Outemu Silent White vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up are the Outemu Silent White and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. The Outemu Silent White is a linear switch known for its silent operation, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the unique use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. The Silent White offers a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a satisfyingly clacky sound signature, perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silent White and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials contribute to a distinct sound profile, the polycarbonate in the Silent White is more clear and resonant, while the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream is described as clacky.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Silent White uses a nylon housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing known for its smoothness, durability, and clacky sound. The POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream surpasses both Nylon and POM in terms of wear resistance and shock resistance, making it a top choice for smooth and durable switches. While both materials offer unique benefits, the Silent White's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound profile, contrasting with the smoother and clacky sound produced by the POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Outemu Silent White and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches significantly impact the sound profile and feel of typing on these switches. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White creates a clear and resonant sound, the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a clacky sound signature. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent White produces a deeper sound profile, whereas the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream contributes to a smooth and durable typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches provide unique sound profiles and tactile experiences based on the materials used in their housing constructions.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch exhibit noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Silent White is slightly heavier at 45 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Silent White is heavier at 60 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Silent White provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium actuation and bottom out forces, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler key press. However, if the actuation force and bottom out force are the same in both switches, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for lighter or heavier forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent White linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both offer a smooth keystroke experience, but they differ slightly in travel distance. The Silent White has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although the variance between the two is minimal, those who prioritize a faster response time may lean towards the Silent White with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more pronounced keystroke depth might find the Vanilla Ice Cream more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and how it aligns with one's typing style and comfort.
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 White 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 White linear switch is best known for its quiet operation, providing a muted typing experience that won't disturb those around you. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a distinct high-pitched and clacky sound profile, giving typists a more pronounced auditory feedback with each key press. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Silent White being ideal for those seeking a more discreet typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream appeals to those who enjoy a more lively and resonant typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent White switch does not have a specific descriptor available, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is praised for its buttery and creamy typing experience. The use of POK material in the stem and housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch contributes to its smooth and effortless keystrokes, creating a sensation akin to gliding across the keys with ease. In contrast, the Silent White switch may offer a different tactile experience that could vary based on individual preferences.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Silent White excels in providing a quiet typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, along with a creamy and buttery typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize a silent operation or a more vibrant and tactile typing experience. Both switches offer quality performance, so you can expect similar results in terms of durability and responsiveness regardless of your selection.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Silent White may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a smooth, creamy typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is the way to go. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing style and sound preference. Happy typing!
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