KTT Purple Click vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, it's essential to consider key factors such as sound, feel, and typing experience. The KTT Purple Click switch is a clicky switch known for its high-pitched, satisfying click that doesn't overwhelm. With a light yet tactile keystroke, this switch offers a perfect balance for those who prefer a crunchy and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. This switch provides a buttery and marbly typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer different sound profiles and properties. The Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing, which offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. The nylon bottom housing of the Purple Click provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, while the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream contributes to smooth, clacky, and durable switches with its high coefficient of friction and exceptional strength.
While the Purple Click and Vanilla Ice Cream switches have different top and bottom housing materials, each material brings unique qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The translucency of the polycarbonate in the Purple Click's top housing makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects and creates a more resonant sound profile, while the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a distinct high-pitched and clacky sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Purple Click absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile, while the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream provides smoothness, clackiness, and durability with its superior wear and shock resistance.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the KTT Purple Click and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches impacts their sound profiles, durability, and overall typing experience. While the Purple Click focuses on sharper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizes a high-pitched and clacky sound with its KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Purple Click requires 55 grams of force while the Vanilla Ice Cream only needs 48 grams, making the Vanilla Ice Cream the lighter option for bottoming out. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Purple Click offers a slightly lighter feel overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Vanilla Ice Cream may be the better choice. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Purple Click. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky 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 Purple Click has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Purple Click may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, with the shorter travel distance offering quicker responses and the longer travel distance providing a more substantial key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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.
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 KTT Purple Click switch offers a crunchy and resonant experience, with a satisfying high-pitched click that is reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch also provides a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile, offering a sharp and clean auditory experience. Both switches excel in delivering unique acoustics that cater to different preferences, making them stand out in terms of sound quality within the mechanical keyboard community.
In the realm of feel, the KTT Purple Click switch is described as invigorating and stepped, providing a tactile and snappy typing sensation that immerses users in their typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is characterized as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels effortless and uniform. Both switches prioritize the feel of typing, with the Purple Click emphasizing feedback and reactiveness, while the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on providing a silky and glide-like sensation with each keystroke.
In conclusion, the KTT Purple Click and Vanilla Ice Cream switches each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Purple Click excels in providing a satisfying clicky sound and invigorating tactile experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream impresses with its smooth and creamy sound profile and buttery typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to tailor their typing experience to their liking. Whether opting for the high-pitched clicks of the Purple Click or the creamy keystrokes of the Vanilla Ice Cream, users can expect exceptional performance and quality from these KTT switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Purple Click clicky switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a satisfying clicky sound with a medium-light bottom out force and a balanced tactility, then the Purple Click is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a light bottom out force and a high-pitched, clacky sound signature, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more up your alley. Consider how you like your switches to sound and feel when making your decision, as both switches offer unique and delightful typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the Purple Click and Vanilla Ice Cream switches comes down to what suits your typing preferences best. Choose wisely and enjoy the satisfying feel and sound of your mechanical keyboard switch.
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