Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The MX Speed Silver is ideal for gamers seeking rapid response times, thanks to its linear action and low spring resistance. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, as well as its distinct high-pitched and clacky sound. While the MX Speed Silver excels in speed and responsiveness, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a luxurious typing experience with its buttery feel and resonant sound. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 terms of housing materials, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches have some key differences. The MX Speed Silver features a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This difference in sound profile can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the MX Speed Silver offering a rounder sound and the Vanilla Ice Cream delivering a more sharp and clicky sound.
Despite their differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and feel through their unique housing materials. The MX Speed Silver's nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing ensures a smooth and durable typing experience. Additionally, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller sound when pressing the keys, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing produces a more clacky sound when letting go of a key. These housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While the MX Speed Silver offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature with its proprietary KTT blend top housing. Both switches prioritize durability and smoothness, with the MX Speed Silver's nylon housing absorbing more sound and the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing showcasing exceptional strength and wear resistance. Ultimately, whether you prefer a softer, rounder sound or a more clacky, sharp sound will determine which switch is the better fit for your typing experience.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch with 43 grams. The MX Speed Silver 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 MX Speed Silver would be the better option, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a stronger push feel, giving a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preferences, with the actuation force and bottom out force contributing to the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them popular choices for gamers seeking faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the Cherry MX Speed Silver, while those who enjoy a slightly more substantial key press may lean towards the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and response speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound profile, delivering a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound, creating a sharp and crisp auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. Depending on personal preference, the MX Speed Silver provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the more resonant and clean sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as having a textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. This can offer a tactile sensation that some users may prefer for a more controlled typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is known for its buttery and creamy feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that makes typing feel effortless and uniform. The use of POK material in the stem and housing contributes to the creamy sensation that typists appreciate.
Overall, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Speed Silver provides a low-pitched and textured typing experience suited for gamers seeking rapid response, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a high-pitched and smooth typing experience ideal for typists looking for a creamy feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different needs and can enhance the overall typing experience, providing satisfying results with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it boils down to your specific preferences and needs. If you are a gamer looking for lightning-fast response times and minimal resistance, the MX Speed Silver may be the ideal choice for you due to its instant triggering and low spring resistance. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience with a unique sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch with its POK material and high-pitched, clacky sound may be more suitable for your typing needs. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns better with your personal preferences and use case scenarios. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and requirements.
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