Gateron Ink Yellow vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, some key differences emerge. The Ink Yellow is favored for its shorter travel and a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, offering a smooth and clacky sensation. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its unique use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a remarkably smooth and creamy feel, paired with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both switches offer their own distinct characteristics and benefits, catering 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
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both feature proprietary blend top housings that offer a high-pitched and clacky sound profile. While the specifics of the materials used are not fully disclosed, both switches provide a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. This similarity in sound signature suggests that users can expect a comparable auditory experience when typing on either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Yellow utilizes its own proprietary INK blend, which also contributes to the thin and higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing made from polyketone, known for its exceptional durability and smoothness. The POK material is significantly stronger and more wear-resistant than other materials like POM and Nylon, enhancing the overall longevity and reliability of the switches in the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Overall, while both switches offer a similar clacky and high-pitched sound signature due to their proprietary top housings, the Gateron Ink Yellow and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream differ in their bottom housing materials. The Gateron switch prioritizes sound quality and pitch consistency with its INK blend bottom housing, while the KTT switch focuses on durability and smoothness with its POK material. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches based on their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Ink Yellow has a heavier weight compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The Ink Yellow requires 60 grams of force for actuation and 67 grams for bottoming out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream only needs 43 grams for actuation and 48 grams for bottoming out, categorizing it as a lighter switch. The difference in weight between the two switches can greatly impact the typing experience for users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Vanilla Ice Cream for extended typing sessions, whereas others may prefer the heavier weight of the Ink Yellow for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity allows for consistent typing experiences between the two switches. Despite having the same travel distance, the Ink Yellow and Vanilla Ice Cream switches may still feel different due to other factors such as actuation force or smoothness. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their identical travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral and clacky typing experience, producing a moderate yet sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch presents a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile, delivering a sharp and crisp auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so consider these elements when choosing between the two.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of switch characteristics. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy typing sensation, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. This difference in feel highlights the unique tactile qualities of each switch, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Ink Yellow switch provides a more neutral and clacky sound, along with a mild and polished feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and resonant sound paired with a buttery and creamy typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between these switches to enhance your typing experience and express your individual style through your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a shorter travel distance, the Ink Yellow may be the better choice for you. It offers a pleasant smoothness and clackiness that falls between a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a remarkably smooth and creamy feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch with POK material in the stem and bottom housing may be more to your liking. Additionally, the high-pitched and clacky sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch sets it apart acoustically. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your desired typing feel and sound profile.
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