KTT Strawberry vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Strawberry and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Strawberry switch is praised for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a low-pitched and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a remarkably smooth and creamy feel. Additionally, this switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from competitors. 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
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we see some distinct differences. The Strawberry features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also commonly used for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a proprietary KTT blend top housing, which offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials contribute to a unique sound profile, the polycarbonate in the Strawberry may provide a more resonant and clear sound compared to the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Looking at the bottom housings of the two switches, we find more variations in material choice. The Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to its sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing, made of polyketone, which offers exceptional strength and durability. This material is smooth, clacky, and highly resistant to wear and shock, providing a different set of qualities compared to the polycarbonate housing of the Strawberry.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the KTT Strawberry and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, they both play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switches. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Whether using polycarbonate or a proprietary blend like KTT, each material brings its own unique qualities to the switch, creating distinct sound signatures and tactile experiences for the user. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials may come down to personal preference and the desired sound profile for the keyboard.
Weight
The KTT Strawberry linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both have an actuation force of 43 grams, providing a similar level of sensitivity for triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Strawberry requires 62 grams, making it heavier than the Vanilla Ice Cream, which only needs 48 grams to fully press down. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a lighter typing experience compared to the Strawberry switch, making it more suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch when typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch would be more appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Strawberry switch has a slightly longer travel distance, offering a more traditional key press feel, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a slightly shallower press. Gamers may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Strawberry switch. Both switches offer similar results in terms of key press functionality, with the main difference lying in the slight variation in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a low-pitched and mellow tone, providing a more bass-heavy and relaxed auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound, delivering a sharp and crisp sound profile with marbly and resonant characteristics. If you prefer a softer and smoother sound, the Strawberry would be a better choice, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a more distinct and lively sound experience.
In terms of feel, both the KTT Strawberry and Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The Strawberry switch provides a frictionless and silky feel, ensuring minimal resistance and effortless key presses. Additionally, the Strawberry switch is described as buttery and polished, offering a seamless and refined typing sensation. Similarly, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is also characterized as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience reminiscent of the dessert it is named after. With both switches emphasizing smooth and fluid keystrokes, users can expect a comfortable and pleasant typing experience.
Overall, the KTT Strawberry and Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Strawberry switch is known for its low-pitched and smooth actuation, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both switches provide a frictionless and buttery typing feel, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the mellower tone of the Strawberry switch or the lively sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and smooth actuation, the Strawberry switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a creamy, high-pitched sound profile, along with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is a delicious option to consider. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for bottom out force, sound, and typing feel.
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