Outemu Milk Blue vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, a linear switch, there are distinct features that differentiate the two. The Milk Blue switch is renowned for its clicky feedback, offering a tactile bump and audible sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, achieved through the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Milk Blue switch provides a satisfying clicking sensation, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and resonant 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
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we see some key differences. The Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This is ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, indicating a different sound profile compared to the Milk Blue. However, both switches excel in providing a unique sound experience that caters to individual preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Milk Blue opts for a nylon bottom housing to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. This material contributes to the switch's smooth and clacky feel, indicating a different typing experience compared to the Milk Blue. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and durability in their design.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Milk Blue and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream housing materials boils down to personal preferences. While the Milk Blue focuses on sharp, clear sounds with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream aims for a high-pitched and clacky sound experience with its proprietary KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, making them suitable options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a customizable sound profile. Whether you prioritize a resonant sound with RGB lighting compatibility or a clacky, durable typing experience, both switches provide distinct advantages that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Milk Blue switch is unknown, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it slightly heavier. Overall, the Milk Blue switch may provide a more tactile typing experience with its higher actuation force, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a lighter touch for those who prefer less resistance. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Milk Blue being on the heavier side and the Vanilla Ice Cream being lighter, allowing users to choose based on their typing style and preference.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Milk Blue switch offers a traditional travel distance, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch falls on the shallower end of the spectrum. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Milk Blue switch. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience, with the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a slightly quicker key press compared to the Milk Blue.
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 Milk Blue 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 Milk Blue clicky switch is known for its traditional clicky sound that is loud and satisfying for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that provides a different and unique typing experience, making them stand out from other linear switches on the market. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Milk Blue being more traditional and the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a modern twist.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Milk Blue switch provides a tactile and clicky typing experience with a tactile bump and audible click upon actuation. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is described as offering a buttery and creamy typing experience, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. Typists can expect a smooth and effortless keystroke when using the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, reminiscent of its namesake dessert. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different typing preferences, with the Milk Blue being more tactile and the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a smoother keystroke.
Overall, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provide different sound and feel experiences, both switches offer quality performances in their respective categories. Whether you prefer a traditional clicky switch with a satisfying auditory feedback like the Milk Blue or a smooth and creamy linear switch like the Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile feel with a high-pitched sound, the Milk Blue may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a light bottom out force and a buttery feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be the perfect choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in your typing experience.