Keygeek Keylin vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can heavily influence your overall typing experience. The Keygeek Keylin, a linear switch, is revered for its innovative use of new molds, resulting in a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a refined and quiet typing feel. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, another linear switch, distinguishes itself with its clever use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. This material choice provides a wonderfully smooth and creamy typing experience, earning it descriptive traits such as "buttery" and "resonant," while its high-pitched, clacky sound signature adds a unique auditory element. Ultimately, whether you prefer the silky smoothness of the Keylin or the delightful texture and sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream, your choice will depend on your typing 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

Keygeek Keylin Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches exhibit both similarities and notable differences that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and overall performance. The Keylin's top housing is crafted from nylon, a classic material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer substance excels at absorbing sound, which results in a duller and rounder acoustic output. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing that incorporates "special mixed materials," which highlights a distinctively high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This contrast suggests that while both switches aim to provide unique auditory experiences, the Keylin offers a more subdued and enriching sound, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream leans towards a brighter and more pronounced acoustic characteristic.

In terms of bottom housing, the Keylin again utilizes nylon, which maintains its deeper sound profile and is particularly effective at yielding a softer feel during keystrokes. Meanwhile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream series employs a POK bottom housing designed to deliver exceptionally smooth performance and high durability. The POK material boasts a higher wear resistance and shock absorption capacity compared to nylon, implying that it provides a more tactile and robust experience when pressing keys. Thus, the distinct differences in the material properties—nylon's absorption capabilities versus POK's strength and smoothness—suggest that the bottom-out sound and feel will differ considerably between the two switches, even when both can still produce a satisfying typing experience.

Ultimately, while the Keygeek Keylin and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, both have been crafted to offer enjoyable typing experiences. The Keylin's nylon elements work together to emit a deeper, more rounded sound, whereas the KTT's blend of materials prioritizes a sharper and more resonant acoustic signature. Despite these differences, the overall experience of typing on the switches could yield surprisingly harmonized results if designed effectively, showing that even with contrasting materials, a thoughtful engineering approach can lead to complementary sound profiles and enjoyable keystrokes.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the differences in actuation forces illustrate their distinct typing experiences. The Keylin has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream requires a slightly heavier 43 grams to register a keystroke. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that while the feel of the actuation varies, the resistance when pressing down fully remains consistent across both options. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming might gravitate towards the Keylin due to its lower actuation force, making it feel less taxing over time. Conversely, if one enjoys a more substantial typing experience that provides a firmer push, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's heavier actuation force would likely be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice hinges on personal preference for actuation feel, with the Keylin being the lighter option and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream being the heavier one.

Travel distance

The Keygeek Keylin linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Keylin the longer option by a mere 0.1 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances that gamers often prefer for quicker response times, allowing for a more responsive typing experience. However, if you favor a more substantial feel when pressing keys, the Keylin's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth, while the Vanilla Ice Cream might feel a bit more abrupt due to its shorter travel. Ultimately, both switches offer similar benefits for fast-paced activities, but the Keylin could be the better choice for those who appreciate a slight increase in depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keylin linear switch is noted for its rich acoustics, providing a pleasing auditory experience that enhances the overall typing feel. While specific descriptors are not provided, the emphasis on "premium typing experience" suggests a balanced sound profile that could cater to typists who appreciate a full-bodied tone without excessive sharpness. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch features a distinct high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. This characteristic allows for a sharper and crisper sound when pressed, catering to those who prefer a clearer audio feedback during their typing sessions. Both sound profiles have subjective qualities, so personal preference and other factors, such as the keyboard and keycap choice, will influence the final acoustic experience.

When it comes to feel, the Keylin switch boasts exceptional smoothness, indicative of a refined typing experience. Although specific descriptors are not available, the emphasis on smoothness suggests a keystroke that is pleasing and effortless. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a buttery and creamy feel, characterized by a seamless, gliding typing experience. This smoothness is likely magnified by the use of POK materials in both the stem and bottom housing, enhancing the tactile sensation as each keystroke is executed with ease. While the exact nature of the Keylin's feel isn’t outlined, typists seeking a smooth experience will find both options to provide satisfying tactile feedback, albeit with the Vanilla Ice Cream leaning more toward a luxurious typing sensation.

In conclusion, the Keylin linear switch offers a premium experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch delights with a high-pitched sound and a creamy, buttery feel. Both switches present advantages that cater to different preferences in the auditory and tactile realms of typing. While the Keylin focuses on an overall premium feel with rich acoustics, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch prioritizes a unique auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, typists looking for a smooth typing experience will find enjoyment in both switches, but the choice will heavily depend on whether one prefers a richer sound profile or a sharper, more differentiated acoustic signature.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you prioritize a premium typing atmosphere with smoothness and rich acoustics, the Keylin may be the right choice for you. Its mellow sound and tactile feedback offer a refined typing experience that can be enjoyable for extended sessions, making it ideal for those who value comfort and subtlety. On the other hand, if you lean toward a more engaging auditory experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, coupled with a remarkably smooth feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suitable. Its buttery and creamy properties can create a luxurious typing experience, perfect for users who appreciate a dynamic auditory profile alongside an effortless keystroke. Ultimately, consider what aspects resonate most with your typing habits, as both switches deliver a quality experience, but each caters to distinct preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more