Outemu Gold vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it's evident that they each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Gold is well-known for its clicky feedback, providing typists with a tactile experience that is satisfying and audible. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the POK material used in its stem and bottom housing. While the Gold switch offers a clicking sound that some may find energizing, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound that sets it apart. If you prefer a more traditional and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Gold may be the way to go; however, if you're seeking a buttery smooth feel with a unique sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be the ideal choice. Nonetheless, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Gold Clicky

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.10 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Gold and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Gold switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound when compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. However, both switches aim for a distinct auditory experience, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining sound characteristics.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Outemu Gold features a nylon material that generates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a POK material for its bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. While the Gold switch focuses on creating a rich sound through its nylon bottom housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizes smoothness and durability with its POK material, showcasing the different priorities each switch manufacturer has regarding their housing materials.

Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Gold and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches highlight how varying materials can impact the sound and feel of a switch. The Gold switch's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing results in a clear, resonant sound profile with a deeper tone, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a clacky sound with a focus on smoothness and durability. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience through their carefully selected housing materials, emphasizing the importance of material choice in switch design.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The Gold has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams, making it slightly lighter. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Gold requires 60 grams while the Vanilla Ice Cream only requires 48 grams, making the Gold switch heavier in this aspect. The Gold switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, which some may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches have their advantages based on personal preference, with the Gold being heavier overall and the Vanilla Ice Cream being lighter.

Travel distance

The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream switch the shorter of the two. The Gold clicky switch may provide a slightly deeper press due to its longer travel distance, which could be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer a different feel based on their respective travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for producing a crisp and clicky sound when pressed, providing a satisfying auditory experience for those who enjoy a tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other linear switches. This distinctive sound profile can enhance the typing experience and add a unique element to the overall feel of the keyboard. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, appealing to different preferences, with the Gold providing a more traditional clicky sound and the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a more lively and vibrant sound.

Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch's tactile feedback is often described as None, making it a switch that emphasizes sound over feel. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is praised for its remarkably smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. This choice of material results in a buttery and creamy typing experience, allowing typists to glide effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. The Creamy descriptor associated with the Vanilla Ice Cream switch emphasizes the smooth and fluid keystroke experience it provides, enhancing comfort and typing efficiency.

Overall, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold switch excels in providing a satisfying clicky sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its smooth and creamy typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches offer unique options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound, feel, and overall typing experience. With the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, typists can expect different but equally rewarding results depending on their specific preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when selecting between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a clicky sound profile, the Outemu Gold switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy feel while typing, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its unique POK material construction and buttery sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more