Cherry MX Silent Red vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Cherry MX Silent Red and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The MX Silent Red provides a quieter typing experience while maintaining the satisfying feel of the classic MX Red switch. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its remarkably smooth and creamy feel, paired with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile. While the MX Silent Red is ideal for noise-sensitive environments, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is perfect for those who enjoy a buttery and resonant typing experience. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. In comparison, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary blend top housing known as the KTT blend, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Nylon bottom housing of the MX Silent Red and the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream contribute to the switches' overall feel and sound when pressed down.
In terms of durability and smoothness, the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon bottom housing and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing differ significantly. The POK material used in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is incredibly strong and wear-resistant, making it a top choice for creating durable switches. Additionally, its coefficient of friction is higher than that of LY, contributing to a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon material in the MX Silent Red switch offers a slightly softer bottom-out sound and feel, emphasizing a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the clacky sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches play a vital role in their sound profiles, they each offer unique characteristics that impact the overall typing experience. The Cherry MX Silent Red's use of nylon in both top and bottom housing creates a deeper sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's blend of materials results in a higher-pitched and clacky sound. Both switches prioritize sound and feel, with the bottom housing material contributing more to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound upon releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there are some notable differences. The MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red has an unknown bottom out force, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it heavier. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. Regardless, both switches offer a smooth linear feel with consistent actuation force, ensuring a similar typing experience overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces in a keyboard.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The Cherry MX Silent Red is slightly longer than the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, offering a bit more depth when pressed. However, the 0.2 mm difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to all users. Overall, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them suitable choices for those seeking quick and responsive keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Silent Red switch offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking to game or work in a quiet environment. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile, offering a more crisp and clean auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, individuals may gravitate towards the softer and quieter sound of the MX Silent Red or the sharper and more resonant sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, providing users with a slight friction when pressed. On the contrary, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, boasting a smooth and seamless keystroke sensation. Whether one prefers a bit of texture or the ultra-smooth feel of buttery and creamy switches, both options cater to different tactile preferences.
Overall, for individuals looking for a silent and slightly textured typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if someone prefers a high-pitched and buttery smooth typing sensation, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is a solid alternative. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience no matter the choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a silent typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, along with its slightly heftier feel compared to the MX Red, offers a satisfying typing experience with significantly reduced noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing sensation with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch would be more suitable for you. With its buttery and creamy feel, along with the innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, these switches deliver a unique typing experience that stands out from the competition. Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
