KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile can significantly influence your typing experience. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, a linear switch, is celebrated for its remarkable smoothness, largely attributed to the POK material used in its stem and bottom housing. This switch not only provides a buttery and creamy tactile feel but also emits a high-pitched, clacky sound that many enthusiasts find appealing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a subtle to moderate tactile feedback that gives typists a sense of keystroke confirmation without being too pronounced. Its balanced sound profile complements its tactile characteristics, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy feedback without overwhelming noise. Ultimately, selecting the right switch comes down to personal preference—whether you seek the silky smoothness of the Vanilla Ice Cream or the nuanced feedback of the Weightlessness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Gateron Weightlessness demonstrate notable differences that undoubtedly influence their performance and sound profiles. The top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream is composed of a proprietary KTT blend, described as "special mixed materials," that tends towards a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This contrasts sharply with the Weightlessness's nylon top housing, which is a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. While both housing types contribute to the overall auditory experience when using the switches, the KTT blend's emphasis on a brighter sound contrasts with the more muted and rounded characteristics of nylon.
Exploring further into their bottom housing materials, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes POK, or polyketone, which is renowned for its remarkable combination of durability and smoothness. With a wear resistance 14 times greater than POM, POK indeed provides a robust foundation for longevity. In comparison, the Weightlessness features a nylon bottom housing, which while classic and effective, does not rival POK’s strength and shock resistance. Here, the differences in feel and response become evident: the POK contributes to a smooth and clacky typing experience, while the nylon brings forth a softer, duller sound profile. This distinction showcases how the materials utilized not only affect sound but also the tactile feedback experienced during use.
Regardless of these differences, there are ways in which the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and Gateron Weightlessness could yield similar typing results, particularly if one is able to tune and tailor their keyboards accordingly. If both switches are deployed in a similar setup, and the use of sound dampening materials or different keycaps is optimized, one could mitigate some of the distinct sound profiles afforded by each material. By enhancing the overall acoustics or tactile experience with specific modifications, such as utilizing O-rings for softer bottoming out or incorporating a higher-density foam on the keyboard itself, one can create a more cohesive auditory and tactile feel, making the differences in housing materials less pronounced in practical terms.
Weight
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch differ notably in their actuation force, while the bottom out force for the latter remains unknown. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch features a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions due to reduced strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is not specified, it can be inferred that the overall experience may vary significantly between the two switches, with the Vanilla Ice Cream being the lighter option and the Gateron Weightlessness providing a firmer feel. This distinction is crucial for users choosing between leisurely typing and a more tactile feedback experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we observe that the Vanilla Ice Cream features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Weightlessness has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream the longer option, providing a deeper feel with each keystroke, which can be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those who seek faster response times for their key presses. Ultimately, while both switches feature modern, shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the choice between them will depend on whether one favors a more responsive touch or a more substantial depth while typing.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch impresses with its high-pitched, clacky signature. This light and resonant quality sets it apart, offering a distinct auditory experience that's reminiscent of crisp marble striking against marble, making each keystroke feel sharp and clear. The switch produces an immersive sound profile that enhances the typing experience, while also being ideal for those who prefer a cleaner auditory output. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch's sound profile isn't specified, which makes it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, since you can often determine a switch’s sound based on key materials and design, it can be inferred that the Weightlessness likely has a more subdued and balanced sound that aligns with its tactile nature.
In terms of feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch excels with its buttery and creamy characteristics. The smoothness of the keystroke offers an effortless typing experience, allowing fingers to glide over the keys seamlessly. This sensation is a hallmark of quality in linear switches, contributing to an overall pleasant typing experience. Conversely, the feel of the Gateron Weightlessness is characterized as having a subtle to moderate tactile feedback. While it may not provide the same level of smoothness as the Vanilla Ice Cream, the tactile bump is likely to offer a satisfying experience for users who appreciate a little more resistance in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is a noteworthy option for those seeking an auditory and tactile sensation that is both high-pitched and buttery-smooth. Its unique construction leads to a satisfying experience that caters to fans of linear switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch appeals to those who prefer subtle tactile feedback and a balanced sound profile. While specific sound qualities of the Weightlessness remain unspecified, it likely complements its tactile nature. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences, as both offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you're someone who enjoys a lighter keystroke with a smooth, buttery feel and a high-pitched, resonant sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be your go-to option. It's ideal for typists who value speed and prefer a more fluid, creamy typing experience, as it allows for quick repetitions without much resistance. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a subtle to moderate tactile feedback—ideal for both typing and gaming—the Gateron Weightlessness might be your best bet. Its tactile nature provides a different kind of satisfaction that some users find enhances their typing rhythm while maintaining a balanced sound profile. Thus, consider what you prioritize more: the smoothness and weight of the Vanilla Ice Cream or the tactile feedback and balanced acoustics of the Weightlessness. Each switch offers a unique experience tailored to different typing styles, so it’s all about finding the perfect fit for your hands and habits.
Mentioned in this article
