Outemu Red vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Outemu Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. The Outemu Red is a linear switch known for its None characteristics, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out for its unique use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. This innovation provides typists with a smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of the dessert it's named after, along with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the Outemu Red may appeal to those looking for a straightforward linear switch, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offers a more luxurious typing experience with its Buttery, Creamy, High-pitched, Marbly, and Resonant qualities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.10 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, we see some distinct differences. The Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream uses a proprietary KTT blend top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the Red offers a clear and resonant sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a unique and distinctive sound experience.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction higher than LY, the POK material offers a smooth typing experience with exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of the switches.

Overall, while the Red and Vanilla Ice Cream switches have different top and bottom housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Red's polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound. Similarly, the Red's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound profile, while the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream ensures a smooth and durable typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with RGB lighting compatibility or a clacky sound with exceptional durability, both switches have something unique to offer.

Weight

In comparing the Outemu Red linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force differ significantly. The Outemu Red has a medium actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a balance between light and heavy typing experiences. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. The Outemu Red is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, while those looking for a more substantial push feel may favor the Outemu Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing weight and feel.

Travel distance

The Outemu Red 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. This means that the Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Outemu Red is more traditional, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is on the shorter side, providing a faster response time preferred by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - if you prioritize a quicker response time, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be more suitable, while if you prefer a bit more depth when pressing the keys, the Outemu Red switch is the way to go. Both switches offer different travel distances that cater to different preferences, so you'll get different results depending on which one you choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Red linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, not leaning towards either high or low-pitched tones. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched and clacky sound that sets it apart from other switches in the market. The use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch contributes to its unique and distinctive sound signature, providing typists with a satisfying auditory experience that complements its smooth feel.

Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Red switch is known for its undefined feel quality. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering typists a luxurious and smooth typing experience. The application of lubricant in the switch at the factory, along with the choice of specific materials, contributes to the silky sensation that typists feel when typing on these switches. The creamy feel of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is akin to effortlessly gliding one's fingers across the keys, resulting in a uniform and pleasant typing experience.

Overall, while the Outemu Red switch may provide a standard and neutral typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its unique blend of high-pitched sound and buttery, creamy feel. Typists seeking a switch that offers both a distinctive auditory experience and a smooth typing sensation may find the Vanilla Ice Cream switch to be a compelling choice. Additionally, it is important to consider other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when choosing between the Outemu Red linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing force and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Red switch would be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a high-pitched, clacky sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more to your liking. Additionally, if you enjoy a smooth and buttery typing experience, the creamy sensation of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may offer a more pleasurable typing experience for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and what feels most comfortable for you.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more