Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Silent Ink Black is ideal for those in need of a quieter typing experience, providing a soft and cushioned bottom-out feel with minimal noise. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing, offering a smooth and creamy typing sensation with a distinct high-pitched and clacky sound. Each switch is categorized by its own set of characteristics, such as 'Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished' for the Silent Ink Black and 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Resonant' for the Vanilla Ice Cream. 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
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches exhibit some key differences. The Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, which provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a KTT blend top housing, also offering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both switches offer a satisfying sound profile, the specific materials used in their top housings may result in slight variations in sound and feel.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Gateron Silent Ink Black utilizes its proprietary INK blend material, which contributes to the switch's overall sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches feature a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. The POK material used in the Vanilla Ice Cream adds to the smooth and clacky feel of the switches, offering a different tactile experience compared to the Silent Ink Black. This highlights another point of contrast between the two switches in terms of their housing materials.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that the material composition of each housing component, whether it be the proprietary INK blend of the Silent Ink Black or the POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream, contributes to the unique characteristics of each switch. While the housing materials may differ between the two switches, their overall performance and user experience may be comparable due to the attention to detail in crafting each component.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Ink Black is heavier while the Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter. The Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, classifying it as a light switch. The actuation force determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the amount of force needed to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer typing for longer periods or engaging in extended gaming sessions may opt for the lighter Vanilla Ice Cream switch, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience might prefer the heavier Silent Ink Black switch. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, catering to individual preferences and needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 3.5 mm. The slightly longer travel distance of the Silent Ink Black may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a more substantial depth when typing. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, with the Silent Ink Black offering a slightly deeper feel and the Vanilla Ice Cream providing a quicker key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted and quiet typing experience, perfect for environments where noise level is a concern. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from competitors. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a sharper and more resonant sound compared to the softer and quieter sound of the Silent Ink Black. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a buttery and creamy feel, reminiscent of its namesake dessert. Typists can expect a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing.
Overall, both the Gateron Silent Ink Black and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Ink Black provides a quieter typing experience with its cushiony bottom-out feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound profile and buttery, creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel, as both switches are designed to enhance the overall keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback make it perfect for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a creamy smooth typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is the way to go. Its use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing provides a unique feel that stands out among other switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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