Bsun Taichi vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference in feel and sound. The Bsun Taichi, a linear switch, is celebrated for its mesmerizing high-pitched bottom-out sound and exceptional smoothness, thanks to its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems that provide stability during typing. This switch is particularly appealing for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience enhanced by a distinctive auditory feedback. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream also offers a linear experience but distinguishes itself through its innovative use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing. This results in a silky, "creamy" feel, reflecting the dessert moniker it carries, while also serving up a resonant, clacky sound profile that adds character to each keystroke. Both switches cater to enthusiasts seeking unique tactile experiences, albeit with different audio and tactile profiles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Taichi Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Taichi and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream reveals distinct yet complementary characteristics that impact their overall sound profile and performance. The Bsun Taichi features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness and translucency, which significantly enhances its sound clarity and resonance. This quality is particularly advantageous for users aiming to achieve vibrant RGB backlighting effects, as polycarbonate allows light to pass through beautifully without distortion. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary blend for its top housing, known for producing a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While KTT has not disclosed the specific materials in the blend, the outcome still leans towards clarity and sharpness, possibly mirroring the polycarbonate's sound characteristics. Both switches, therefore, promise a crisper auditory experience, but the methods by which they achieve these results remain distinct.

Delving deeper into the bottom housing materials, the differences become more pronounced. The Bsun Taichi’s nylon bottom housing introduces a richer, deeper sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound and minimizes sharpness. Users may find this results in more muffled bottom-out sounds, contributing to a rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream employs POK material for its bottom housing, which is engineered for smoothness and durability. Its high wear resistance and superior shock absorbency ensure a resilient and reliable typing experience. The response of the POK material leads to a clacky feel with every keystroke, elevating the switch's tactile feedback. Therefore, while both switches provide distinct auditory signatures, the Taichi emphasizes warmth and depth, while the Vanilla Ice Cream leans towards a pronounced and precise click.

Overall, the interplay between the top and bottom housings of these switches influences their respective typing experiences. The physical characteristics of the Bsun Taichi's nylon and polycarbonate materials ensure that the auditory feedback is rounded and warm, with a focus on legibility in lower frequencies. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, with its assorted proprietary materials, emphasizes crispness and clackiness for a more dynamic auditory sensation. When both switches are engaged, a user will encounter a clear divergence in the auditory experiences produced by the individual housing combinations. While the top housing provides prominent sound qualities during release, the bottom housing shapes the response when a key is fully depressed. This differentiation allows enthusiasts to differentiate their preferences based on desired sound profiles, contributing to the rich diversity of mechanical keyboard options available in the market today.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Taichi linear switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Taichi has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. This slight difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force of the Taichi is unknown, making it difficult to assess how it compares to the Vanilla Ice Cream, which has a bottom out force of 48 grams. This heavier bottom out force contributes to a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger feedback when pressing the keys. Overall, while the Taichi may offer a lighter touch, the Vanilla Ice Cream presents a more defined resistance and a heavier overall feel when fully pressed down.

Travel distance

The Bsun Taichi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although both switches are relatively similar in their travel distances, the Taichi switch offers a bit more depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers and users prioritizing quick response times. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on personal preferences regarding key depth and responsiveness; the Taichi is ideal for those seeking a hearty depth, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is better suited for those who appreciate a quicker actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Bsun Taichi linear switch is characterized by an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which is sharp and clear, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a more sonorous typing experience. In comparison, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch also features a high-pitched sound, but it adds layers of complexity with descriptors like "marbly" and "resonant." This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream not only produces a clean and crisp sound but also has a richness akin to the sound of solid materials, resulting in a more immersive auditory experience. Both switches, while high-pitched, offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing atmosphere.

When it comes to feel, the Taichi switch boasts smoothness and stability attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs, allowing for a satisfying keystroke without any irregularities. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch focuses on delivering a buttery and creamy typing experience, providing a seamless and fluid sensation as you glide over the keys. This silky feeling during typing is likely a result of its innovative POK material formulation. While the Taichi may emphasize smoothness and controlled feedback, the Vanilla Ice Cream leans into an effortless, luxurious typing experience, making both switches uniquely satisfying in their own right.

In summary, while the Bsun Taichi and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches both exhibit high-pitched sound profiles, they differ in their nuanced audio characteristics and tactile sensations during use. The Taichi offers a sharp sound and a smooth, stable feel, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream enhances the auditory experience with its marbly resonances and creamy texture. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches may come down to personal preferences regarding sound variety and tactile feedback, as both will provide a high-quality typing experience in their unique ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Taichi and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you value a smooth and stable feel with a unique high-pitched bottom-out sound, the Bsun Taichi switch may be your ideal choice, especially if you appreciate the auditory feedback that comes with its long-pole stem and extended springs. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy a lively sound profile while typing and prefer a potentially unknown bottom-out force that may cater to a more nuanced experience, though it's less quantifiable. On the other hand, if you favor a light bottom-out force combined with an exceptionally creamy and buttery feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be your go-to option. These switches excel in providing an effortless typing sensation, making them perfect for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Their well-defined high-pitched and marbly sound adds an engaging auditory element, elevating your typing experience. Ultimately, choose the Taichi for a more dynamic sound and feel or the Vanilla Ice Cream for unparalleled smoothness and comfort; both offer unique qualities that can cater to different typing styles.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Taichi Linear

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more