SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Meteor Orange switch is praised for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, making it a great option for those who prefer a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. Additionally, the high-pitched and clacky sound signature of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch sets it apart from the competition. 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
57g
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
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, the Meteor Orange uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend for the top housing and POK material for the bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, providing a contrasting sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the nylon material in the Meteor Orange contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile as the top housing, creating a consistent typing experience throughout the switch. In contrast, the POK material in the bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers exceptional durability, smoothness, and shock resistance, enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the switch. These differences in bottom housing materials highlight the importance of considering all components of a switch in determining its sound and feel.
Overall, while the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique characteristics, they both play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. Whether it's the softer nylon of the Meteor Orange providing a deeper sound or the durable POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a smooth and clacky feel, each housing material contributes to the overall performance and feel of the switch. By understanding the differences in housing materials, enthusiasts can choose the switch that best suits their preferred sound and typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Meteor Orange has a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. The actuation force of the Vanilla Ice Cream is also lighter at 43 grams compared to the None grams of the Meteor Orange. When it comes to weight preference, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Meteor Orange. Overall, both switches offer different levels of force for a unique typing experience, catering to varying preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Meteor Orange has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream. While both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with the Meteor Orange being on the slightly longer side, the difference may be noticeable to some users. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Meteor Orange. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a neutral and thocky sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound that sets it apart from other switches on the market. The Vanilla Ice Cream's unique sound signature adds a distinctive touch to the typing experience, while the Meteor Orange's more subdued sound profile may appeal to those looking for a quieter option.
In terms of feel, the Meteor Orange switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke that feels effortless and uniform. The creamy sensation of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is akin to gliding fingers across the keys with ease, creating a luxurious typing experience.
Overall, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor Orange is known for its soft tactility, neutral sound profile, and mild feel, making it a versatile and approachable option for many users. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound, along with its buttery and creamy feel that provides a luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel, with both options offering a satisfying typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Meteor Orange if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a remarkably smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing experience. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
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