Outemu Phoenix vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Outemu Phoenix and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stand out for their unique characteristics. The Phoenix is renowned for its under-skirt click mechanism, providing a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile that sets it apart as one of the most distinctive clicky switches available today. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch by KTT impresses with its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, offering typists a remarkably smooth and creamy typing experience. While the Phoenix is described as 'Crunchy' and 'Polished', the Vanilla Ice Cream is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Each switch has its own unique appeal, catering to different preferences in terms of feel and 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
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Phoenix and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we can see that both switches utilize unique materials to achieve distinct sound profiles. The Phoenix features a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, especially useful for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing, offering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the Phoenix's polycarbonate material focuses on clarity and resonance, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream's blend leans towards a more distinct and clacky sound.
Looking at the bottom housing materials of the two switches, we find further differences in their approach to sound and durability. The Phoenix utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, mirroring the clear and resonant sound profile of the top housing. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream opts for a POK material for its bottom housing, prioritizing smoothness, clackiness, and durability. The POK material stands out for its exceptional strength and wear resistance, providing a sturdy foundation for the switch's overall performance. This contrasts with the Phoenix's reliance on polycarbonate for consistency in sound quality from top to bottom.
While each switch has its unique housing materials for top and bottom components, the impact of these materials on the overall switch experience is noteworthy. The bottom housing is crucial for determining the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, with the Phoenix's polycarbonate offering a clear and crisp sensation, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK material promises smooth and durable performance. On the other hand, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released, with the Phoenix's polycarbonate contributing to a sharper and higher-pitched sound, contrasting with the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend for a distinctive clacky tone. Despite their differences, both switches emphasize the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Phoenix has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. Moreover, the Vanilla Ice Cream also has a lower actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Phoenix's unknown actuation force. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out, making it a lighter and potentially more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with some preferring a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy a more substantial feel for a stronger typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Phoenix switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, making the Phoenix switch more suitable for them. On the other hand, those who prefer a more satisfying depth when pressing down on a key may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with their different travel distances, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 Phoenix clicky switch offers a unique and crunchy experience, akin to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and marbly sound profile, resonant and clean like tapping on a solid piece of marble. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, catering to different preferences in sound profiles. In terms of feel, the Phoenix switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, delivering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation reminiscent of gliding across keys with ease.
Overall, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. If you prefer a unique and crystalline sound with a polished and refined typing experience, the Phoenix switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you seek a high-pitched and marbly sound with a buttery and creamy feel that provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both offer exceptional qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a crystalline, sparkling click mechanism with a crunchy sound profile, the Phoenix may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy feel with a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream could be your ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize the unique clicky sensation of the Phoenix or the smooth linear feel of the Vanilla Ice Cream. Choose wisely based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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