KTT Orange vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When comparing the KTT Orange and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Orange switch is renowned for its bouncy feel and low-pitched sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its buttery and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. Additionally, it offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Orange Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we can see that both switches utilize different materials for their top housing. The Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream uses a proprietary KTT blend top housing, which is said to offer a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the specific blend used in the Vanilla Ice Cream may produce a slightly different sound compared to the polycarbonate material of the Orange.

Moving on to the bottom housing comparison, the KTT Orange once again incorporates polycarbonate material which is known for creating a sharp and crisp sound profile. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream makes use of POK material for its bottom housing which boasts exceptional durability and smoothness. The POK material contributes to the smooth, clacky sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream switches, making them a top choice for those looking for a durable and reliable typing experience. While both materials aim to enhance durability and sound quality, the POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream may provide a different typing feel compared to the polycarbonate material of the Orange.

Overall, the differences in housing materials between the KTT Orange and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream contribute to unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate material of the Orange emphasizes a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the proprietary blend and POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream focus on creating a clacky and durable typing experience. Despite the differences, both switches aim to provide quality sound and durability for keyboard enthusiasts, allowing users to choose based on their preferred typing feel and sound profile. Whether one prefers the sharpness of polycarbonate or the smoothness of POK, both switches offer a premium typing experience tailored to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Orange linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter in both aspects compared to the Orange. The actuation force of the Orange is 46 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream requires only 43 grams to actuate. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Orange is 53 grams, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream bottoms out at 48 grams. Both switches fall within the light to medium-light range, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Orange switch, as it provides slightly more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience is preferred.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Orange linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This ensures a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. The similarity in travel distance demonstrates that both switches are designed to provide a similar level of tactile feedback and keypress comfort. Therefore, users can expect to get comparable results in terms of typing performance and overall typing experience with either the KTT Orange or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, known for its mellow and bass-heavy tones, providing a soothing auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, characterized by sharp and crisp tones that set it apart from other switches. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch also has a marbly and resonant sound quality, adding a unique and immersive auditory element to the typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Orange linear switch is lauded for its bouncy and frictionless typing sensation, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback that gives keys a lively feel with rebound upon pressing. The keys move effortlessly due to the minimal resistance and friction, providing a fluid and smooth key travel experience. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, emphasizing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The switch feels seamless, effortless, and uniform, akin to gliding fingers across keys with ease and precision.

Overall, the KTT Orange linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. While the Orange switch provides a low-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound signature coupled with a buttery and creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing sensation, ensuring that each user can tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to suit their individual tastes and preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the KTT Orange linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams and a low-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams and a high-pitched, marbly, resonant sound profile with a buttery and creamy typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you desire.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more