KTT Matcha vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Matcha and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Matcha is celebrated for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying click with each keystroke, while also producing a clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, thanks to its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. This switch also delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that appeal to different types of typists. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Matcha Tactile

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches exhibit different characteristics that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Matcha switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Matcha switch top housing leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch's top housing blend offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, emphasizing a different auditory experience for users.

In terms of bottom housing materials, the differences between the Matcha and the Vanilla Ice Cream switches become more pronounced. The Matcha switch utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics with its top housing in creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch features a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, clacky sound, and exceptional durability. The POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch contributes to a different tactile experience, enhancing the overall feel and sound of the switch when pressed.

Overall, the unique combination of top and bottom housing materials in the KTT Matcha and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches results in distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. While the Matcha switch emphasizes sharpness and clarity in sound with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch focuses on a high-pitched, clacky sound signature and durability with its proprietary KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing. Despite their differences, both switches offer a premium typing experience tailored to different preferences and needs.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light force requirements. The Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. These numbers indicate that both switches offer a light typing experience, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch. The slight difference in force between the two switches may not be significant enough to be noticeable in practical use. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force when using either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The KTT Matcha 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 this case, the Matcha has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The 4 mm travel distance of the Matcha provides a bit more depth in keystrokes, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a slightly quicker response time, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster reactions. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the slight difference may be noticeable to users depending on their preferences for typing or gaming experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the desired travel distance and response time.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a more clacky and crisp sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound, creating a unique auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. The choice of sound between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference, as the Matcha's clacky sound may be preferred by those who enjoy a sharp and snappy typing sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's high-pitched and clacky sound may appeal to individuals looking for a more resonant and clean auditory feedback.

In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle, offering a tactile typing experience with a balance of tactility and smoothness. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience akin to gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. The choice between the two switches depends on the type of typing experience one prefers, with the Matcha offering a more tactile and responsive feel and the Vanilla Ice Cream providing a buttery and silky sensation.

Overall, both the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha stands out with its snappy and tactile typing experience, combined with a clean and sharp bottom-out sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream distinguishes itself with a buttery and creamy typing feel, accompanied by a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference, as both switches provide a distinct and satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a snappy tactility and a clean bottom-out sound, the Matcha may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream might be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on your individual preferences to enhance your typing experience to the fullest.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more