Outemu Blue vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it's important to consider the key characteristics of each. The Outemu Blue switch is known for its satisfying clicky feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy audibly tactile switches. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy typing experience, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Blue switch offers a classic clicky typing feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a buttery and high-pitched sound signature. 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
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. While the Blue switch's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a similarly high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both switches prioritize sound quality, but achieve it through different material compositions. Additionally, the Blue switch's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream switch's POK bottom housing is known for its smoothness and durability.
The differences in housing materials between the Outemu Blue and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches lead to variations in sound and feel. The Blue switch's polycarbonate top housing results in a clear and resonant sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch's KTT blend top housing provides a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Blue switch's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound profile, as opposed to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch's POK bottom housing, which enhances smoothness and durability. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience of each switch.
In summary, the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches play a significant role in determining their sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Blue switch utilizes polycarbonate and nylon for its top and bottom housing, respectively, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch features a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing and POK material for its bottom housing. These materials result in distinct sound characteristics, with the Blue switch leaning towards a sharper and clearer tone, and the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offering a clacky and smooth sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and durability.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Blue switch requires a slightly heavier touch to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is higher at 48 grams, while the bottom out force of the Blue switch is not specified. In terms of weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Blue switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we can see that the Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 3.5 mm. The Blue switch offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for gamers seeking quicker response times. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Blue switch catering to those who prefer a little more depth, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch appeals to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and tactile feedback, offering a satisfying click with each keypress. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched and resonant sound, creating a distinct auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches on the market. The Blue switch provides a more pronounced and sharp click, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a cleaner and smoother sound that complements its creamy feel.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue switch is recognized for its tactile bump and clicky feedback, providing typists with a responsive and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POM in the stem and bottom housing. Typing on the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as smooth and effortless, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.
Considering the information provided, it is evident that the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue switch excels in providing a loud and tactile typing experience with its distinct clicky feedback, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its creamy and smooth feel, coupled with a high-pitched and resonant sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel, but both are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a satisfying audible click with every keystroke and prefer a switch with no bottom out force, the Outemu Blue switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy keystroke experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch would be the ideal option. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so take into consideration what you value most in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
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