Outemu Purple vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Outemu Purple switch is recognized for its tactile feedback, providing typists with a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a unique typing experience with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the POK material used in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Outemu Purple switch is known for its tactile response, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its buttery and creamy typing experience, as well as its high-pitched and clacky sound signature. 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
2.00 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
Both the Outemu Purple and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Purple uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound that is resonant and clear. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing that produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials offer a higher pitch sound, the polycarbonate of the Purple may provide a more resonant sound due to its stiffness compared to the KTT blend.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Purple 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 features a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, clacky sound, and durability. While the nylon of the Purple may offer a duller and rounder sound, the POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a smoother typing experience and increased durability compared to nylon.
Overall, while both the Outemu Purple and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream may offer higher-pitched sound profiles, they differ in their housing materials and resulting sound characteristics. The use of polycarbonate in the Purple's top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound, while the KTT blend of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a clackier sound signature. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Purple provides a fuller sound, while the POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream contributes to smoothness and durability. Whether opting for the Purple or Vanilla Ice Cream, the choice of housing materials will ultimately impact the typing experience and sound profile of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter in both aspects. The Purple switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch only requires 43 grams to actuate. Additionally, while the bottom out force of the Purple switch is unknown, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Purple switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Purple switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch have different travel distances. The Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Purple switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a shorter travel distance, making it more responsive and preferred by gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired travel distance for a typing or gaming experience.
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 Purple 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 Purple tactile switch is known for its unknown sound characteristics, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile. The Purple's sound quality remains a mystery, but the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides typists with a distinctive typing experience, thanks to its unique material composition that delivers a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Purple yet to be fully characterized soundwise, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream switch showcases its high-pitched and clacky nature.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch differ in their descriptions. The Purple switch's feel remains undefined, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as providing a smooth and creamy typing experience. The Purple's tactile sensation is yet to be specified, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers typists a buttery and creamy feel that is reminiscent of its dessert-inspired name. Typists can expect a seamless and effortless keystroke experience with the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, characterized by its smooth and uniform typing sensation.
Overall, the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Purple switch's sound and feel need further clarification, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, paired with a buttery and creamy typing experience. Typists looking for a smooth and creamy feel with a distinctive sound may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, while those intrigued by the unknown qualities of the Purple switch may find it worth exploring for a potentially different typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the KTT vanilla ice cream linear switch, consider the characteristics that matter most to you. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound, then the vanilla ice cream switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and prioritize other qualities, then the Outemu Purple switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the typing experience you are seeking in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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