KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch stand out as notable options. The Vanilla Ice Cream offers typists a smooth and creamy typing experience, thanks to its innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. With a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, it provides a unique typing feel characterized by its buttery, creamy, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant qualities. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch maintains smoothness while offering a snappy and perceptible tactile bump. It also features a neutral sound signature and is described as stepped, neutral, and easy to press. While both switches have their own strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can determine the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, it is evident that both switches offer unique advantages. The Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend for the top housing, providing a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials contribute to a distinct sound experience, the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Light Tactile may be more beneficial for users looking to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes POK, also known as polyketone, which is known for its smoothness and durability. The POK material contributes to smooth, clacky, and durable switches, making it a top choice for switch housing. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile uses a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than POK and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While POK offers smoothness and durability, nylon provides a different tactile and auditory experience for users.
Overall, the choice between the housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile ultimately depends on the user's preferences for sound and feel. The top housing materials influence the sound when pressing down and letting go of a key, while the bottom housing materials impact the bottom-out sound and feel. While the Vanilla Ice Cream leans towards a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with its blend of materials, the WS Light Tactile offers a crisper and sharper sound profile, especially with its polycarbonate top housing. Users can choose based on their desired sound profile and tactile experience.
Weight
The actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch are quite similar, with both switches falling on the lighter end of the force spectrum. The Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the WS Light Tactile has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes both switches ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing or gaming without fatigue. However, some users may find the slightly heavier bottom out force of the WS Light Tactile to provide a more substantial typing feel compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be preferred by those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the WS Light Tactile switch may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more traditional key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key response.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, which adds a unique and satisfying auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream may be more suitable for those who enjoy a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Light Tactile is a great choice for those looking for a more understated typing sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is praised for its buttery and creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation that is reminiscent of its dessert-inspired name. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is highlighted for its stepped and easy-to-press tactile feedback, offering a comfortable and low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Depending on your preference for typing feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream may be ideal for those who appreciate a seamless and uniform keystroke experience, while the WS Light Tactile is a great option for those who prefer a more gentle and responsive typing feel.
Overall, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer a high-pitched and clacky sound profile with a buttery and creamy typing feel, or a neutral sound signature with stepped and easy-to-press tactile feedback, both switches provide unique typing experiences that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel, but rest assured that both options will deliver a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light bottom-out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom-out force with a snappy tactile bump and a neutral sound profile, then the WS Light Tactile switch would be a great choice. Consider how you value sound and feel when typing, and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences for the ultimate typing experience.
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