KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer unique features and benefits that cater to different preferences. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, high-pitched sound signature, and use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch boasts a medium-light actuation force, a comfortable typing experience, and a familiar nylon housing with a POM stem combination. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals, making them suitable for various typing needs and preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches provide distinct characteristics that ultimately shape the typing experience. The Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary blend for its top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. In contrast, the WS Brown features a nylon top housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. While the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing contributes to smoothness, durability, and a clacky sound, the WS Brown's nylon bottom housing is responsible for creating a duller and rounder sound.
Although both switches utilize different housing materials for the top and bottom components, they each bring unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides exceptional smoothness, durability, and a distinctive clacky sound, offering a different tactile feel when compared to the WS Brown's nylon bottom housing. However, both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, which creates a fuller sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience through their carefully selected housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. Whether you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound signature provided by KTT's proprietary blend or a deeper and fuller sound profile from WS Brown's nylon housing, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. By understanding the distinct qualities of each housing material, users can make an informed decision based on their specific needs and preferences for typing on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter in both aspects. The Vanilla Ice Cream requires an actuation force of 43 grams, while the WS Brown's actuation force is not specified. Similarly, the Vanilla Ice Cream has a bottom out force of 48 grams, whereas the WS Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Vanilla Ice Cream make it ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the WS Brown's slightly heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the WS Brown switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to some users, but it could affect the overall feel and response of the switch. Those who prefer a shorter travel distance may opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream switch for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may prefer the WS Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown. When comparing the feel of the switches, the Vanilla Ice Cream is described as providing a smooth and creamy typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Unfortunately, details on the tactile feel of the WS Brown switch are not provided. Overall, enthusiasts can expect a unique auditory experience with the Vanilla Ice Cream switch and a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort with the WS Brown switch. Since the information on the WS Brown switch's sound and feel is lacking, it is important to note that individual results may vary depending on the user's preferences and setup. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that newcomers have options to choose from based on their desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a high-pitched, clacky sound with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force for a balance of responsiveness and comfort, along with a familiar auditory experience, the WS Brown switch may be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal typing style and preferences.
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