TTC Ice vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing the distinct characteristics of various options to find their ideal match. The TTC Ice linear switch is renowned for its stunning crystal-clear design, which not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides a smooth and responsive typing experience, making it a favorite for both gamers and everyday typists. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch brings a unique blend of buttery smoothness and creamy feel, thanks to its innovative use of POK material in both the stem and housing. This results in a delightful typing experience that captures the essence of its namesake dessert while offering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. While both switches promote a refined linear feel, their auditory and tactile qualities cater to different preferences and use cases. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Ice Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Ice and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches present intriguing contrasts that ultimately affect their audio and tactile characteristics. The TTC Ice employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, delivering a consistent sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp due to the material's inherent stiffness. This uniformity in material ensures that the qualities of polycarbonate resonate throughout both sections of the switch, creating a coherent auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly for users who incorporate RGB lighting; the material allows vibrant colors to shine through, adding a visual element to the overall experience.

In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream adopts a hybrid approach with its proprietary KTT blend for the top housing and POK (polyketone) for the bottom housing. While the KTT blend aims to achieve a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the POK material contributes a unique set of characteristics that emphasizes smoothness and durability. The POK bottom housing is specifically designed to be more wear-resistant than many commonly used materials, such as Nylon and POM, which offers mechanical advantages in terms of longevity and a tactile feel. However, the POK's slightly higher coefficient of friction may also alter the way the switch interacts during each keystroke, leading to a distinctly different feel compared to the all-polycarbonate construction of the TTC Ice.

Ultimately, both switches deliver high-pitched sound signatures, but their distinct material choices create varied experiences in terms of feedback and audio clarity. If a switch features both polycarbonate and POK, the audiophile or user will notice the separation in sound profiles; while the top housing contributes to the nuanced auditory characteristics during release, the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound during a keystroke. Thus, while both TTC Ice and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream deliver satisfying results in terms of sound and feel, the mixture of materials in the KTT switch allows for a more intricate sound experience and potentially unique user engagement when compared to the singular approach of the TTC Ice.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we see clear distinctions in both actuation force and bottom out force. The TTC Ice features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that provides a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a significantly lower bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch requires less effort to actuate, making it more suitable for those seeking prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Additionally, the lighter bottom out force offers a softer landing feel. Consequently, users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience might gravitate toward the heavier TTC Ice switch, while those favoring a lighter touch and easier keystrokes would find the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream to be more appealing.

Travel distance

The TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch exhibit slight differences in travel distance, with the Ice switch measuring 3.6 mm and the Vanilla Ice Cream at 3.5 mm. This minimal variance suggests that both switches can deliver relatively similar typing experiences, though the Ice switch offers a marginally longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream, being the shorter of the two, may cater to gamers and those desiring quicker response times for more responsive keystrokes. Therefore, while both options lean towards modern preferences for shorter travel distances, the TTC Ice offers a bit more depth, making it potentially more suitable for those who appreciate a heftier keystroke feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Ice linear switch delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience with a premium auditory touch, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch features a distinctive high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile. This sharp and crisp auditory feedback can provide a more pronounced response, likely appealing to those who enjoy a cleaner, more immersive typing experience. The choice between these switches will largely depend on whether you prefer a satisfying yet muted sound or a high-pitched and resonant auditory signature.

Focusing on feel, the TTC Ice linear switch is characterized by its smooth and responsive keystrokes, which cater to users looking for a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. Meanwhile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers an impressive buttery and creamy feel, allowing for an effortlessly smooth keystroke experience. Typers may find the sensation with the Vanilla Ice Cream switch reminiscent of gliding their fingers across the keys, providing an indulgent touch. This creaminess may stem from the use of specific materials and possibly lubricants, which enhance its tactile experience. Hence, while both switches offer their own unique sensations, the TTC Ice emphasizes smoothness, whereas the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream elevates this with a buttery quality.

Overall, both TTC Ice and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches present distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. You can expect satisfying auditory feedback and a smooth typing experience from the Ice, while the Vanilla Ice Cream enhances these aspects with a high-pitched, resonant sound and an exceptionally creamy feel. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you value a more muted bottom-out sound and a responsive feel, or prefer a pronounced auditory feedback paired with a buttery typing sensation. If you are drawn to both styles, experiencing each will help you identify which qualities resonate best with your typing habits.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, your personal preferences and intended use will play a crucial role. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force (60 grams) that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, the TTC Ice switch is a fantastic choice. Its crystal-clear design and satisfying bottom-out sound enhance both gaming and typing experiences, making it a versatile option for those who want a premium feel with great feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, you should lean towards the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch with its notably lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams. The unique POK material provides an exceptionally smooth and creamy keystroke, along with a high-pitched, clacky auditory experience that is sure to stand out. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy a buttery, effortless typing sensation. Overall, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound and feel or the force of activation, as both switches offer distinctive benefits tailored to different user experiences.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more