Huano Sakura vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Sakura and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Huano Sakura is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in extended typing sessions and seek a comfortable and efficient experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch shines with its unique POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing a smooth and creamy typing feel as delightful as its namesake. This switch not only promises a buttery touch but also produces a high-pitched, clacky sound signature that differentiates it in the mechanical switch landscape. While both switches are linear and offer their own advantages—lightness and comfort versus smoothness and acoustic character—each caters to different typing styles and sound preferences. 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
35g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Sakura and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both exhibit distinct characteristics stemming from their housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Sakura's top housing is constructed from POK material (polyketone), featuring a smooth coefficient of friction at 0.04 and exceptional durability, being 14 times more wear-resistant than POM. This choice ensures a responsive feel, producing smooth and clacky feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream employs a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, described as a special mix of materials, also yielding a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both top housings provide a similarly lively auditory feedback, the use of a proprietary blend in the KTT switch might introduce some variation in the clarity and sharpness of the sound.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a notable difference between the two switches. The Sakura utilizes a nylon bottom housing, recognized for its softer composition, contributing to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This absorbing quality allows for a rounder auditory experience that contrasts with the overall crispness provided by the top POK material. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing that mirrors its top material, ensuring consistency in durability and a smooth feel. The KTT’s bottom housing lacks the sound-dampening characteristics inherent to nylon, promoting a brighter auditory response compared to the Sakura's softer sound. This difference suggests that while both switches could deliver clacky sounds, the tonal quality may diverge due to the bottom housing materials.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings in each switch affects the overall sound and tactile feedback. The Sakura’s combination of a POK top and nylon bottom creates a unique dual-character sound experience, with the nylon enhancing bottom-out softness, while the POK contributes to noticeable top-end audibility. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream’s consistent POK material in both the top and bottom fosters a sound profile that's smooth and clacky without the deeper tones associated with nylon. By utilizing similar materials for the top and bottom housing like POK, the KTT switch achieves a cohesive aural quality, yet it sacrifices some of the richness and complexity found in the Sakura's sound profile. Thus, while both switches showcase high-performance attributes, the materials guide distinct user experiences and sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it becomes clear that the Sakura switch is lighter in both respects. The Huano Sakura has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter feel for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming will find the Sakura more suitable, as it demands less effort to activate and bottom out. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, being heavier, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and typing comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the Sakura measures 3.6 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Sakura switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more tactile feel for users who appreciate a greater depth when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers seeking quick responsiveness and faster key presses. For those prioritizing speed and efficiency in their inputs, the Vanilla Ice Cream would be the better choice, whereas users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke may find the Sakura more satisfying. Overall, the difference in travel distance, though minimal, highlights the preferences of different users when it comes to switch design.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 Huano Sakura switch delivers a medium acoustic profile, which strikes a balance conducive to prolonged typing sessions without overwhelming the user with noise. This makes it an excellent choice for working environments where noise might be a concern. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is notably different, featuring a high-pitched, marbly sound that can capture attention while typing. The resonant nature of these switches produces a sharp and crisp auditory feedback reminiscent of colliding billiard balls, making them enjoyable for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound while typing.
In terms of feel, the Sakura switch offers a feather-light touch that allows for a comfortable typing experience, ideal for extended durations. While exact details on the feel of the Sakura switch might be less defined, its lightweight nature suggests a responsiveness that typists will appreciate. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is characterized by its buttery and creamy texture, offering a smooth, fluid keystroke experience. This is enhanced by the innovative POK material used in its construction, which provides a silky sensation, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys.
In conclusion, both the Huano Sakura and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Sakura switch combines medium acoustics with a light touch, making it suitable for those seeking a balanced and less intrusive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its high-pitched, resonant sound and exceptionally smooth keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a delightful sensory experience while typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences regarding sound and feel, but both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences that can suit diverse workflows.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and ergonomics. If you desire a feather-light touch that effectively minimizes finger fatigue during extensive typing sessions while still providing a balanced sound profile, the Sakura is an excellent option. Its medium acoustics ensure a more subdued auditory experience, making it well-suited for an environment where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, if you seek a unique typing experience with a notably creamy feel and a more pronounced sound signature, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be your go-to. Its high-pitched, resonant audio profile coupled with its buttery and smooth keystrokes offers a delightful sensory experience, making it perfect for those who appreciate an engaging auditory response while typing. Therefore, when making your decision, consider whether you prefer lighter, quieter feedback or a richer, more vibrant auditory escapade combined with a smooth tactile sensation.
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