KTT Lightning vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Lightning and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique experiences for users seeking different qualities in their typing experience. The Lightning switch is perfect for those looking for speed and precision, with its clacky sound profile and high-pitched feel making it ideal for competitive gaming where milliseconds matter. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing. While both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to specific preferences, it ultimately comes down to 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
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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 Lightning and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is evident that they both prioritize sound quality in their designs. The Lightning's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both materials aim to enhance the auditory experience of typing on these switches, albeit in slightly different ways. Additionally, the use of translucent polycarbonate in the Lightning's top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the two switches, the differences become more pronounced. The Lightning's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing boasts impressive durability and smoothness, with wear resistance surpassing that of Nylon and POM. The POK material contributes to the overall feel of the switch, ensuring a smooth and durable typing experience for users. While the bottom housing may not have as direct of an impact on the sound when compared to the top housing, its material still plays a crucial role in determining the overall feel and quality of the switch.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Lightning and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream focus on enhancing sound quality, they take slightly different approaches through their choice of housing materials. The Lightning prioritizes a sharper and clearer sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature with its proprietary KTT blend top housing. On the other hand, the differences in their bottom housing materials, with the Lightning using nylon and the Vanilla Ice Cream using POK, highlight their unique approaches to durability and sound absorption. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience, whether through sound, feel, or durability.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 43 grams, which means they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the KTT Lightning switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, which has a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the KTT Lightning switch provides a slightly firmer and more substantial typing experience compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. Overall, while both switches offer a light actuation force, the KTT Lightning switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, providing a different typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Lightning has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Lightning switch would provide a more responsive typing experience, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize fast response times. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a slightly deeper feeling when pressed, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, catering to individuals who appreciate the benefits that come with reduced travel distances in mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for either a shorter, more tactile typing experience or a slightly longer, more pronounced keystroke sensation.
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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 Lightning linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched and marbly sound, which is resonant and clean. While both switches have a high-pitched sound, the Lightning switch leans more towards a chirpy and clacky sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a smoother and more resonant typing sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Lightning linear switch provides a subtle and polished typing experience with a gentle resistance and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a buttery and creamy typing sensation, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels effortless and uniform. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Lightning switch emphasizes a polished and subtle feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch focuses on a buttery and creamy sensation.
Overall, the Lightning switch is ideal for those seeking speed and precision in their typing experience, with a clacky sound and polished feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is perfect for typists looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience, with a high-pitched and marbly sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on whether you prioritize speed and precision or smoothness and creaminess in your typing. In general, it can be said that while the Lightning switch may provide a faster and sharper typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch will offer a smoother and more luxurious feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a lightning-fast and responsive typing experience, you should choose the KTT Lightning linear switch. These switches are perfect for gaming or any situation where speed is crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and creamier typing experience with a distinctive high-pitched sound, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a unique feel and acoustics that set them apart from the competition. Ultimately, the choice between the Lightning and Vanilla Ice Cream switches comes down to your preference for speed versus smoothness in typing. Consider your priorities and pick the switch that best suits your needs.
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