KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Onion mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer a smooth typing experience desired by many enthusiasts. The Vanilla Ice Cream is celebrated for its innovative use of POK in the stem and bottom housing, resulting in a buttery and creamy feel reminiscent of its namesake dessert. On the other hand, the WS Onion boasts a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, providing a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a neutral sound profile. While the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound, the WS Onion presents a more polished and crisp sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel; 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
63.5g
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
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall feel and sound of the switches. The Vanilla Ice Cream’s proprietary KTT blend top housing provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, while the WS Onion’s polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials create distinct sound profiles, the use of polycarbonate in the WS Onion switch results in a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffer nature compared to the KTT blend.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the differences between the two switches become more apparent. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Onion features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. These contrasting materials in the bottom housing of the switches contribute to the overall typing experience and sound feedback that users will experience when using these switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches offer unique characteristics, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience for users. The distinct properties of each material, whether it be the translucent polycarbonate in the top housing or the smooth POK in the bottom housing, play a crucial role in dictating the sound, feel, and durability of the switches. By understanding how each material interacts with the switch components, users can tailor their switch preferences based on the specific qualities they desire in their typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch which has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Vanilla Ice Cream also has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches highlights the preferences for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Some may find the lighter actuation force of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch more comfortable for long typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the WS Onion switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend 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, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Vanilla Ice Cream being slightly shallower than the WS Onion. Gamers may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the WS Onion with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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, offering typists a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Depending on personal preference, individuals may gravitate towards the crisper sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream or the more versatile sound of the WS Onion.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is praised for its buttery and creamy typing experience, thanks to the smooth and creamy feel provided by its use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing. Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offers a buttery keystroke feel, accompanied by a polished finish for a refined typing experience. Both switches aim to provide users with a seamless and uniform typing sensation, making them ideal choices for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Vanilla Ice Cream excels in delivering a high-pitched and clacky sound with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the WS Onion provides a neutral sound profile with a buttery keystroke feel and a polished finish. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that newcomers can expect similar quality results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, along with a buttery smooth and polished typing feel, the WS Onion switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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