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KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When choosing between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Red mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, combined with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, making it ideal for those who prefer a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, perfect for those who enjoy a substantial and satisfying feel with each keystroke. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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

67g

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

In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the WS Red, it is clear that both switches utilize unique and specialized materials to achieve different sound profiles. The Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, while the WS Red's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in sound is attributed to the properties of the materials used, with the KTT blend being described as a special mix and nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK material is praised for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. On the other hand, the WS Red's nylon bottom housing shares similar qualities in terms of sound profile, as nylon is known for creating a dull and rounder sound due to its softer nature. Both materials offer strengths in different areas, with POK being exceptionally strong and resistant to wear, while nylon absorbs more sound and contributes to a fuller sound profile.

While the top and bottom housings of the Vanilla Ice Cream and WS Red switches may have distinct material compositions, the impact each housing has on the overall sound of the switch is significant. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Despite their differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique and desirable typing experiences for keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is clear that they have different characteristics. The Vanilla Ice Cream has a light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the WS Red has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, with an unknown actuation force. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter overall, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods. In contrast, the WS Red switch provides a stronger push feel, making it suitable for users looking 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, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. The Vanilla Ice Cream with its shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm would be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the WS Red with its longer travel distance of 3.8 mm might be more suitable for individuals who prefer a deeper and more tactile feel when typing. Both switches offer unique characteristics, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.

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 Red 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

Overall, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, offering typists a unique auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. In terms of feel, the switch is praised for its smooth and creamy sensation, providing typists with a buttery typing experience that feels effortless and uniform. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch features a bouncy and responsive typing feel with a heavier actuation force, giving users a satisfying and substantial keystroke. While the sound profile of the WS Red switch is not specified in the provided information, users can expect a familiar sound due to its classic material blend. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities in sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you choose the Vanilla Ice Cream or WS Red switch, you can expect a premium typing experience that meets your individual preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing feel with a heavier actuation force, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch when making your decision.

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