TTC Gold Brown vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique experiences for typists seeking different qualities in their typing feel. The Gold Brown is praised for its balanced nature, providing a slight but satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness and a softer sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. Additionally, it delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the Gold Brown offers a balanced and polished typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a buttery and creamy feel with a distinct acoustical profile. 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
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary blend of materials for its top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both top housings contribute to the overall sound of the switch, the polycarbonate of the Gold Brown may provide a more resonant sound, while the unique blend of the Vanilla Ice Cream may offer a distinct clacky sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gold Brown utilizes a nylon material, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates a POK material for its bottom housing, known for its smoothness, clacky sound, and exceptional durability. While both materials have their unique qualities, the nylon of the Gold Brown may result in a duller and rounder sound, while the POK of the Vanilla Ice Cream contributes to a smooth and durable switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in the sound profile and feel of the switch. While the Gold Brown and Vanilla Ice Cream may have different top and bottom housing materials, each material brings its own characteristics to the switch. Whether it be the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Gold Brown or the smoothness and durability of POK in the Vanilla Ice Cream, understanding the impact of these materials can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we can see that the Gold Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's lighter 43 grams. Similarly, the Gold Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 63 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 48 grams. The Gold Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium forces, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 3.5 mm. The Gold Brown provides a slightly deeper key press feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial press. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for individuals seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the typical range of travel distances, with the Gold Brown being slightly longer than the Vanilla Ice Cream. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 switch offers a balanced and neutral experience, with a moderate sound profile that is softer than most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, thanks to its unique materials and design. If you prefer a softer and more rounded sound, the Gold Brown may be the better choice, but if you enjoy a sharper and more distinctive sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the way to go.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a slight bump and moderate weightiness. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and creamy typing sensation that is reminiscent of its dessert namesake. If you prefer a more balanced and medium tactile feel, the Gold Brown switch may be more suited to your preferences. However, if you enjoy a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be a delightful choice.
Overall, the Gold Brown and Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown provides a balanced and neutral sound with a slight bump, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. In terms of feel, the Gold Brown offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a buttery and creamy sensation. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a softer, more balanced typing experience or a sharper, more distinctive one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Gold Brown if you prefer a balanced switch with a moderate weightiness, rounded sound profile, and a satisfying bump. These switches provide a mild and buttery typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, go for the Vanilla Ice Cream if you desire a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. These switches offer a buttery and creamy typing sensation that is reminiscent of the dessert they are named after. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you prefer a medium bottom out force and balanced feel of the Gold Brown or the light bottom out force and smooth feel of the Vanilla Ice Cream. Happy typing!
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