Outemu Crystal Brown vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there are distinctive qualities that set each apart. The Crystal Brown switch offers a tactile typing experience, providing feedback and a satisfying bump upon actuation. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Crystal Brown may appeal to typists who prefer a tactile response, the Vanilla Ice Cream's unique acoustics, including a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, make it a standout choice for those seeking an alternative typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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 Crystal Brown and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound compared to the higher-pitched and clacky sound signature of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing. Both offer a clear housing, but the use of polycarbonate in the Crystal Brown allows for better RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. In contrast, the KTT blend top housing offers a unique mix of materials that result in a different sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Crystal Brown utilizes nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is known for its smoothness and durability, with a coefficient of friction higher than nylon, making it one of the smoothest materials available. The POK material also boasts exceptional strength and wear resistance, surpassing nylon in shock resistance as well. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of each switch when pressed.
The combination of different housing materials in the Outemu Crystal Brown and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches demonstrates how these components work together to create a unique typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown offers clear and resonant sounds, the proprietary KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Crystal Brown creates a deeper sound profile, while the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers smoothness and durability. These distinctions show how housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we can see that the Crystal Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams. However, the Crystal Brown also has a higher bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream only requires 48 grams to bottom out. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream switch lighter overall in terms of force required for both actuation and bottom out. The lighter actuation force of the Vanilla Ice Cream may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, while the heavier bottom out force of the Crystal Brown may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we can see that the Crystal Brown has a longer distance of 4 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. The 0.5 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can have an impact on how the switch feels when typing or gaming. The Crystal Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deliberate key press, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's shorter distance may offer quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. Both switches offer different advantages, but they both deliver high-quality performance in their respective categories.
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 Crystal Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch has a traditional tactile sound profile, which is more subdued and muffled compared to the high-pitched and clacky sound signature of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch. The Crystal Brown switch provides a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a more discreet sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a more pronounced and sharp sound, adding a distinct auditory element to typing sessions.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is known for its tactile bump and feedback, providing typists with a responsive and engaging typing experience. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch, on the other hand, is celebrated for its buttery and creamy feel, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. The use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing contributes to the overall smoothness of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, creating a luxurious typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Brown switch provides a quieter and more traditional typing experience with its tactile feedback, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound along with a buttery and creamy feel. Depending on personal preference, typists can choose between a more discreet typing experience with the Crystal Brown switch or a more audibly satisfying and smooth typing experience with the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. Additionally, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the Crystal Brown would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the way to go. Consider the type of typing experience you enjoy most, the sound profile you prefer, and the bottom out force that feels most comfortable to you when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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