HMX Hibiscus vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two options that often pique interest are the HMX Hibiscus and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, both linear switches renowned for their unique attributes. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its remarkably smooth typing experience, supported by an ultra-light actuation force that makes it a delight for typists seeking effortless keystrokes. Its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature adds an auditory dimension that many gamers and writers appreciate. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream distinguishes itself with its innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing a creamy tactile sensation that matches its delicious name. Its high-pitched, clacky sound signature adds a lively character, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. While both switches cater to different preferences, they each offer compelling reasons to consider them for your mechanical keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
T3
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Hibiscus and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches illustrate a fascinating contrast in housing materials, particularly regarding the top housings. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer nature, which suppresses higher frequencies and absorbs sound more efficiently than harder plastics. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a proprietary KTT blend top housing made from specially mixed materials that yield a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both housing types serve the primary function of protecting the internal switch mechanism, the contrasting acoustic properties result in distinctly different typing experiences.
Examining the bottom housing of both switches further highlights their differences. The Hibiscus utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, similar to its top, thus maintaining a cohesive sound profile characterized by a rounded and subdued auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream employs a POK material for its bottom housing, which is renowned for its exceptional durability and low coefficient of friction. This contributes significantly to the overall smoothness and responsiveness of the switch, delivering a more pronounced clack when keys hit the bottom. As a result, users can expect a tactile difference that influences the sensation felt during typing and the overall longevity of the switches.
Despite these differences in materials and their resulting sound profiles, both switches could potentially yield similar results when it comes to the overall experience of typing. Although the Hibiscus leans towards a softer and fuller sound due to its uniform use of nylon, the specific properties of the bottom and top housings in the Vanilla Ice Cream combine to create a notably sharper auditory feedback. Nonetheless, because the nylon material has a reputation for durability and sound absorption, both houses have their unique strengths, with the Hibiscus providing a smooth yet rounded typographical feedback while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers agility and sass with its clacky nature. Ultimately, users will find that the performance of each switch hinges on the tactile experience created by the marriage of the respective materials used in both top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we observe that both have similar bottom out forces, with both switches exerting 48 grams before reaching the end of their travel. However, the actuation forces differ slightly, with the Hibiscus requiring 42 grams to register a key press, making it the lighter option, while the Vanilla Ice Cream necessitates 43 grams, rendering it marginally heavier. For users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Hibiscus would be more suitable. Conversely, those who enjoy a slightly firmer feel may appreciate the Vanilla Ice Cream switch due to its slightly higher actuation force. Overall, the distinctions in actuation force may influence user experience, but both switches provide a lightweight typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar keypress feel when using either switch. This equal travel distance implies that the actuation and bottoming out experience will be consistent across both switches, ensuring that typists and gamers can achieve similar performance with either option. Therefore, if you prefer one switch over the other based on other characteristics—like tactile feedback or sound—you won't need to adjust to a different travel distance when switching between them.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch produces a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it distinctly enjoyable to type on. This switch is characterized by its ability to generate rich auditory feedback, which often gives a sense of satisfaction with every keystroke. In comparison, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch presents a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile that is equally sharp and clean. This creates an immersive typing experience where the sound is not just a byproduct of typing, but an integral part of the enjoyment. While both switches differ in specific auditory characteristics, their emphasis on clarity and distinctness provides typists with engaging sound experiences.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, offering a pristine and nearly effortless typing experience akin to gliding across the keys. Similarly, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch boasts a buttery and creamy feel, providing a seamless and fluid motion during typing. This smoothness can be attributed to the unique materials used in each switch, ensuring that typists will enjoy a light and uniform keystroke sensation with either option. While the exact descriptors differ, both switches prioritize a smooth tactile experience, making them excellent choices for those who value typing comfort.
In summary, both the HMX Hibiscus and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches shine in their respective sound and feel characteristics. The Hibiscus is recognized for its clacky and crispy auditory feedback, complemented by its ultra-smooth feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched resonance along with its creamy, buttery keystrokes. Ultimately, either switch will deliver excellent typing experiences, and personal preference will dictate choice: whether you crave a more pronounced auditory feedback or a uniquely smooth touch, both options promise delightful results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when weighing your options between the HMX Hibiscus and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize an ultra-smooth and poppy typing experience with a satisfying auditory feedback, the HMX Hibiscus would be an excellent choice for you. Its lightweight actuation and crispy sound signature make it ideal for those who enjoy a responsive feel and a bit of a clacky sound while typing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a keyboard switch that offers a buttery, creamy feel combined with a high-pitched and resonant sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream would suit you well. This switch excels in delivering a velvety smooth experience, perfect for users who prefer tactile comfort and a delightful auditory sensation without being overly bass-heavy. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths; your choice will depend on whether you lean more toward a clacky and lively action or a smooth and creamy typing sensation.
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