KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Vanilla Ice Cream is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, and its high-pitched and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is known for its medium tactility and superior noise reduction without the use of silicone dampeners, providing a silent yet crisp typing experience. If you're looking for a switch with a buttery feel and resonant sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream may be the right choice for you. Conversely, if you prioritize a quiet operation and tactile feedback, the WS Silent Tactile may be more suitable. 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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer distinct characteristics that influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing, known for its high-pitched and clacky sound signature, while the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the user experience, with the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a more crisp and sharp typing sound, while the WS Silent Tactile delivers a smoother and more rounded sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a POK bottom housing that is exceptionally smooth, clacky, and durable. With a coefficient of friction higher than LY, the POK material offers a unique typing experience with minimal friction and a strong wear resistance. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the POK material. This difference in bottom housing materials can affect the tactile feedback and overall typing feel of the switches.
While the housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer their own unique qualities, the use of proprietary blends and classic materials like nylon ensures that both switches provide a high-quality typing experience. The KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, while the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Similarly, the durability and smoothness of the POK bottom housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream, contrasted with the sound-absorbing properties of the nylon bottom housing in the WS Silent Tactile, showcase the diversity in housing materials and their impact on switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different weight characteristics. The Vanilla Ice Cream has a light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the WS Silent Tactile. The actuation force plays a role in triggering key strokes, while the bottom out force measures the pressure required to press the key all the way down. Ultimately, the weight of the switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches have the same travel distance of 3.5mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either switch, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be consistent. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of feel and response when using either switch. Overall, both the Vanilla Ice Cream and the WS Silent Tactile switches offer a comparable travel distance, providing a satisfying typing experience for users looking for switches with a 3.5mm travel distance.
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 Silent 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 offers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile that is sharp and distinct, catering to those who enjoy a crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch provides a neutral and muted sound that is softer and quieter, making it an ideal choice for office environments or those seeking a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a more vibrant and high-pitched sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the way to go, whereas if you are looking for a quieter and more understated sound, the WS Silent Tactile switch would be the better option.
In terms of feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is known for its buttery and creamy typing experience, offering smooth and fluid keystrokes akin to gliding effortlessly across the keys. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch provides an invigorating and mild typing experience with accented tactility that strikes a balance between firm actuation force and reactive feedback. Depending on your preference for a more buttery and seamless typing sensation or a more pronounced and immersive tactile feedback, you can choose between the Vanilla Ice Cream and WS Silent Tactile switches respectively.
In conclusion, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out for its high-pitched and marbly sound profile, coupled with a buttery and creamy typing feel that creates a luxurious and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch distinguishes itself with a neutral and muted sound, paired with an invigorating and mild tactile feel that offers a quiet yet responsive typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that regardless of your choice, you will receive a premium mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force of 48 grams and enjoy a high-pitched and clacky sound with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, along with a quieter typing experience that still offers tactile feedback, the WS Silent Tactile switch is the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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