Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, and two noteworthy contenders in this category are the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its tactile experience, characterized by a refined medium-strength bump that’s perfect for enthusiasts seeking feedback with every keystroke. Developed in collaboration with renowned keyboard enthusiast Glarses, this switch caters particularly well to those who appreciate tactile cues during typing and gaming. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream takes a different approach with its linear switch design, renowned for its remarkably smooth and creamy feel made possible by the innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. This switch appeals to typists who prefer a buttery-smooth keystroke without any tactile interruptions, creating a sound signature that is high-pitched and clacky, adding a playful auditory element to the typist's experience. So, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers tactile feedback that can enhance typing precision, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is ideal for those who favor a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, one of the most notable contrasts lies in their housing materials. The MX Purple RGB utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This dampening effect is particularly beneficial for users seeking a muted sound profile, making the keyboard typing experience feel softer and less jarring. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary blend of materials for its top housing, promising a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This indicates that while the Cherry MX may cater to those who prefer a subdued auditory feedback, the KTT is designed for those who relish a sharper, more resonant typing experience.

Delving deeper into the bottom housings, the Cherry MX Purple RGB sports a nylon construction that continues the trend of promoting a muted sound profile. Like the top housing, the nylon bottom is designed to absorb sound, further contributing to the softer acoustic characteristics of the switch during keypresses. Meanwhile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a POK bottom housing, known for its exceptional durability and smoothness, as well as its comparatively higher clackiness. The POK material enhances typing fluidity through its lower friction coefficient, setting it apart from nylon, which, while durable, does not offer the same level of performance in wear and shock resistance. This divergence illustrates how the bottom housing can significantly influence the tactile and auditory feedback experienced when typing.

Ultimately, the combination of these distinct housing materials in each switch results in varying typing experiences. Users of the Cherry MX Purple RGB will likely appreciate a softer sound and feel that presents a more muted auditory profile, while those opting for the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream can expect a louder, more pronounced sound with a slick typing experience. Even though both switches aim to deliver unique experiences, the contrasting properties of the materials—nylon versus KTT's proprietary blend and POK—illustrate how the individual qualities contribute to the overall switch performance. For enthusiasts looking for a blend of both worlds, understanding how these materials interact can help in selecting a switch that meets their preferences for sound and feel.

Weight

The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The MX Purple RGB has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is slightly lighter at 43 grams, making it the more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch during typing or gaming sessions. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB is unknown, which creates a gap in comparison; however, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a firmer end point when the switch is fully pressed down. This suggests that the Vanilla Ice Cream, being lighter in actuation and heavier in bottom out, may provide a more substantial typing experience despite its lower actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding weight and typing feel.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the MX Purple RGB measuring 4 mm and the Vanilla Ice Cream at 3.5 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback and may appeal to users who appreciate a deeper keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance, aligns with the trend towards quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers seeking rapid key activation. For users who prefer a more responsive experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream may be more suitable, while those who favor a more substantial feel in their typing experience might opt for the Cherry MX Purple RGB. Ultimately, the decision lies in personal preference, as both switches cater to different user needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches offer a well-defined acoustical signature, likely characterized as a crisp and clear sound, providing an enjoyable auditory feedback for typists. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches stand out with their distinctively high-pitched, marbly, and resonant qualities. The sound produced by the Vanilla Ice Cream is sharp and clean, reminiscent of tapping on polished surfaces, which can be particularly appealing to users who prefer a more lively auditory experience. Thus, while both switches will provide clear feedback, the Vanilla Ice Cream’s sound profile leans toward a higher, more resonant tone, making for a different typing ambiance.

In the realm of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its short, medium-strength tactile bump, delivering an engaging tactile feedback that typists often appreciate. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, on the other hand, provide a remarkably smooth and creamy typing experience, thanks to the innovative use of POK materials in their construction. With descriptors like buttery and creamy, these switches are designed to offer a seamless key press that glides under the fingers effortlessly. This creates a stark contrast where the MX Purple emphasizes a tactile engagement, while the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on a soft, fluid keystroke, catering to different preferences in user experience.

In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches cater to distinct desires among typists. If you appreciate a defined tactile bump alongside crisp feedback, the MX Purple RGB will serve you well. Conversely, if you seek a silky, smooth typing sensation, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is likely to be more satisfying. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer tactile engagement or a buttery smooth experience in your mechanical keyboard journey.

Conclusion

To summarize, the decision between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile experience with a noticeable bump that provides feedback during typing, the MX Purple RGB is your best bet. This switch's refined tactile feedback can enhance your typing accuracy, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience, especially for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. Conversely, if you prefer a seamlessly smooth and creamy keystroke that allows for rapid, uninterrupted typing, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be the right choice for you. Its light bottom-out force and buttery feel ensure a comfortable and fatigue-free typing experience, which is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or if you enjoy a more fluid key press. Additionally, the high-pitched and resonant sound profile of the Vanilla Ice Cream adds an auditory charm that might appeal to those who enjoy a distinct acoustic characteristic in their typing experience. Therefore, consider what matters most to you—whether it’s the tactile feedback of the MX Purple RGB or the smoothness and auditory delight of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream—before making your selection.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more