Cherry Nixie vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches are both popular choices with unique characteristics. The Cherry Nixie is praised for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation thanks to Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, attributed to the ingenious use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the Vanilla Ice Cream is known for being 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience, but choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preferences. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary blend of materials for its top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This difference in housing materials contributes to distinct sound experiences when typing on the switches.
The bottom housing of the Cherry Nixie and the Vanilla Ice Cream differs in material choice, with the Nixie using nylon while the Ice Cream utilizes POK (polyketone). The POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream contributes to smooth, clacky, and durable switches, offering higher wear resistance and shock resistance compared to nylon. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Nixie provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a rounder sound when typing.
While the top and bottom housings of the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer different sound profiles due to their respective materials, the attention to detail in crafting each housing contributes to the overall typing experience. Both switches prioritize sound quality and durability, with the Nixie's nylon housing providing a softer plastic feel for absorbing sound, while the Ice Cream's POK material offers smoothness and strength for enhanced performance. Ultimately, both switches deliver unique typing experiences based on their housing materials, showcasing the importance of material selection in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Nixie is heavier in both aspects. The Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. The Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, which some may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience for extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie 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 means that the Cherry Nixie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. The Nixie switch may be better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press feeling, as the longer travel distance provides a more substantial sensation when typing. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a good choice for those who prefer faster response times and a more sensitive typing experience. Overall, while both switches offer a linear typing experience, the Cherry Nixie switch provides a longer travel distance compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie 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 Nixie switch is known for its thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch produces a high-pitched, clacky sound that stands out with its sharp and crisp tones. While the Nixie offers a low-pitched and bass-heavy sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a marbly, resonant sound that adds a unique touch to the typing experience. Depending on personal preference, typists can choose between the deep thock of the Nixie or the crisp clack of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is praised for its textured typing experience, offering a noticeable friction when pressed that some users may enjoy for its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a buttery and creamy feel, giving typists a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels effortless and uniform. Whether you prefer a textured feedback with the Nixie or a silky sensation with the Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch each have their own strengths when it comes to sound and feel. The Nixie excels in providing a deep and satisfying thocky sound with a textured typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched clacky sound and buttery, creamy feel. Choosing between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both options offer quality typing experiences that showcase the unique characteristics of each switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Cherry Nixie linear switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a heavier and textured typing experience with a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, the Cherry Nixie switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience with a high-pitched and buttery/creamy sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for key feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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