TTC Silent Brown vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. The Silent Brown offers a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a buttery and polished feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing a high-pitched and clacky sound signature for an overall marbly and resonant typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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 terms of housing materials, the TTC Silent Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, especially suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary blend top housing known as KTT blend and a POK bottom housing. The KTT blend offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, while the POK material in the bottom housing provides smooth, clacky, and durable switches with exceptional strength and wear resistance.
The difference in housing materials between the TTC Silent Brown and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream results in distinct sound profiles and durability features. While the polycarbonate top housing in the Silent Brown creates a clear and resonant sound profile, the KTT blend top housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in the Silent Brown gives a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POK bottom housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream contributes to smooth and durable switches with exceptional strength and wear resistance. The combination of these housing materials in each switch results in unique typing experiences and overall performance.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile, feel, and durability of the switch. While the Silent Brown and Vanilla Ice Cream switches may have different housing materials, each material brings its own set of qualities to the overall typing experience. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound profile of polycarbonate or the smooth and durable performance of POK, users can expect distinct characteristics based on the materials used in the housing of these switches. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help users make informed decisions when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch differ significantly. The TTC Silent Brown has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a much lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a more effortless and smoother typing option. The Silent Brown would appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream would be more suitable for those looking for a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing force and experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 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 shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Brown switch. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Silent Brown switch. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to the preferences of modern keyboard users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted typing experience, significantly reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound that sets it apart from other switches on the market. Depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between the quieter, more subdued profile of the Silent Brown or the crisp and distinctive sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
In terms of feel, both the Silent Brown and Vanilla Ice Cream switches are described as providing a buttery typing experience. The Silent Brown offers a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and light-medium resistance, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch boasts a remarkably smooth and creamy feel - thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. The buttery sensation of both switches ensures a seamless and effortless keystroke experience, allowing for hours of comfortable typing.
When considering all the available information, it's clear that the TTC Silent Brown and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Silent Brown excels in providing a quieter typing experience with its muted sound profile and comfortable tactile bump, making it a great choice for office settings or shared workspaces. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, delivering a high-pitched and clacky sound that adds a touch of personality to your typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter typing environment (Silent Brown) or a more distinct sound profile and smooth feel (Vanilla Ice Cream).
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a muted sound profile with a comfortable rounded tactile bump, the Silent Brown is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, and a smooth and creamy typing feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream is the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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