Gateron Melodic vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Melodic stands out in the clicky switch category, delivering a satisfying tactile feedback coupled with a classic clicky sound that truly invigorates each keystroke. With advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, users can enjoy the auditory pleasure and tactile response without sacrificing smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the nostalgia of clicky switches. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offers a completely different typing experience with its linear design, celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. While it may lack the distinct auditory feedback of the Melodic, it compensates with a high-pitched clacky sound that adds a unique character. With both switches categorized as 'buttery' and 'resonant' in their feel, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference: whether you crave the classic clicky sensation or the silky glide of linear switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Melodic Clicky

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.00 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron Melodic and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, the top housing materials illustrate a notable distinction in both sound characteristics and aesthetic qualities. The Melodic utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic renowned for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This clarity enhances the resonant qualities of the switch, making it particularly suitable for users who prefer a more vibrant and high-pitched auditory experience. The transparency of polycarbonate also allows for effective RGB lighting effects, giving users a visual enhancement to compliment the switch’s acoustic features. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary housing blend, while not explicitly detailed in its composition, appears to be designed with a focus on achieving a similarly high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both switches emphasize a brighter auditory representation, suggesting that users may achieve comparable sound profiles through careful selection and potential customization, even if the materials differ.

In examining the bottom housing materials of these two switches, the Gateron Melodic employs nylon, a classic choice known for creating a deeper and more rounded sound profile. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream employs POK, a highly durable material characterized by its exceptional strength and lower coefficient of friction. The nylon in the Melodic absorbs more sound, providing a muffled effect that can promote warmer undertones. Meanwhile, POK enhances the overall smoothness and responsiveness of the switch, contributing to a clackier sound and feel, coupled with impressive wear and shock resistance. Thus, while the Melodic offers a fuller sound due to its nylon composition, the Vanilla Ice Cream leverages the POK material to optimize for durability and a more pronounced auditory experience.

Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials plays a significant role in defining the typing experience. The interaction between the distinct properties of the Melodic's nylon bottom housing and its polycarbonate top housing yields a nuanced auditory balance, where the bottom-out sound feels deeper while the release is sharper. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream harnesses the strength of POK and the characteristics of its proprietary top blend to emphasize smoothness and a prominent clacky tone. Both switches, while different in their making, can still deliver enjoyable keypress experiences when appropriately balanced, reflecting the impact of their individual housing materials on the overall sound and feel. Users might find pleasure in experimenting with either switch, as the synergy between the top and bottom housing components ultimately defines the unique qualities of each product.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Melodic switch has an unknown actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a lower bottom out force of 48 grams. Consequently, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is the lighter option, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, while the Gateron Melodic switch, with its heavier bottom out force, might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provide a more responsive typing experience, while the Gateron Melodic's medium resistance could cater to users seeking a more deliberate keystroke.

Travel distance

The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Melodic switch offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, appealing to those who prefer the feeling of a deeper keypress for a tactile experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to users who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. While both switches provide unique experiences based on their travel lengths, the Melodic is the longer option, making it suitable for those who appreciate hearty depth, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream is poised for those who prefer a snappier, more responsive action during gameplay.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch produces a resonant and crunchy auditory experience. This combination results in a higher-pitched, crisp sound profile that can evoke the image of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, adding a nostalgic charm to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch also provides a high-pitched sound but leans toward a marbly resonance. Its clean, sharp acoustics are akin to the sound of two billiard balls colliding. Both switches generate a higher-pitched sound but differ in texture; the Melodic emphasizes a crunchy quality while the Vanilla Ice Cream leans towards a more playful marbly tone.

In terms of feel, the Melodic offers a buttery and invigorating typing experience. The buttery aspect suggests a smooth and fluid keystroke, while the invigorating feature provides pronounced feedback, making for a snappy and reactive interaction with the keyboard. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is similarly described as buttery but distinguishes itself with a creamy sensation. This creamy feel adds a silky quality to the typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. While both switches promise a smooth keystroke, the Melodic focuses on feedback and responsiveness, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizes a seamless, almost luxurious typing experience.

In summary, while both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities, they cater to different preferences. The Melodic excels in delivering a nostalgic clicky sound with invigorating feedback, perfect for those who enjoy the classic typing experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on a smooth, creamy feel complemented by a unique high-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, your choice between the two should be guided by whether you prefer a tactile, clicky response or a smooth, linear glide during your typing sessions.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback that comes with a more robust typing experience, the Melodic is a fantastic option. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory and tactile response, and the medium 60-gram actuation force adds a satisfying weight without being overly strenuous during long typing sessions. The resonant and crunchy sound profile will keep your typing engaging and enjoyable, especially if you're a fan of clicky switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter feel while typing, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more to your liking. With a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and its creamy, buttery typing sensation, this switch excels in providing a seamless experience perfect for long bouts of typing or gaming. Its high-pitched and marbly sound will delight those who favor a sharp auditory feedback without the extra weight of a clicky switch. Ultimately, consider the context in which you’ll use your keyboard—if you want to savor each keystroke with an invigorating auditory experience, go for the Melodic; but if ease and smoothness are your priorities, the Vanilla Ice Cream will serve you well.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Melodic Clicky

$6.50

$6.00 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more