Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw switch is known for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a delightfully creamy yet lightweight switch. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a smooth and creamy typing experience. While the Keygeek Raw is categorized as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Vanilla Ice Cream is described as buttery, creamy, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that make them appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts. 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
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing provides a distinct sound profile that is exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. The differences in these top housings result in varying sound and feel when typing on the switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Keygeek Raw and Vanilla Ice Cream switches also play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing offers its own exclusive blend that adds to the overall feel of the switch. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is known for its smoothness, durability, and impact on the bottom-out sound. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the unique characteristics of each switch.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches provide distinct qualities, both switches aim to offer a premium typing experience. The Keygeek Raw's exclusive housing blends deliver a unique sound profile, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary materials offer smoothness, durability, and a clacky sound signature. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize quality and performance in their housing materials, resulting in satisfying typing experiences for users.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that they differ in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Keygeek Raw has an actuation force of None grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams, making the Vanilla Ice Cream slightly heavier in this aspect. In terms of bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw requires 57.5 grams to bottom out, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream only needs 48 grams, making it the lighter option for a typing experience. This means that the Keygeek Raw provides a more substantial typing feel with a heavier actuation force and bottom out force, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for their keyboard usage.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Keygeek Raw linear switch is 3.4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, which is favored by gamers for faster response times. The Keygeek Raw has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream, which may provide a slightly quicker response when typing or gaming. However, the difference between the two distances is minimal, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound, giving typists a unique auditory experience with each keystroke. The Keygeek Raw is more versatile in terms of sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch caters to those who enjoy a sharper and more resonant typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a slightly textured feel out of the box, providing a mild and subtle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that feels effortless and uniform. The Keygeek Raw switch may appeal to those who prefer a gentle resistance and a slightly textured feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is ideal for users seeking a silky and buttery typing experience.
Overall, the Keygeek Raw and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Keygeek Raw provides a neutral sound profile and a textured feel, making it a versatile option for various preferences. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched sound and a buttery, creamy feel, giving typists a unique and smooth typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between Keygeek Raw and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, material blend, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a slightly textured feel right out of the box, the Keygeek Raw may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, and a creamy and buttery typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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