TTC Gold Red Pro vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility, providing a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature suitable for any environment. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Gold Red Pro is described as 'Polished', 'Thocky', and 'Mild', the Vanilla Ice Cream is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Marbly'. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that make it appealing to a variety of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Pro Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we can see that both switches offer unique characteristics. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials contribute to distinct sound profiles, it's clear that the choice between polycarbonate and the KTT blend will offer users different typing experiences.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Gold Red Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing, praised for its smoothness, clacky sound, and exceptional durability. The use of nylon in the Gold Red Pro may provide a more rounded sound, while the POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream ensures a smoother typing experience with added durability. It's evident that the choice of bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall feel and sound of a switch.

When considering the impact of different top and bottom housing materials on switch performance, it's important to recognize how each material contributes to the overall typing experience. While the top housing affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. With the Gold Red Pro and the Vanilla Ice Cream showcasing distinct housing materials for both the top and bottom, users can expect a unique combination of sound profiles, feel, and durability. Ultimately, the choice between polycarbonate and the KTT blend for the top housing, as well as nylon and POK for the bottom housing, will result in different typing experiences suited to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the actuation force is the same at 43 grams for both switches. However, the bottom out force differs, with the Vanilla Ice Cream switch requiring 48 grams, making it the heavier of the two. The Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is unavailable. In terms of weight, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is slightly heavier, which may appeal to those looking for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro's unknown bottom out force may offer a similar result to the Vanilla Ice Cream in terms of typing feel. Overall, the slight difference in bottom out force may provide users with varying preferences the opportunity to choose the switch that best suits their typing style.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Gold Red Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance which may provide a more substantial feeling when typing, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may feel more abrupt due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, resulting in a deep and rich sound that is not overly loud. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound that is sharp and crisp, standing out with a unique auditory experience. Depending on your preference for sound, the Gold Red Pro is more neutral and versatile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is characterized by its distinct high-pitched and clacky profile.

In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch is polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and minimal sound for shared spaces. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation that feels like effortlessly gliding across the keys with each keystroke. If you prefer a more refined and subtle feel, the Gold Red Pro switch may be the better option, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a luxurious and buttery typing experience.

Considering the subjective qualities of the TTC Gold Red Pro and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, it is evident that they each excel in different aspects. The Gold Red Pro is praised for its neutral sound signature and versatile feel, making it suitable for various settings and preferences. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, paired with a buttery and creamy feel that provides a luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both options offer a high-quality typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and requirements. If you value versatility, ease of press, and a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be the perfect fit. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your needs and typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that resonates most with you.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Pro Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more