KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl present two distinct yet compelling choices for typists and gamers alike. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is celebrated for its buttery and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing, creating an experience that's both smooth and delightful. Its high-pitched, clacky sound signature adds an extra layer of character, making it a popular pick for those who appreciate a lively auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the WS Pearl takes a different approach with its unique ball-bearing mechanism designed to minimize friction, resulting in a surprisingly smooth keystroke that offers a medium-high pitched sound profile. This design innovation appeals to users seeking a more effortless typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizing a memorable tactile feedback and sound, while the WS Pearl focuses on unmatched smoothness. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl each utilize distinctive housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary top housing made from a "special mixed materials" blend, which contributes to its high-pitched and clacky sound signature. In contrast, the WS Pearl employs a nylon top housing, a well-established material that tends to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. The contrasting materials reflect different design philosophies, with KTT aiming for a more vibrant acoustic characteristic, while Wuque Studio opts for a richer and subtler auditory experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches become even more pronounced. The Vanilla Ice Cream's bottom housing is constructed from POK (polyketone), a highly durable and smooth material recognized for its excellent wear resistance and low friction coefficient. This allows for an exceptionally smooth feel during typing, delivering a clacky bottom-out sound. Conversely, the WS Pearl utilizes nylon for its bottom housing as well, which, while softer and capable of absorbing sound more effectively, may impart a softer bottom-out experience with a duller sound. This disparity means that the Vanilla Ice Cream is likely to appeal to users who prefer a more aggressive auditory feedback, while the WS Pearl is better suited for those appreciating a rounded and subdued tactile experience.
Ultimately, users may find that typing on both switches offers unique qualities due to their distinct material compositions. If a switch's top and bottom housings differ, as seen here with the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the WS Pearl, the resulting sound and feel are a composite of both materials' characteristics. The KTT signature blend and POK material will influence the high-pitched sounds, especially when releasing the keys, while the nylon used in the WS Pearl enhances the rounded sound profile during key presses. Thus, while both can produce enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different auditory preferences depending on the specific qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Vanilla Ice Cream offers a light actuation force of 43 grams, paired with a bottom out force of 48 grams. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a lighter actuation force at just 30 grams, but its bottom out force is notably heavier at 58 grams. This means that while the Vanilla Ice Cream requires a bit more effort to actuate, it feels lighter when pressed to the bottom compared to the Pearl, which has a softer initial push but feels more substantial upon bottoming out. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience—ideal for long typing sessions or gaming—the Vanilla Ice Cream may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a firmer touch might gravitate toward the WS Pearl, despite its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the Vanilla Ice Cream is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, while the WS Pearl is heavier at bottoming out.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch is identical, measuring at 3.5 mm. This means that users will experience the same keypress feel when using either switch, as both travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. Consequently, if you prefer one switch over the other, you can expect similar performance in terms of key travel.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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 unique auditory experience characterized by a high-pitched and resonant tone. Its sound signature can be described as sharp and crisp, often reminiscent of a marbly texture, providing an immersive auditory experience with every keystroke. This high-pitched nature contrasts with switches that produce richer or bassier sounds, appealing to those who prefer a more vibrant sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch has a medium-high pitched sound signature, although specific descriptions regarding its acoustic qualities are unknown. The gentle yet crisp tones can still contribute to an enjoyable typing experience, albeit without the detailed descriptors provided for the Vanilla Ice Cream.
In terms of feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream sets itself apart through its buttery and creamy characteristics. The use of POK material enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, providing a fluid and effortless typing sensation akin to gliding over the keys. This silky experience is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a seamless transition between keystrokes. Conversely, while the precise tactile feedback of the WS Pearl is not elaborated upon, the integration of ball-bearings within the switch is designed to reduce friction, potentially offering a similarly smooth experience. Users can expect a sensation that minimizes resistance and promotes an easy pressing motion, though specifics remain unconfirmed.
In conclusion, both the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Vanilla Ice Cream excels in sound with its high-pitched, resonant profile and offers an exceptionally smooth and creamy feel through its thoughtful material choice. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl's medium-high pitch and ball-bearing design promise a unique smoothness in tactile feedback, though its specific qualities remain less detailed. Both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences tailored to individual preferences, with the Vanilla Ice Cream being particularly suited for those who appreciate high-pitched acoustics and creamy keystrokes, while the WS Pearl may serve those looking for a distinct smoothness and potentially crisp sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force for fast-paced typing or gaming, the Vanilla Ice Cream is an excellent option, offering a delightful buttery and creamy feel that makes each keystroke smooth and effortless. Its high-pitched, clacky sound signature will appeal to those who enjoy a more vibrant audio feedback from their mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance in your keystrokes and value a truly unique typing sensation, the WS Pearl with its medium-bottom out force and innovative ball-bearing design might be the better choice for you. The Pearls provide a remarkably smooth experience while maintaining a medium-high pitch sound profile that balances clarity with depth. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your preferred typing style, whether you lean towards a lighter, more responsive feel or a slightly heavier, smoother action as you engage with your keyboard.
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