Durock Medium Tactile vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, you're faced with a decision between a tactile switch and a linear switch. The Medium Tactile by Durock is praised for its balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream by KTT offers a smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material, along with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal to different 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 Medium Tactile and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we see that the Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing, which provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials contribute to a distinct sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile may offer a crisper and more resonant sound compared to the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, the Medium Tactile contains a nylon bottom housing known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates a POK bottom housing, which boasts exceptional durability and smoothness, contributing to a clacky sound signature. While both materials have their unique benefits, the nylon bottom housing of the Medium Tactile may offer a duller and rounder sound compared to the smooth and durable POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
In summary, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches feature distinct housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. While the Medium Tactile may offer a sharper and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature with its proprietary KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, while its actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a lower bottom out force of 48 grams and an actuation force of 43 grams, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a heavier push may opt for the Medium Tactile switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch, we see that the Medium Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Medium Tactile. The Medium Tactile falls within the more traditional range of travel distances, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on a key, which some may find more comfortable. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for those seeking faster reactions, particularly in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, as both offer their own unique advantages.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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 Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature which provides a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound profile that sets it apart from other switches in the market. Each switch provides a distinct sound that can enhance the typing experience for users, with the Medium Tactile offering a more balanced tone and the Vanilla Ice Cream delivering a sharper sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as having a balanced and pronounced tactility that falls in a middle ground of being not too overwhelming or too subtle. It provides a tactile bump that is accented and stepped, offering typists a satisfying and engaging typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is known for its creamy and buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is enhanced by the materials used in the stem and bottom housing. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a more seamless and effortless typing sensation compared to the Medium Tactile.
Considering all available information, the Durock Medium Tactile and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Durock switch provides a balanced tactile experience with a jelly-like sound signature, while the KTT switch offers a creamy and smooth feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel, with both options providing a satisfying typing experience that is sure to enhance any mechanical keyboard setup. Whether opting for the Medium Tactile or Vanilla Ice Cream switch, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a balanced tactility, then the Durock Medium Tactile is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth and creamy linear switch with a light bottom out force, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is the perfect choice for you. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns more with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, so choose the one that best suits your needs and enhances your overall typing satisfaction.
Mentioned in this article
