Cherry MX Red vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches offering a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. The MX Red is known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its remarkably smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the ingenious use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the MX Red is described as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Vanilla Ice Cream is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Each switch offers a unique typing experience with distinct characteristics. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
The Cherry MX Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both utilize unique housing materials for their switches, but they offer different sound profiles. The MX Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials are durable and contribute to the overall feel of the switch, they result in distinct auditory experiences for the user.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream also differ in their choice of materials. The MX Red's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing counterpart. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. The POK material contributes to the switch's smooth and clacky feel, making it stand out in terms of performance and longevity when compared to the MX Red's nylon bottom housing.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream differ in their housing materials for both the top and bottom, they each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The MX Red's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary blend and POK material offer a high-pitched and clacky sound along with exceptional durability. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, but users can choose between a softer, absorbent sound profile with the MX Red, or a smoother, clacky feel with the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is heavier at 48 grams, as the Cherry MX Red's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Red may be the better option due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream switch slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the MX Red. The MX Red may provide a slightly more traditional key press feel with its longer travel distance, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could appeal to those looking for a more responsive key press. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch for faster response times, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the MX Red switch. In general, both switches offer a different feel due to their travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched profile, offering a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch features a high-pitched and marbly sound signature, providing typists with a sharp and clean auditory feedback. These differences in sound profiles can cater to different preferences, with the MX Red offering a more bass-heavy tone and the Vanilla Ice Cream delivering a crisper sound.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured, providing users with a tactile experience that may appeal to those who enjoy a bit of friction when typing. On the contrary, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is known for its buttery and creamy feel, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke experience that mimics the sensation of gliding across the keys. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that can cater to different typing preferences.
Overall, the Cherry MX Red and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that can appeal to a variety of typists. While the MX Red provides a deep and slightly heftier typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and marbly sound signature. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, typists can choose between these two switches to customize their typing experience accordingly.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile in a linear switch, the Cherry MX Red might be the way to go. This switch offers a robust typing experience with responsiveness and a satisfying auditory depth. However, if you prefer a smoother and creamier typing sensation with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is a great option. This switch stands out for its use of innovative materials and delivers a unique typing experience that sets it apart from the competition. Ultimately, the choice between the MX Red and Vanilla Ice Cream switches will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound profile.