KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a variety of options available, each offering unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. Two popular choices, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the HMX Xinhai, are both linear switches but have distinct features that set them apart. The Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, while also delivering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Xinhai showcases a softer acoustics profile with a PA12 top housing and a POM stem for crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, catering to those who prefer buttery and creamy switches or bouncy and clacky switches. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream uses a blend of special mixed materials for its top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate provides a clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. While the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on a unique material blend for its top housing, the Xinhai utilizes polycarbonate for a distinct sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream opts for POK material, offering smooth, clacky, and durable switches. POK has a high coefficient of friction and exceptional strength, making it a top choice for switch manufacturing. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to POK. The difference in bottom housing materials adds to the overall typing experience of each switch.
While the housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the HMX Xinhai differ in terms of top and bottom housings, both switches prioritize creating a unique sound profile. The KTT's blend of special mixed materials offers a high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Weight
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, which has an actuation force of 37 grams. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, making them ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. When it comes to bottom out force, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch requires 48 grams of force, while the Xinhai switch requires 45 grams. Again, both switches have relatively light bottom out forces. Users who prefer a slightly heavier typing experience may opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream switch due to its slightly higher bottom out force, while those who prefer an even lighter feel may lean towards the Xinhai switch. In general, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their comparable actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are gaining popularity, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. For those who prefer a more abrupt key press, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be the preferred choice with its slightly longer travel distance. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance for those who like a quicker, more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press depth.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound that is sharp and distinctive, providing typists with a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, which is described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches provide a different sound experience, with the Vanilla Ice Cream being more high-pitched and resonant, while the Xinhai is noted for its clacky sound. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users may choose one over the other based on their sound preferences.
As for feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, with a smooth and seamless keystroke sensation that is described as silky and effortless. In comparison, the HMX Xinhai switch provides a bouncy feel with elastic feedback, giving typists a lively rebound when pressed. Both switches offer a creamy typing experience, but they differ in the overall feel with the Vanilla Ice Cream being more smooth and uniform, while the Xinhai offers a more bouncy and spring-like feedback. Users who prefer a softer and smoother typing experience may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream, whereas those looking for a more dynamic and rebounding feel may opt for the Xinhai.
In conclusion, both the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch provide unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its high-pitched and marbly sound, along with a buttery and creamy typing feel, while the Xinhai offers a clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches offer quality performance and innovation in the mechanical keyboard market, ensuring users will have a satisfying typing experience regardless of their selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, 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 an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance, along with a bouncy and creamy typing feel, the HMX Xinhai linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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