TTC Silent Red vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Silent Red is perfect for those seeking a quiet typing experience, with its smooth and seamless feel that is ideal for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its remarkable use of POK material, providing typists with a creamy smooth feel and a high-pitched, clacky sound signature. Both switches are categorized as 'Buttery', but the Silent Red is more 'Mild' and 'Muted' while the Vanilla Ice Cream is 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', and 'Marbly'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Silent Red Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we can see some distinct differences. The Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more resonant sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing, providing a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both offer unique sound profiles, the Silent Red's polycarbonate housing may appeal to those looking for a sharper sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend housing may be preferred by those seeking a clackier sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Silent Red incorporates a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a POK bottom housing, offering a smooth and clacky experience. POK material is highly durable, with exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance. Therefore, the Vanilla Ice Cream may be more appealing to those prioritizing durability and a smooth typing experience, while the Silent Red may cater to those looking for a deeper and fuller sound.

Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream play a crucial role in defining the sound and feel of these switches. While the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a sharp and resonant sound profile with a deeper tone, the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing offer a high-pitched, clacky sound signature with durability and smoothness. Both switches have their unique qualities, catering to different preferences in sound and typing experience. However, if you're looking for a similar result in terms of sound profile and durability, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Red has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's lighter actuation force of 43 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Silent Red is also heavier at 63.5 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. This suggests that the Silent Red switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier key press. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding typing feel and weight.

Travel distance

The TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The difference in travel distance may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Silent Red switch is best described as muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience that is perfect for shared environments like offices or homes. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. The difference in sound between these two switches is quite significant, with the Silent Red aiming for a more understated and subtle sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream opts for a more distinctive and attention-grabbing auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, both the TTC Silent Red and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches are often described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. The Silent Red switch provides a uniform typing sensation with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch utilizes POK material in both the stem and bottom housing for an exceptionally smooth and creamy feel. Both switches fall in the buttery category, providing typists with a luxurious typing experience that is comfortable and satisfying.

Overall, it is clear that the TTC Silent Red and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a quiet and understated typing experience, the Silent Red switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a high-pitched and clacky sound along with a smooth and creamy feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suitable. With both switches offering a buttery typing sensation, you can expect a similar level of comfort and smoothness in your typing experience, regardless of the specific sound profile each switch provides.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the environment and typing experience you desire. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience for shared spaces or the office, along with a smooth and consistent feel, the Silent Red switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique high-pitched and clacky sound profile, combined with a smooth and creamy typing feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more