Dareu Master vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Master and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Master switch by Dareu, known for its classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness, strikes a medium weight balance for its users. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch from KTT stands out with its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a remarkably smooth and creamy feel. While the Master switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their own strengths that may appeal to different preferences, whether you're looking for a classic clacky sound or a smooth and creamy typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Master and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Master's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This difference in sound is due to the unique materials used in each top housing, showcasing how material composition plays a vital role in switch performance and user experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Dareu Master's POM bottom housing also contributes to its deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing offers a smoother and more durable experience due to its high coefficient of friction and exceptional strength. This difference in bottom housing materials further highlights how material choice can impact switch performance, providing users with distinct tactile and auditory feedback based on the materials used in the construction of the switch.
While the housing materials of the Dareu Master and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches vary in terms of sound profile and durability, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their unique material compositions. The POM top housing of the Master and the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream may offer different sound profiles, but both prioritize creating a pleasing typing experience for users. Additionally, the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream showcases a focus on durability and smoothness, while the POM bottom housing of the Master emphasizes a more muted sound profile. Ultimately, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from both switches, each bringing their own unique characteristics to the table.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we see that the Master has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams. However, the Master's bottom out force is unknown while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it slightly heavier. The actuation force of the Master is slightly higher, potentially providing a bit more resistance when typing, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter bottom out force which may result in a softer landing when pressing the keys all the way down. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Dareu Master. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, resulting in a personalized typing experience despite the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0mm standard. The Master has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This minimal difference of 0.1 mm may not be noticeable to most users, as both switches offer a quick and responsive typing experience. Gamers may appreciate the slightly shorter travel distance of the Master for faster response times, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may gravitate towards the Vanilla Ice Cream. Ultimately, both switches provide a smooth typing experience with similar results, making them suitable options for different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Master linear switch offers a classic clacky sound signature, providing a crisp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, standing out with its unique use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing. Both switches offer distinctive sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Master having a medium weight and the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a creamy smoothness reminiscent of its dessert namesake. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharpness of the Master or the higher-pitched tones of the Vanilla Ice Cream, you can expect a satisfying auditory experience from either switch.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Master switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth keystroke that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is praised for its buttery and creamy feel, delivering a seamless and effortless typing sensation akin to gliding your fingers across the keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness in operation, with the Master focusing on a refined finish and reduced friction, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a silky sensation that enhances the typing experience. Whether you prefer a mild and polished feel or a buttery and creamy typing sensation, both switches aim to provide a pleasurable tactile experience for users.
In conclusion, the Dareu Master linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Master excels in providing a clacky sound signature and a polished typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched tones and creamy smoothness. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, both switches offer quality performance that can elevate your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Master and the Vanilla Ice Cream will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, but rest assured, you can expect a satisfying and premium mechanical keyboard experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-weight linear switch with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Master linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for weight, sound, and feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing experience.
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