Outemu Green vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Green and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique experiences for users. The Outemu Green is a clicky switch that provides a satisfying audible feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who enjoy the sound of their typing. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is a linear switch that offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, thanks to its innovative use of POK in the stem and bottom housing. This switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound, giving typists a different auditory sensation compared to the clicky Outemu Green. Each switch has its own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
65g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Green and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, it is evident that they both offer unique characteristics. The Green switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch features a proprietary KTT blend top housing, offering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both top housings aim to produce distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the Green switch emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch focuses more on a clacky sound signature.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Outemu Green switch employs a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch utilizes a POK bottom housing, which boasts exceptional durability and smoothness. The POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers wear resistance that surpasses other materials like POM and Nylon, contributing to smooth, clacky, and durable switches. The Nylon bottom housing in the Green switch, while softer and more sound-absorbent, may not offer the same level of durability and smoothness as the POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Outemu Green and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and overall performance of each switch. While the Green switch may excel in producing a clear, resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its high-pitched, clacky sound signature and durable, smooth POK bottom housing. Both switches offer unique benefits and cater to different preferences in terms of sound profile and durability, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their specific preferences and needs.
Weight
The Outemu Green clicky switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch. The Green switch has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, while those who enjoy a stronger push may lean towards the Outemu Green switch for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches ideal for longer usage and heavier switches offering a more robust feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Green 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. The Green switch has a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances and will provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Green 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 Green clicky switch is known for its loud and tactile click with a satisfyingly crisp sound. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound that is smooth and satisfyingly creamy. The Green switch provides a more traditional clicky sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a unique auditory experience that sets it apart from other linear switches. Both switches deliver distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Green switch being more intense and tactile, and the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offering a smoother and creamier sound.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Green clicky switch is known for its tactile bump and loud click that provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a buttery and creamy feel that is smooth and effortless to type on. The Green switch provides a more tactile and pronounced typing sensation, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a smooth and uniform typing experience that is akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the Green switch offering a more tactile and pronounced feedback, and the Vanilla Ice Cream switch providing a smoother and more fluid typing experience.
Overall, both the Outemu Green clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Green switch is best suited for those who enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crisp click, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is ideal for typists looking for a smooth and creamy typing sensation with a high-pitched and clacky sound. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide distinct options that will enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy switch with a tactile clicky feedback, the Outemu Green switch with its 80g bottom out force might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and creamy typing feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch with its 48g bottom out force and unique POK material construction could be the perfect fit. Consider your typing preferences and desired sound and feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure you find the best match for your mechanical keyboard needs.
Mentioned in this article
