KTT Kang White vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Kang White and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Kang White is renowned for its poppy linear switch style, providing a dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing, resulting in a remarkably smooth and creamy typing experience that is reminiscent of its namesake dessert. The Vanilla Ice Cream also offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from the competition. While the Kang White is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a buttery, creamy, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Kang White and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we can see some significant differences. The Kang White utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream uses a proprietary KTT blend that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Kang White features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, while the Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a POK bottom housing that is exceptionally smooth, clacky, and durable. These differences in housing materials contribute to varying sound profiles and overall typing experiences for the switches.
However, despite these differences, both the Kang White and the Vanilla Ice Cream switches aim to provide a unique typing experience with their housing materials. While the Kang White's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary blend provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Similarly, the Kang White's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing offers smoothness, clackiness, and durability. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their distinct sound profiles and overall feel.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the KTT Kang White and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream may differ in terms of composition and resulting sound profiles, both switches aim to provide a unique and satisfying typing experience. Whether it be the sharpness and clarity of the Kang White's polycarbonate top housing or the smoothness and durability of the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing, each switch offers its own set of qualities that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall performance in a keyboard setup.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter in both aspects. The Kang White switch has a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the heavier forces of the Kang White switch could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The KTT Kang White 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. In this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Kang White switch. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.0mm distance is more shallow. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Vanilla Ice Cream switch a popular choice in that aspect. However, some users may find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer switches with a longer travel distance for a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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 KTT Kang White offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a mellow and moderate sound profile suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound signature, delivering a sharp and clean auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the soothing tones of the Kang White or the crisp sounds of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Kang White does not have specific descriptors provided, so we can infer that it offers a standard linear switch feel. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is praised for its buttery and creamy typing experience, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. With the application of lubricant and specific materials, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides users with a luxurious and seamless typing experience that enhances their overall comfort and satisfaction.
In conclusion, the KTT Kang White and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Kang White provides a neutral and low-pitched sound with a standard linear switch feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream impresses with its high-pitched and resonant sound profile paired with a buttery and creamy typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their mechanical keyboard needs. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, you can confidently choose between the Kang White for a smooth and mellow tone or the Vanilla Ice Cream for a crisp and luxurious typing sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 58 grams and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, along with a self-lubricating material for smooth typing, then the Kang White switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams and a high-pitched, marbly, resonant sound profile, along with a buttery and creamy typing experience, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
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