Huano Grape Orange vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Huano Grape Orange and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, both renowned for their unique characteristics as linear switches. The Grape Orange switch is widely appreciated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, providing an effortless typing experience ideal for extensive use without fatigue, making it a top choice for typists who prioritize comfort during long sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is celebrated for its innovative use of POK material, which results in an incredibly smooth and creamy feel, emulating the delectable nature of its namesake. Additionally, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is characterized by a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, offering an acoustically pleasing typing experience that sets it apart from many competitors. While both switches enhance typing efficiency and enjoyment, their distinct strengths lead to different preferences among 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

Huano Grape Orange Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Huano Grape Orange and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches present a study in contrasts, particularly evident in their top housings. The Grape Orange's polycarbonate top housing is known for its clarity and resonance. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those seeking a brighter typing experience. Its translucency further enhances visual appeal when coupled with RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts who want both aesthetics and auditory feedback. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary blend of housing materials, which while somewhat undefined, promises a similarly high-pitched and clacky sound signature. The mixture aims to rival polycarbonate’s clarity, but it’s difficult to ascertain how the unique properties of this blend influence the overall sound without more specific details about its constituents.

Examining the bottom housings reveals a more significant distinction in approach and resultant sound profiles. The Grape Orange features a nylon bottom housing, which is celebrated for its deeper, fuller sound. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This is optimal for users who prefer a softer bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is equipped with a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness and durability. With impressive wear resistance and shock absorption, the POK material enhances the clackiness typically associated with mechanical switches, promising a more pronounced response upon actuation. Thus, while both switches employ notable materials, their impact on sound and tactile feedback is divergent; one leans towards a rounder sound, and the other emphasizes clarity and smoothness.

When considering the overall performance of these switches, it becomes clear that the interplay of top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in the user experience. Each switch utilizes different materials to sculpt its unique auditory character: the crispness of the Grape Orange is complemented by a softer, muted base, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a blend designed to maximize both sound and smooth operation. Consequently, while both switches aim for a high-pitched auditory feedback, their specific material choices lead to distinctive sound profiles and feel. This difference highlights the importance of material selection in switch design, reinforcing that even with similar auditory ambitions, diversely engineered components can yield varied results. For users looking to explore various sound signatures in their mechanical keyboards, understanding these nuances can help them choose switches that align more closely with their personal preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer softer typing experiences. The Grape Orange features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream requires a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Consequently, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, providing a slightly easier keystroke activation compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. This difference may appeal to typists seeking prolonged use without fatigue, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance might prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream for its marginally heavier feel. In summary, while both switches offer light forces, the Grape Orange has lighter actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for extended sessions without strain.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we find that the Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a deeper feel, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial feedback when pressing a key. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it requires less effort to actuate. As a result, those who prioritize rapid actions may favor the Vanilla Ice Cream, whereas users who enjoy a fuller key press experience may prefer the Grape Orange. Overall, the Grape Orange is the longer option at 3.6 mm, and the Vanilla Ice Cream is the shorter one at 3.5 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange switch is relatively unknown, leaving its acoustic characteristics open to interpretation. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a distinctly high-pitched and clacky sound signature, often described as marbly and resonant. This sound profile is characterized by a clean, sharp auditory experience, evoking imagery akin to tapping on marble or the collision of billiard balls. Those who appreciate higher-pitched sounds may find the sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch more appealing, as it contributes to an immersive typing experience that can enhance the overall enjoyment of using the keyboard.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch is notably recognized for its exceptionally light actuation force, enabling an effortless typing experience that is beneficial for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is prized for its buttery and creamy sensations, attributed to the POK material used in both its stem and housing. This results in a smooth, seamless keystroke that many users find pleasurable. The typing experience with the Vanilla Ice Cream switch can be described as gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, delivering a uniform sensation that is very satisfying.

In conclusion, while the Huano Grape Orange provides a light and easy typing experience ideal for extensive use, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch captivates users with its smooth, creamy feel and distinct sound. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and tactile sensation. If one is seeking a lightweight option for speed, the Grape Orange might be preferable; however, if you're looking for a richer auditory experience along with a silky smooth feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream could be the better pick. Both switches represent unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you favor an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue, the Grape Orange, with its ultra-low 40g actuation force, is an excellent choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams helps it deliver a very responsive feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you desire a smoother and creamier typing sensation, the Vanilla Ice Cream could be more appealing. With its innovative POK material and a bottom-out force of 48 grams, it offers a buttery feel that's particularly satisfying. Additionally, if you appreciate a high-pitched, clacky sound signature that adds an engaging auditory element to your typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream would fit the bill nicely. Ultimately, consider whether you prefer a lightweight responsiveness or a smooth, auditory fulfilling experience when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more