KTT Purple Star vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Star and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Purple Star is a linear switch known for its all-POM construction, providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Ideal for light typists with its very light 45g bottom-out, this switch is categorized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press'. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its POK material used in both the stem and bottom housing, offering typists a remarkably smooth and creamy feel that matches its namesake dessert. With a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, this switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. 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
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Purple Star features POM top and bottom housings, known for creating a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and more muted profile. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. The bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream is made of POK material, offering smoothness, clackiness, and exceptional durability compared to the POM material used in the Purple Star.
While both the Purple Star and Vanilla Ice Cream switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, their housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles and feel. The POM top and bottom housings of the Purple Star create a more subdued sound with a deeper tone, while the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream produces a higher-pitched and clacky sound. Additionally, the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream enhances smoothness and durability, surpassing the wear resistance of POM and offering a unique typing feel that sets it apart from the Purple Star.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the KTT Purple Star and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches prioritize providing users with a satisfying typing experience. The POM top housing of the Purple Star delivers a pleasing sound profile that is unique and deeper, while the proprietary KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky typing experience. The POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream provides enhanced smoothness and durability, making it a top choice for those seeking a switch with long-lasting performance and a unique typing feel. In conclusion, while the housing materials of these switches vary, they each offer a distinctive typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 43 grams. However, the Purple Star has a slightly higher bottom out force at 50 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 48 grams. This means that the Purple Star switch requires a slightly stronger push to fully press down compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be a better option, as it has a lighter bottom out force. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing feel is preferred, the Purple Star switch, with its slightly heavier bottom out force, may be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and feedback.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Purple Star and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of 3.5 mm is considered to be on the shorter side compared to other switches with longer travel distances. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the Purple Star and Vanilla Ice Cream switches, ensuring users will get similar results when typing on either of these linear switches.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 KTT Purple Star linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound signature, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out with its high-pitched, clacky sound profile, giving typists a sharp and crisp auditory experience that sets it apart from the competition. Depending on your preference for sound, whether you enjoy a mellower tone or a sharper, more resonant sound, both switches offer unique options to cater to different tastes.
In terms of feel, the KTT Purple Star switch is characterized as mild and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a buttery and creamy feel, ensuring a smooth and uniform keystroke experience that is akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of typing, with the Purple Star leaning towards a more approachable and safe typing feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a luxurious and silky sensation to enhance the typing experience.
Overall, both the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a low-pitched, buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Purple Star switch is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a high-pitched, clacky sound profile paired with a creamy and buttery feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is the perfect choice. Ultimately, both switches deliver exceptional performance and comfort, so you can expect to get similar results in terms of typing satisfaction regardless of your preference.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom-out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams and enjoy a high-pitched and clacky sound, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams and value a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, then the Purple Star switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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