KTT Miaowu vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu 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, two popular options to consider are the KTT Miaowu and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, both of which are linear switches. The Miaowu switch is praised for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, utilizing POK in its stem to set it apart from other switches with conventional POM stems. Categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Miaowu switch offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant', typists can enjoy a unique typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. 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
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The top housing materials of the KTT Miaowu and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both contribute to a high-pitched sound profile, with the Miaowu featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizing a proprietary KTT blend. However, the Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary blend offers a more clacky sound signature. Both materials are suitable for use with RGB lighting due to their translucency, providing added visual appeal to the switches.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Miaowu incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is praised for its smoothness and durability, outperforming materials like POM and Nylon in terms of wear resistance and shock resistance. The POK material contributes to the overall smooth and clacky feel of the switches, enhancing the typing experience for users.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the KTT Miaowu and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream differ in terms of sound characteristics, both switches offer unique benefits thanks to their housing materials. The Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and clearer sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary blend offers a clacky sound signature. Similarly, the bottom housing materials of nylon and POK provide distinct qualities, with nylon offering a deeper sound profile and POK contributing to smoothness and durability. Ultimately, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of 43 grams. However, the Miaowu switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, which has a bottom out force of 48 grams. Both switches can be considered lightweight in terms of force required for key presses. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, either of these switches would be suitable. However, if a more substantial typing feel is desired, the slight difference in bottom out force may be noticeable between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Miaowu and Vanilla Ice Cream switches would depend on personal preference for typing force.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Miaowu and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users will experience a similar keypress feel and actuation point when using either switch. The travel distance, in this case, is consistent between the two switches, so users can expect to get comparable results in terms of typing or gaming experience. Overall, whether you choose the Miaowu or Vanilla Ice Cream switch, you can count on a 3.5 mm travel distance for a consistent and satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 KTT Miaowu linear switch offers a clacky typing experience with a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and marbly sound profile, giving a clean and resonant auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Miaowu being more percussive and the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a sharper and cleaner sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Miaowu switch is known for its bouncy feedback, providing a spring-like sensation with keys that have a lively bounce. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that is effortless and uniform. Both switches excel in providing a tactile typing feel, with the Miaowu offering a bouncier feedback and the Vanilla Ice Cream delivering a creamy and silky typing experience.
Overall, both the KTT Miaowu and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer unique and desirable qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a sharp and clacky sound with bouncy feedback, the Miaowu switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a high-pitched and marbly sound with a buttery and creamy feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, but rest assured that both options will provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the KTT Miaowu linear switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should take into account the specific qualities of each switch. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smoother keystroke action with enhanced stem stability, the Miaowu switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a creamy and buttery typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
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