TTC Honey vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique characteristics worth considering. The TTC Honey is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a remarkably smooth and creamy typing experience. Additionally, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from the competition. While both switches are categorized as 'creamy' and 'buttery', they each have their 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
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is clear that both switches have unique qualities that set them apart. The Honey features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This is especially beneficial when using RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the illumination of the switch. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, showcasing a different sound profile compared to the Honey.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Honey utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the resonant sound produced by the switch, making it a popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. The POK material contributes to the clacky sound signature of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, providing a different tactile experience compared to the Honey.
Overall, while the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream differ in composition and characteristics, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Whether it's the sharp and resonant sound profile of the Honey's polycarbonate housing or the smooth and durable nature of the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK material, both switches are designed to provide an enhanced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we can see that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Honey has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. The slight difference in force between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, so they would likely provide a similar typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly lighter (Honey) or slightly heavier (Vanilla Ice Cream) typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch. The Honey switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, making it a popular choice for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, making it appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound profile, providing a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This difference in sound can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the Honey offering a quieter and more understated sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a sharper and more distinctive sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the TTC Honey switch is characterized by a creamy and frictionless typing experience. With a smooth and buttery sensation, typing on these switches feels effortless and polished. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch also provides a buttery and creamy feel, reminiscent of the dessert it's named after. Typists can expect a silky and uniform sensation with each keystroke, emphasizing smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches excel in providing a luxurious and premium typing experience.
In conclusion, while the TTC Honey and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches share similarities in offering a creamy and buttery feel, they differ in terms of sound. The Honey switch provides a subdued and dampened sound, ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience. Meanwhile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound signature, appealing to typists who prefer a sharper and more distinctive auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium typing experience with their smooth and luxurious feel, catering to different preferences in sound profile.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the specific characteristics that best suit your preferences. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and a more subdued sound profile, the Honey switch with its creamy and smooth feel might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a high-pitched, marbly sound signature, along with a buttery and creamy typing experience, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, it's important to test out both switches to see which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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