KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. With a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, typists can enjoy a unique typing experience with this switch. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch stands out for its profound tactile experience, featuring a 70g bump and captivating "thocky" sound from nylon housings. This switch offers an engaging and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer tactile feedback. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits, making them appealing to different types of users. 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
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, we can see some similarities in terms of sound profiles. Both switches use nylon in their top housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, which sets it apart from the WS Heavy Tactile in terms of sound output.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes POK material, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. The POK material contributes to smooth, clacky, and durable switches, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile also uses nylon for its bottom housing, which complements the top housing in creating a deeper sound profile. The split between the qualities each housing material brings to the switch allows for a balance in both bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when letting go of a key.
In conclusion, while both switches utilize nylon in their housing materials, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile offer different sound profiles due to the unique characteristics of their respective materials. The POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream contributes to a smooth and durable typing experience, while the nylon in the WS Heavy Tactile enhances the overall sound profile of the switch. Whether you prefer a high-pitched and clacky sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer a distinct typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are clear differences in weight. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a smooth and easy typing experience. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, while users seeking a stronger push feel may lean towards the WS Heavy Tactile switch. Both switches provide unique benefits based on individual preferences, with the lighter option suitable for extended typing sessions and the heavier option offering a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of travel distances considered ideal for various uses, with the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a slightly longer keypress feel compared to the WS Heavy Tactile. Gamers may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a more deliberate keypress, while those looking for a faster response time may lean towards the WS Heavy Tactile with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and response speed.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky experience, providing a sharp and crisp sound that sets it apart from other linear switches. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch by Wuque Studio delivers a thocky sound profile with an immersive resonance that enhances the typing experience. While both switches fall under the high-pitched and resonant categories, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch leans more towards a marbly sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a clacky and resonant profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and uniform typing sensation that feels effortless and seamless. In comparison, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides an accented and sharp tactile feedback with a bouncy and invigorating feel, creating a lively and reactive typing experience. The WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a more pronounced tactile bump compared to the smooth and buttery feel of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch.
Overall, if you prefer a linear switch with a high-pitched and clacky sound accompanied by a buttery and creamy typing feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a thocky and resonant sound combined with an accented and sharp tactile feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile switch from Wuque Studio would be a perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound, opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream. On the other hand, if you prefer a profound tactile experience with an immersive resistance and captivating "thocky" sound, go for the WS Heavy Tactile. Additionally, if you enjoy a buttery sensation while typing, the Vanilla Ice Cream may be more suitable for you, whereas if you seek a switch with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel, the WS Heavy Tactile would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and satisfying to you as you type.
Mentioned in this article
