TTC Speed Silver vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the TTC Speed Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Speed Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both switches are linear and offer a unique typing experience. The Speed Silver is tailored for those seeking a fast and precise typing experience, with a light-medium level of resistance and reduced travel distance for quick actuation. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its use of POK material in the stem and housing, providing typists with a smooth and creamy feel that is enhanced by a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. The Speed Silver can be described as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished', whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Resonant'. When choosing between these two switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 comparing the housing materials of the TTC Speed Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, we see that while the Speed Silver utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream uses a proprietary KTT blend. The polycarbonate top housing of the Speed Silver creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the KTT blend of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both materials aim to enhance sound quality, but the specific properties of each material result in slightly different sound profiles.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Speed Silver features a nylon bottom housing known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing, made of polyketone, offers a smooth and clacky sound with exceptional durability. The nylon bottom housing of the Speed Silver absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound quality, while the POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream enhances smoothness and durability. Both bottom housings contribute unique qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Speed Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches play a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing on each switch. While the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a clear and resonant sound with a fuller profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing offer a high-pitched, clacky sound with smoothness and durability. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles based on their housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both offer smooth linear keystrokes, but they differ in actuation and bottom out forces. The Speed Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option overall. Generally, lighter weights are preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while heavier weights can provide a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Speed Silver switch would appeal to those looking for a slightly heavier actuation force. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so users should consider their personal preferences when choosing between the two.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we see that the Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular in the keyboard market. Gamers may appreciate the quicker response time provided by the shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver, while others may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream for a more deliberate keypress. Ultimately, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may be subtle to most users, but those looking for a specific feel in their typing experience may find value in considering the slight variance in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 TTC Speed Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound that sets it apart from the competition, providing a unique auditory experience. The choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound, with the Speed Silver offering a more moderate and versatile option while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a more distinctive and sharp sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Speed Silver switch provides a mild typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, offering a gentle and approachable feel for most users. The switch is also described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, akin to the smooth and fluid sensation of gliding fingers across the keys effortlessly. Typists who prefer a silky and uniform typing experience may find the Vanilla Ice Cream switch to be more to their liking.
In conclusion, both the TTC Speed Silver and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Speed Silver provides a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound with a buttery and creamy feel, offering a more distinctive typing experience. Choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options providing a different but satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Speed Silver and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, it's important to consider your typing preferences. If you prioritize speed and precision in your typing experience, the Speed Silver switch with its light-medium resistance and reduced travel distance may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and creamy typing feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, with its use of POK material and luscious keypress sensation, may be more to your liking. Consider how each switch aligns with your preferences for typing sound and feel, and choose the one that best suits your needs for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.