Durock Light Tactile vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock light tactile and the KTT vanilla ice cream mechanical keyboard switches, you will face a decision between a gentle tactile experience and a smooth linear feel. The light tactile switch from Durock offers a softer tactility that is a refreshing change from the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. On the other hand, the vanilla ice cream linear switch by KTT stands out for its remarkably smooth and creamy feel, thanks to its innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the light tactile switch is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, the vanilla ice cream switch boasts categories like buttery, creamy, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant. Both switches offer unique acoustical experiences that set them apart from the competition. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we see distinct differences in both the top and bottom housings. The Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing, offering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing boasts exceptional smoothness, durability, and shock resistance, making for a smooth, clacky, and long-lasting typing experience.
While the Light Tactile and Vanilla Ice Cream switches have different top and bottom housing materials, their unique qualities are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharp and resonant sound when letting go of a key, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth to the bottom-out sound and feel. In comparison, the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound upon release, while the POK bottom housing provides unparalleled smoothness, durability, and shock resistance, enhancing the typing experience with its unique characteristics.
Despite their differences, both the Durock Light Tactile and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience with their distinct housing materials. While the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound profile with RGB lighting compatibility, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Similarly, the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deep and fuller sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing ensures smooth, clacky, and durable switches, making both options ideal for enthusiasts seeking a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces is quite noticeable. The Light Tactile has a higher actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. Meanwhile, the Light Tactile switch would be more suitable for individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile tactile 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 terms of travel distance, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is the shorter option, providing a slightly quicker keypress experience compared to the Light Tactile switch. The Light Tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress feel. Both switches provide a good balance between travel distance and responsiveness, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound that stands out with its sharp and crisp acoustic signature. The choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound, with the Light Tactile providing a more moderate and versatile option compared to the distinct high-pitched profile of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle tactility that is approachable to most users. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a buttery and creamy feel that is smooth, fluid, and uniform, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. If you prefer a more pronounced and refined typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream would be the preferred choice over the subtle and refined feel of the Light Tactile.
Overall, both the Durock Light Tactile and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Light Tactile switch provides a gentle tactility with a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option for various users. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its high-pitched sound and creamy feel, offering a more distinct typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the Light Tactile for a moderate and refined option or the Vanilla Ice Cream for a sharp and buttery typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when selecting between the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a gentle, angelic tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Light Tactile switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be more suited to your liking. Consider how you like your switches to sound and feel, as well as your preferred typing experience, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches is a matter of personal preference, and both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
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