operation and a clacky sound. The POK material's strong wear and shock resistance make it a top choice for those looking for long-lasting switches with a smooth typing experience. While the nylon bottom housing provides a more rounded sound, the POK bottom housing focuses on durability and smoothness.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches creates a unique typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings influence the sound profile and feel of each switch. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing or a clacky and durable typing experience with the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While their top and bottom housings may differ, each contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switches in their own way.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, the bottom out force for the Vanilla Ice Cream is 48 grams, which is higher than the Gold Brown Pro's unknown bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keystroke may opt for the Gold Brown Pro for its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with lighter switches being ideal for extended typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a bit more depth to the keystrokes, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a slightly shorter travel distance for those who prefer a quicker, more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a thocky and low-pitched experience, creating a deep and satisfying sound that is perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and marbly sound, delivering a sharp and crisp auditory experience that stands out among its competitors. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a subtle and subdued sound or a more resonant and distinct one.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is described as offering a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped typing experience. This means typists can expect a smooth and refined feel with minimal resistance, perfect for those who appreciate a gentle and understated tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is characterized by its buttery and creamy feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation that is reminiscent of gliding across keys with ease. Both switches provide a unique tactile experience that caters to different preferences, whether you prefer a more polished and subtle feel or a buttery and creamy one.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer different yet equally appealing subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a quiet and gentle tactile feedback, while the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched and marbly sound profile, as well as its buttery and creamy typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these switches to customize your typing experience to suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium quality that will enhance your typing experience, giving you optimal performance and satisfaction with each keystroke.
Conclusion
To sum up, you'd want to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch if you prefer a subtle, nuanced tactile feedback that allows you to stay focused on your tasks without being distracted by loud keystrokes. This switch offers a gentle tactile bump and a subdued sound profile, perfect for those who value understated tactile experiences. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is the way to go. With its use of POK material and buttery-smooth feel, this switch stands out for its unique typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice between the Gold Brown Pro and Vanilla Ice Cream switches will depend on whether you prefer a subtle tactile feedback or a smooth linear typing experience with a distinct sound profile.
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