Gateron Ink Red vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When comparing the Gateron Ink Red and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, each brings its own unique characteristics to the table. The Ink Red is known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. It offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a remarkably smooth and creamy feel. This switch also delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Ink Red leans towards a lighter touch while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a creamier feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream reveals some key differences. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Red is known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, creating a satisfying clacky sound. In contrast, the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream also offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, but with references to "special mixed materials." This suggests a potentially unique sound experience with the Ice Cream switches compared to the Ink Red.

On the bottom housing side, the INK blend used in the Ink Red is once again characterized by a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, contributing to a signature clacky sound. Meanwhile, the POK material used in the Vanilla Ice Cream switches is highlighted for its exceptional durability and smoothness. With a wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM and shock resistance surpassing Nylon, the POK material contributes to the smooth, clacky, and durable nature of the Ice Cream switches. This stark difference in material properties suggests that the feeling and sound of pressing down on the switches may vary significantly between the two.

While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Red and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer distinct qualities, both switches aim to provide a clacky and high-pitched sound signature. However, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in achieving this desired sound profile. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend offers a thinner and higher-pitched sound profile, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's mix of materials, including POK, contributes to smoothness and durability. Ultimately, while the switches may share similarities in sound, the specific qualities of their housing materials result in unique typing experiences for users.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the 45 grams required for the Ink Red switch. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is also lighter at 48 grams, whereas the Ink Red switch requires 60 grams. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a lighter typing experience overall. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch make it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch or engage in extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch's slightly heavier forces may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches provide options for users with varying preferences, allowing them to choose the one that best suits their typing style and needs.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream switch slightly shorter in terms of travel distance compared to the Ink Red switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper, more satisfying keystroke may opt for the Ink Red switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch is renowned for its crispy and clacky sound profile, offering typists a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound signature, providing a unique and distinct sound profile. While the Ink Red delivers a chirpy sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a marbly and resonant sound that sets it apart from traditional switches. Both switches provide users with enjoyable sound experiences, but the Ink Red leans towards neutral and chirpy tones, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream features high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sounds.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch provides a smooth typing experience, described as silky, mild, and polished. The smooth and refined finish of the switch ensures minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, enhancing overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy typing sensation, allowing for a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. The application of lubricant in the switch or specific materials contributes to the smooth and buttery feel of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, resembling the sensation of gliding fingers across the keys with ease.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences, they each have their unique qualities. The Ink Red excels in providing a crispy and clacky sound profile, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a neutral or chirpy auditory experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound signature, offering users a distinctive sound profile. When it comes to typing feel, the Ink Red prioritizes smoothness with a silky, mild, and polished feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on delivering a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring users can achieve similar results in typing comfort and satisfaction based on their individual sound and feel preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Red linear switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal typing preference. If you enjoy a lighter actuation force and a crispy sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and creamier typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more to your liking. Consider how you type and what sound and feel you prefer in a switch to make the best decision for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more