Outemu Silent Green vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent 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 choice often boils down to personal preference, performance, and aesthetics. The Outemu Silent Green is a linear switch, notable for its smooth operation that can enhance typing efficiency, although it lacks distinctive features that set it apart in a competitive market. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch captivates with its innovative use of POK materials in both the stem and bottom housing, delivering an exceptionally smooth and creamy feel that mimics its dessert namesake. This switch is also recognized for its unique sound profile, producing a high-pitched and clacky signature that adds an enjoyable auditory component to the typing experience. Thus, while the Silent Green may appeal to those seeking simplicity and quiet operation, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream entices with a rich tactile experience and an engaging sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, notable differences emerge in both the top and bottom housings. The Silent Green utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to create a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's rigidity, which leads to a clearer, more resonant auditory experience. The translucency of the polycarbonate is also advantageous for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the visual aesthetics of the switch. Contrarily, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream employs a proprietary blend of "special mixed materials" for its top housing, resulting in a similarly high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both switches provide a sharp auditory experience, the distinct materials used in their construction may lead to varying nuances in sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Silent Green continues its polycarbonate theme, maintaining the same crisper sound profile associated with the top. This consistency suggests that the overall auditory experience will carry a uniform quality throughout the pressing of the switch. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream features a bottom housing made from POK material, which is lauded for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a very low coefficient of friction and remarkable wear resistance, POK enhances the tactile feedback and longevity of the switch, delivering a unique feel when pressed. These differences illuminate how the material used in the bottom housing significantly influences the switches' overall characteristics—a feature that may not only affect the sound but also the tactile feel during use.
Ultimately, even though the Silent Green and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches incorporate different materials in their housings, players can achieve similar sound profiles through distinct auditory characteristics. The Silent Green offers a consistent sound experience with both its polycarbonate top and bottom housing, fostering a well-rounded performance. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream combines its proprietary top with a POK bottom for a balanced yet distinctive texture—optimizing clackiness and durability. While the tactile feedback and sound may differ slightly due to their unique materials, both switches cater to enthusiasts seeking high-pitched, responsive feedback in their typing experience, showcasing how material combination influences overall performance.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Green and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Silent Green has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium feel that some might find more substantial and satisfying during long typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches are lighter, boasting an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making them ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. This difference in weight means that users who opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream switches may find them more comfortable for extended use, while those who prefer the Silent Green may enjoy the tactile feedback of a slightly heavier switch. Overall, the Silent Green is heavier while the Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter, offering a choice based on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the Silent Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream measures 3.5 mm. This makes the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream the shorter option, which can provide a quicker response time, appealing particularly to gamers who favor swift key actuation. In contrast, the Silent Green offers a more traditional depth, suited for those who appreciate a substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Thus, while both switches serve their purposes based on user preference, the Silent Green is ideal for those seeking a deeper, more tactile experience, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream caters to users who prioritize speed and rapid actuation.
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 Silent 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 Silent Green switch does not have a specific character defined, but it can be anticipated that it leans towards a quieter profile due to its design intent. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a prominent auditory experience characterized by a high-pitched, resonant sound. Its sharp and clacky signature makes it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback during typing. The marbly quality of this switch adds to its unique sound profile, reminiscent of striking two solid objects, which would certainly appeal to users who enjoy a clean and immersive auditory sensation.
In terms of feel, while there is no detailed information available for the Silent Green switch, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is celebrated for its exceptional tactile response. With descriptors such as buttery and creamy, this switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience. The use of POK material enhances the sensation of gliding over the keys, resulting in a silky typing action that many users find pleasurable. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream particularly appealing for those who prioritize smoothness in their keystrokes, leading to a more enjoyable and efficient typing experience.
In summary, while the Outemu Silent Green switch lacks specific descriptions that would help define its sound and feel qualities, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its high-pitched, clacky sound and its buttery, creamy tactile experience. If you're seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback alongside a silky smooth feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be an excellent choice. However, for those preferring a quieter typing experience, more details about the Silent Green's attributes would be required to make a clear comparison or to assess whether it meets your preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, your choice will largely hinge on your typing preferences and environment. If you value a heavier actuation force and prefer a quiet typing experience, the Silent Green, with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, may be the ideal option for you, especially if you work in shared spaces or at night when noise could be a concern. These switches can feel more substantial under your fingers, offering a tactile experience without the distraction of auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter touch and an incredibly smooth typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is the way to go. With a lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams, this switch provides a buttery and creamy feel that enhances typing comfort, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Additionally, if you enjoy a high-pitched, resonant sound profile that adds an auditory layer to your typing, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers that unique clackiness that sets it apart. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal typing style, ergonomic needs, and the sound environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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