TTC Gold Silver vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique and desirable features for different types of users. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, providing a swift and decisive typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out feel and resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing. Additionally, the high-pitched and clacky sound signature sets it apart from other switches on the market. Each switch offers its own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we can see some significant differences. The Gold Silver utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is in contrast to the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing, which offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. The use of different materials in the top housing contributes to distinct sound characteristics for each switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gold Silver features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic material. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is known for its smoothness and durability, with wear resistance surpassing materials like POM and shock resistance outperforming Nylon. The bottom housing material plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with each material contributing unique qualities to the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Gold Silver and the Vanilla Ice Cream switches aim to provide a premium typing experience. While the Gold Silver focuses on creating a clear and resonant sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizes a clacky sound signature with its proprietary KTT blend top housing. Similarly, the bottom housing materials of nylon in the Gold Silver and POK in the Vanilla Ice Cream offer their respective benefits in terms of sound profile and durability. Overall, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams. However, while the actuation force of the Gold Silver is known, its bottom out force is not specified. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it slightly heavier in comparison. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter actuation force may be preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions, while a heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of force requirements, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches provide users with a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel. Therefore, whether you choose the TTC Gold Silver or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 comparing the sound of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it's clear that they offer contrasting auditory experiences. The Gold Silver switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, emphasizing a deep and rich tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and marbly sound, resonating sharply and cleanly with a smooth typing feel. These differences in sound can greatly impact the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences for sound feedback while typing.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gold Silver switch is characterized by its polished and silky feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The mild and subtle qualities of this switch contribute to a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, suitable for various settings. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation akin to gliding fingers across the keys with ease. The use of lubricant or specific materials in the switch enhances the smooth and buttery feel, making each keystroke feel luxurious and consistent.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Silver emphasizes a thocky, low-pitched sound with a polished and silky feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with a high-pitched, marbly sound and a buttery, creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound feedback and typing feel, as they provide distinct tactile and auditory experiences that cater to different user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a solid bottom-out, and a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and creamy typing experience, high-pitched and clacky sound profile, and a buttery feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard.
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