Kailh Plum vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, a linear switch. The Plum switch offers a unique experience with its hefty feel and subtle tactile bump, resulting in a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch utilizes POK material in both the stem and bottom housing to provide a smooth and creamy typing feel, reminiscent of its dessert namesake. This switch also produces a high-pitched and clacky sound, adding to its distinctiveness. While the Plum switch is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Stepped', the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. The decision between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style; 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
70g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, it is clear that there are distinct differences in the materials used. The Plum uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a proprietary KTT blend top housing, which offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This indicates that the Plum may offer a crisper sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream may provide a more unique and distinctive sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Plum features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a POK bottom housing, known for its exceptionally smooth and durable characteristics. The POK material's strength and wear resistance surpass that of other materials like POM and Nylon, contributing to a smooth, clacky, and long-lasting switch experience. This suggests that while the Plum may offer a more rounded sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream may provide a smoother and more durable typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Plum and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the Plum may excel in creating a sharper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary blend top housing and POK bottom housing offer a unique sound signature and exceptional smoothness and durability. However, if both switches were to use the same housing materials for both the top and bottom, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and typing experience across the board.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Plum has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 48 grams, making the Plum switch the heavier of the two. The actuation force of the Plum switch is not specified, while the Vanilla Ice Cream requires 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, as it has a lighter bottom out force and actuation force, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Plum switch with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference - if you prefer a shorter travel distance for quick and snappy key presses, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth and feedback when typing, the Plum switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results with only a minor difference in travel distance.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable and suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, thanks to its unique material choices. If you prefer a more traditional and neutral sound, the Plum switch would be a great choice. But if you're looking for a switch with a distinct and high-pitched sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the way to go.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Plum switch is described as having a mild and stepped feel, providing a gentle typing experience without a pronounced tactile bump. This makes it approachable and comfortable for most typists. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, resulting in a smooth and fluid keystroke experience reminiscent of its dessert namesake. If you prefer a more subtle tactile feel, the Plum switch would be a good fit. However, if you enjoy a silky and effortless typing sensation, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more appealing.
In conclusion, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Plum switch provides a neutral sound and a mild typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched sound and a buttery smooth feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile, the Plum switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force, a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, and a buttery or creamy typing feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the way to go. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the choice between them comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in your typing experience.
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