Outemu Cream Yellow vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options that often come up for consideration are the Outemu Cream Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. The Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that provides a tactile feedback experience, which can enhance typing accuracy and is often preferred by those who enjoy a pronounced actuation point. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is a linear switch celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, courtesy of its innovative POK material used in both its stem and bottom housing. This switch not only delivers a buttery typing experience but is also known for its high-pitched and clacky acoustics, distinguishing it from many other linear options. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference: those seeking the responsiveness of tactile feedback might gravitate towards the Cream Yellow, while others looking for a silky-smooth, quiet typing experience might favor the Vanilla Ice Cream. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.10 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we see distinct differences that influence their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Cream Yellow features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's relatively softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, typing on these switches yields a more subdued, rounded auditory experience, making them ideal for users seeking a quieter typing environment. The uniform material across both housing elements ensures consistent acoustic feedback and a seamless interaction when pressing and releasing the keys.

In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary blend for its top housing and POK material for its bottom housing. The KTT blend is noted for producing a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, which differs considerably from the Cream Yellow's signature. The specialized mixed materials used in the top housing contribute to this livelier acoustics, while the POK bottom housing enhances the switch's feel with its higher coefficient of friction and superior durability. The POK material is exceptionally strong and wear-resistant, ensuring longevity, though its properties may contribute to a distinctly different feel in bottoming out compared to the softer nylon.

Despite their differences, both switch types can achieve certain similarities in performance due to the nature of their construction. While the Cream Yellow leans towards a deeper sound profile and smoother performance, the Vanilla Ice Cream's contrast with a clackier output may still provide a comparable tactile experience when bottoming out. The distribution of acoustic characteristics between the top and bottom housings means that regardless of the specific materials used, users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience—whether one prefers a fuller sound or a sharper acoustics. Each switch will provide unique sensations, but the fundamentals reveal that both designs remain viable choices for different preferences in typing feel and sound.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cream Yellow features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an option that is more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons where less resistance can enhance comfort. Therefore, while both switches aim to cater to different preferences, the Cream Yellow is heavier overall, providing a more substantial feel, which some typists may appreciate for feedback during use. In contrast, users looking for a lighter touch would favor the Vanilla Ice Cream. This contrast in feel and force may impact the user's typing experience significantly, depending on their individual preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there are notable differences. The Cream Yellow features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers quicker response times, the Cream Yellow would likely be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream may be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, offering a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance. Hence, for users who prioritize rapid actions, the Cream Yellow's travel distance will provide a more responsive experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream caters to those seeking a more tactile sensation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch has not been specifically described in the information, making it difficult to gauge its acoustic qualities. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is celebrated for its high-pitched and clacky sound signature. The sound produced by the Vanilla Ice Cream is not only sharp but also carries a “marbly” quality, reminiscent of a clean and resonant auditory experience. This gives it a distinct character, which can be particularly appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced sound profile in their typing experience.

Regarding feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow's tactile feedback has similarly gone unmentioned, leaving its tactile characteristics a mystery. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is known for its buttery and creamy feel, providing a typing experience that is smooth and fluid. This sensation is attributed to the materials used in its construction, which lend themselves to a silky keystroke that feels almost effortless. As a result, users can expect a uniformly pleasant typing experience with the Vanilla Ice Cream switch.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Cream Yellow’s sound and feel characteristics remain unspecified, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch clearly stands out with its high-pitched and marbly sound, as well as its creamy and buttery typing experience. For newcomers, if you prioritize auditory feedback and a smooth keystroke, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be an excellent choice, though the precise qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow would need further exploration to fully understand its potential.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a more substantial, tactile feedback with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Cream Yellow is a solid option, especially for those who enjoy a deliberate typing experience that can enhance typing accuracy in both gaming and office settings. However, if you tend to favor a lighter touch and a super smooth, creamy typing feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch with its 48 grams of bottom-out force might be more suited for you. Its buttery and creamy characteristics can make for an enjoyable experience, particularly if you’re looking for effortless keystrokes that encourage longer typing sessions without fatigue. Additionally, the high-pitched, resonant sound profile of the Vanilla Ice Cream adds a unique auditory aspect that can make your typing feel more lively and engaging. In summary, consider what aspects of typing and sound you value most in your mechanical keyboard journey to help you make the best choice between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more