TTC Gold Pink vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches are both standout options to consider. The Gold Pink switch is renowned for its ultra-light 37g actuation force, providing a fast and effortless typing or gaming experience. It offers a satisfying level of feedback with a clacky sound, perfect for those who value a light and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch distinguishes itself with its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, resulting in a smooth and creamy feel that is reminiscent of its dessert namesake. Acoustically, these switches deliver a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both switches are categorized as 'Buttery', with the Gold Pink described as 'Mild', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', while the Vanilla Ice Cream is described as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Ultimately, each switch offers unique benefits that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their characteristics will help you determine the best switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is evident that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Gold Pink utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream uses a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, which offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, but in a slightly different way.
While the Gold Pink features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream opts for a POK bottom housing. The POK material is incredibly smooth and durable, offering a clacky sound and excellent wear resistance. The difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches highlights the importance of the material choice in impacting the overall typing experience. The softer nylon of the Gold Pink creates a dulled and rounder sound, while the POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream enhances smoothness and durability.
Overall, both the Gold Pink and the Vanilla Ice Cream utilize different housing materials to achieve unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Pink contributes to a clear and resonant sound, while the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched clacky sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Pink creates a deeper sound, while the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream enhances smoothness and durability. Despite these differences, both switches showcase how the choice of housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Pink is the lighter of the two. The Gold Pink has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Both switches can provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Gold Pink offering a slightly lighter touch compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. Those who prefer a lighter keystroke may opt for the Gold Pink, which allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a bit more resistance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink 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. The Gold Pink has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Gold Pink falls in the more traditional range, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream is slightly shallower, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer advantages based on personal preferences, with the Gold Pink offering a bit more depth and the Vanilla Ice Cream providing quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in a linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch offers a clacky sound profile that provides a satisfying level of feedback during typing. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound that sets it apart from other switches in the market. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Gold Pink offering a more traditional clacky sound and the Vanilla Ice Cream providing a unique high-pitched sound signature.
Moving on to the feel, the Gold Pink linear switch is described as offering a light and lively typing experience, with a 37g actuation force that makes typing effortless and fast. It provides a mild and feathery typing sensation that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In comparison, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is known for its remarkably smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of the dessert it's named after. This buttery and creamy typing experience allows for a seamless and uniform keystroke that glides effortlessly across the keys.
Considering all the available information, both the TTC Gold Pink and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that appeal to different preferences. The Gold Pink is ideal for those who prefer a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel qualities in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your typing preferences. If you value a light and lively typing experience with a fast and effortless keystroke, the Gold Pink may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing needs.
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