KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch are two popular options in the mechanical keyboard community. The Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its buttery and creamy feel, thanks to its innovative use of POK in the stem and bottom housing. On the other hand, the Violet switch is known for its smooth actuation and poppy tactility, offering a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences - whether you prefer a high-pitched and clacky feel with the Vanilla Ice Cream or a gentle and smooth tactility with the Violet. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Jerrzi Violet, it is clear that both switches offer unique characteristics based on their top housing materials. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary blend that produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, while the Jerrzi Violet features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both materials contribute to a distinctive sound experience, with the KTT blend offering a more high-pitched tone and the polycarbonate providing a clearer and resonant sound. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience with their top housing materials.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates a POK material known for its smoothness, durability, and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet utilizes a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. While the POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream contributes to a smoother typing experience, the nylon in the Jerrzi Violet absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. These differences in bottom housing materials speak to the overall feel and sound profile that each switch offers, with the POK material focusing on smoothness and durability, and the nylon material enhancing the depth and richness of the sound.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of a keyboard switch. While the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and Jerrzi Violet feature different materials in their top and bottom housings, they both aim to enhance the typing experience in their own unique ways. Whether it be the high-pitched and clacky sound of the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream or the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate in the Jerrzi Violet, these housing materials contribute to the overall performance and feel of the switches, providing users with a customized typing experience based on their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is clear that the Vanilla Ice Cream is the lighter of the two. The Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a light switch overall. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Vanilla Ice Cream. However, the bottom out force of the Violet is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in that aspect. When it comes to weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Jerrzi Violet. Ultimately, both switches offer different levels of force that cater to individual preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we can see that the Vanilla Ice Cream has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Violet has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Violet switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. The difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to users looking for a faster response time, while the Violet switch provides a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be likened to the resonant and marbly sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch boasts a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of typing environments. The Violet switch provides a balanced and enjoyable sound experience, without leaning towards any extreme in pitch or tone. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is praised for its buttery and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. Typists can expect a seamless and effortless typing experience akin to gliding fingers across the keys with ease. On the contrary, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a stepped tactile feel, giving users a sense of two distinct stages within the keystroke. This mild tactility allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with slight pre-travel and post-travel sensations.
Taking all the available information into account, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer different sound and feel experiences, both are geared towards providing typists with a unique and enjoyable typing experience. The Vanilla Ice Cream leans towards a higher-pitched and clacky sound with a creamy and buttery feel, while the Violet switch offers a neutral sound with a stepped tactile feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing styles, users can expect similar levels of typing satisfaction and performance from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile switch with a neutral sound signature and a pleasingly poppy tactility, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference in terms of feel and sound. Whether you prioritize a buttery and creamy feel or a stepped tactility, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles. Consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that best suits your needs for a satisfying typing experience.
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