TTC Iron vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Iron linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The TTC Iron is known for its pronounced clacky sound signature and remarkable lightness, providing a satisfying typing experience that is both precise and pleasurable. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in its construction. While the Iron is more easy-to-press and neutral in feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream is buttery and marbly in its tactile feedback. 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
41g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Iron and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream differ significantly in terms of sound profile and durability. The Iron's POM top housing creates a deeper, more muted sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Iron's POM bottom housing is similar to its top housing, providing a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper profile. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is known for its smoothness, clacky sound, and exceptional durability, making it a top choice for switch manufacturing.
While the Iron's POM top and bottom housings share similar sound profiles, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes different materials for its top and bottom housings, offering a varied experience when pressing down on the switch. The POM material of the Iron contributes to a consistent sound and feel throughout the switch press. In comparison, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, while the proprietary KTT blend top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials gives each switch its unique characteristics and can cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile, feel, and durability of the switch. While the Iron's POM housings offer a pleasing and unique sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream's use of POK material for the bottom housing provides enhanced smoothness, clacky sound, and exceptional durability. Whether opting for a consistent sound profile throughout the switch press or wanting varied feedback based on key release, both the TTC Iron and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Iron linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Iron has a slightly lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Iron requires 50 grams to bottom out, while the Vanilla Ice Cream only needs 48 grams. Both switches can be considered relatively light in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, either switch would be suitable. On the other hand, for users who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback while typing, they might lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream switch due to its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to some users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper press may lean towards the Iron switch. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, providing users with a responsive typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 Iron linear switch offers a clacky and sharp sound signature that provides a satisfying and percussive auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch presents a high-pitched and resonant sound profile that sets it apart from the competition, delivering a clean and crisp sound that enhances the typing experience. In terms of feel, the Iron switch offers an easy-to-press actuation that is gentle and effortless, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a buttery and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and uniform sensation that feels like gliding across the keys with ease. Overall, both switches excel in sound and feel, providing unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you choose the TTC Iron for its clacky sound and light actuation or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream for its smooth and creamy feel, rest assured that you'll get a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Iron linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a pronounced clacky sound signature and light actuation force for swift typing sessions, the TTC Iron would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you value most.
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