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Outemu Dustproof Black vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Black and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboards, the Outemu Dustproof Black and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Dustproof Black is a linear switch that is best known for its durability and resistance to dust. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch by KTT stands out for its smooth and creamy feel thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. This switch also offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, adding a touch of uniqueness to your typing experience. While each switch has its own set of advantages, such as durability for the Dustproof Black and a smooth feel for the Vanilla Ice Cream, it's important to delve deeper into the specifics to determine which switch best suits your needs. So, 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

60g

Actuation force

43g

Bottom-out force

80g

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

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Black and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, we see that the Dustproof Black features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both materials contribute to a distinct sound profile, with the polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and resonance, while the KTT blend leans towards a more clacky sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Dustproof Black is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. While the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Black contributes to a duller and rounder sound, the POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream enhances smoothness and durability while maintaining a clacky sound profile.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the typing experience. While the Dustproof Black combines the stiffness of polycarbonate with the sound-absorbing properties of nylon to create a clear and resonant typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream leverages proprietary KTT blend and POK materials for a clacky and smooth feel with excellent durability. Whether opting for the Dustproof Black or the Vanilla Ice Cream, users can expect distinct typing experiences tailored to their preferences based on the unique characteristics of each housing material.

Weight

The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming. The actuation force of the Dustproof Black is heavier than that of the Vanilla Ice Cream, while the bottom out force of the Dustproof Black is also heavier than that of the Vanilla Ice Cream. Therefore, if someone prefers a lighter switch, they would get similar results with the Vanilla Ice Cream, but if they prefer a heavier switch, the Dustproof Black would be the better option.

Travel distance

The Outemu Dustproof Black 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. In this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dustproof Black switch. The shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Dustproof Black switch with a longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper, more satisfying key press. Both switches offer benefits depending on personal preference, so choosing between the two ultimately comes down to individual typing or gaming style.

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 Dustproof Black 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 Dustproof Black linear switch offers a quieter typing experience, with a more muted and understated sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound, providing typists with a more crisp and sharp auditory feedback. The choice between these two switches really depends on personal preference when it comes to sound, whether you prefer a more subtle typing noise or enjoy the distinctive clickiness of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Black switch doesn't have a specific descriptor mentioned, so it's safe to assume it provides a standard linear switch typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as providing a buttery and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. This results in a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. If you enjoy a more luxurious and tactile typing sensation, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the better choice between the two.

Overall, when comparing the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it's clear that they offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience and a standard linear switch feel, the Dustproof Black switch would be a suitable option. However, if you enjoy a high-pitched and clacky sound with a buttery and creamy typing sensation, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you're looking to achieve.

Conclusion

In summary, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should take into account the bottom out force and the typing experience you prefer. If you prefer a heavier switch with a bottom out force of 80 grams and do not have a specific preference for sound or feel, then the Dustproof Black may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 48 grams and enjoy a high-pitched, clacky sound with a smooth and creamy typing experience, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile to ensure a satisfying keyboarding experience.

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