Outemu Cream Pink vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Cream Pink is best known for its smooth linear feel, making it a popular choice among typists seeking a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its unique use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with an exceptionally smooth and creamy feel that sets it apart from other linear switches on the market. Additionally, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, adding a level of acoustics that enhances the typing experience. Both switches provide a buttery feel, but the Vanilla Ice Cream also offers a marbly and resonant sensation. 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
65g
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
Partial box
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 Outemu Cream Pink and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both utilize unique housing materials to enhance the sound profile of the switches. The Cream Pink's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials aim to improve the typing experience, they do so in different ways, catering to varying preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Cream Pink's nylon bottom housing shares similar characteristics with its top housing counterpart, offering a deep and full sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing stands out for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. With a coefficient of friction higher than LY and exceptional wear resistance, the POK material contributes to the overall clacky and durable nature of the Vanilla Ice Cream switches. The differences in bottom housing materials further highlight the distinct qualities each switch brings to the table.
While both switches differ in their housing materials, they ultimately aim to enhance the overall typing experience through sound and feel. The split between top and bottom housing allows for a more nuanced sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Whether it's the deeper and rounder sound of the Cream Pink or the clacky and durable nature of the Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Pink is the heavier option, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, in comparison to the Vanilla Ice Cream's lighter actuation force of 43 grams and bottom out force of 48 grams. The Cream Pink provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Overall, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force, with the Cream Pink offering a heavier option and the Vanilla Ice Cream providing a lighter alternative.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Pink 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. The Cream Pink offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more traditional keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can benefit gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Pink being the longer of the two and the Vanilla Ice Cream being the shorter option. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Cream Pink 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
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch is not well-known for any particular sound characteristics, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is praised for its high-pitched and clacky sound profile. The Cream Pink's sound remains undefined, but if you prefer a sharper and more distinctive sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the better choice for you. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Cream Pink lacks a specific descriptor for its typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is often described as buttery and creamy. Butteriness implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, while creaminess signifies a silky and effortless typing sensation. If you enjoy a typing experience that feels like gliding across the keys with ease, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches would likely be more to your liking.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cream Pink and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a sharper and louder sound with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches would be a great choice. However, if you are looking for a linear switch with unknown sound characteristics and feel, the Cream Pink could be a suitable option, but with potentially less distinguishing features. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a versatile switch with no specific standout features, the Cream Pink might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a unique and creamy typing sensation with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what feels best for your typing needs.
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