HMX Gravel vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that offer varying tactile and auditory experiences. The HMX Gravel linear switch is widely celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, featuring a medium-light actuation force that provides a responsive and effortless typing experience. Its appeal lies in its subtlety, making it an excellent choice for those who value a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch captures attention with its unique composition of POK in both the stem and bottom housing, delivering a remarkably smooth and creamy feel that lives up to its name. Alongside its tactile attributes, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a distinctive high-pitched and clacky sound signature, adding an element of auditory delight that sets it apart. While both switches excel in their own ways, your choice may ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a crisp, smooth experience or a richly textured one that offers auditory flair. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, distinct differences and similarities emerge, particularly in terms of acoustic properties and overall performance. The HMX Gravel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for producing a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This rigidity enhances the clarity of sound, making polycarbonate an ideal choice, especially for users who appreciate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates a proprietary blend for its top housing, which, while unspecified, also yields a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials aim for clarity and brightness in their auditory output, the specific characteristics of polycarbonate provide a more controlled resonance compared to the possibly more variable performance of KTT's mixed materials.

Looking down to the bottom housing, the HMX Gravel features a nylon construct, traditionally favored for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound, generating a rounder acoustic experience when typing. In juxtaposition, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's bottom housing is made from POK material, which claims superior durability and a significantly low coefficient of friction. This results in a smooth feel during typing. While nylon offers warmth and depth to the sound, the POK material's strength and resilience translate to performance longevity and a different tactile feedback. In this context, the differences in bottom housing materials will greatly influence the typing experience, where the softer nylon may create a more comfortable feel versus the durability and smooth operation presented by POK.

The interplay between the top and bottom housings significantly influences the overall characteristics of each switch. For instance, the Gravel's top and bottom housings together unite the sharpness of polycarbonate with the depth of nylon, resulting in a balanced auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream blends the high-pitched nature of its proprietary top housing with the smooth operation and clackiness of its POK bottom. This multifaceted design in both switches underlines how the unique contributions of different materials can lead to distinct yet complementary sound profiles. Ultimately, while the materials differ, achieving a similar auditory clarity may be possible through careful engineering and design choices that focus on harmonizing the properties of each housing. In essence, both switches provide engaging tactile feedback and unique sound profiles that cater to diverse typing preferences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, both exhibit relatively light forces, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Gravel has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Although the differences in both actuation and bottom out forces are minimal, the Vanilla Ice Cream is the lighter option overall. Users seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the HMX Gravel, given its slightly heavier force requirements, whereas those looking for ease during longer use might find the Vanilla Ice Cream more appealing. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of feel, but the slight variances in force may influence personal preference based on the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, as the distance from the top to the bottom is the same for both. Consequently, the responsiveness and feel during typing or gaming will be similar, providing uniformity in key actuation across both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel switch presents a yet unspecified sound profile, leaving its auditory character open to interpretation based on various factors such as the keyboard build and keycap choice. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a distinct high-pitched and resonant auditory experience. Its sound profile has been described as not only high-pitched but also marbly and clean, providing a crisp, sharp sound that many typists find engaging. This stark difference in their sound profiles means that if you're drawn to a sharper auditory cue, the Vanilla Ice Cream is likely the better choice, while the Gravel's sound remains an unknown variable.

In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switch is celebrated for its smoothness and refined typing experience, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that makes for an enjoyable and responsive touch. It provides an effortless typing experience, though specifics beyond this smooth sensation aren't detailed. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch, on the other hand, is described as having a buttery and creamy feel, evoking a smooth, fluid keystroke experience reminiscent of a silky surface. The use of POK material further enhances its tactile properties, making it feel seamless and luxurious. While both switches promise a smooth experience, the Gravel focuses on a refined, straightforward smoothness, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream adds an extra layer of creamy fluidity.

In summary, the HMX Gravel and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches cater to different preferences through their unique sound and feel characteristics. The Gravel excels in providing a smooth experience with a lighter actuation force, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switches shine with their high-pitched, crisp sound and a creamy, buttery tactile sensation. If you're after a typing experience that emphasizes responsiveness and smoothness, the Gravel is an excellent pick. However, if you prefer a lively auditory feedback along with a silky feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would serve you well. This range of characteristics allows for personal preferences to shine through, guiding newcomers to select the switch that best suits their typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it's important to consider your typing preferences and the overall feel you desire in your mechanical keyboard experience. If you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing sensation with a medium-light actuation force, the HMX Gravel switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams allows for quick and responsive typing, making it suitable for those who value agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you seek a creamy, buttery typing experience coupled with a higher-pitched, resonant sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out as an enticing option. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams, it delivers a unique auditory experience that can add character to your typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only the tactile feedback you enjoy but also the sound and ambiance you want from your keyboard, ensuring that your setup is both functional and satisfying to use.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more