KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the TTC Yunhai stand out, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, celebrated for its buttery and creamy feel, utilizes POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, creating a remarkably smooth typing experience. Its high-pitched, clacky sound signature adds an engaging auditory dimension that some typists may find delightful. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai presents a more subdued option, with a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, making it ideal for those who favor a gentle, effortless keystroke. While the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a unique sensory experience that combines tactile pleasure with a vibrant sound, the Yunhai appeals to users who prioritize ease of use and a more muted acoustical presence. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the TTC Yunhai, it’s evident that these two switches contribute uniquely to the overall sound profile and tactile experience. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, which is designed to produce a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. In contrast, the Yunhai features a nylon top housing known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The variance in the properties of these materials results in distinct auditory experiences; while the Vanilla Ice Cream's blend emphasizes clarity and brightness, the nylon in the Yunhai tends to absorb sound, leading to a rounder and more subdued tone.
When examining the bottom housings, the differences between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the TTC Yunhai become even more pronounced. The Vanilla Ice Cream employs POK, a highly durable polyketone material, contributing to smooth operation and producing robust sound characteristics that align with its clacky top. In comparison, the Yunhai's nylon bottom housing, while classic and effective, provides less shock resistance and overall durability than POK. This disparity suggests that the Vanilla Ice Cream might offer a more dynamic and responsive typing experience, while the Yunhai would excel in creating a consistent and softer sound profile due to the inherent dampening qualities of nylon.
Despite the evident contrasts between the two switches, the combined effects of their respective top and bottom housing materials will result in a nuanced typing experience for both. As the typist engages with either switch, the top housing governs the releasing sound, while the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound. Therefore, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream aims for a sharper auditory response with a clacky finish, the TTC Yunhai favors a smoother and fuller resonance. In practice, this means that both switches can be appealing, catering to different preferences among users, yet each maintains its own identifiable character driven by its unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both options are characterized by their light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Yunhai boasts a slightly lower actuation force of 42 grams and a higher bottom out force of 50 grams. As a result, the Yunhai switch has a marginally lighter feel when actuating, but it requires a bit more force to bottom out. In terms of overall experience, both switches provide a light touch that can reduce fatigue during long use, but the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a slightly softer push transition from actuation to bottoming out, aligning with those seeking a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches cater to users preferring less weight, the TTC Yunhai is technically the heavier option due to its greater bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch differ slightly in their travel distances, with the Vanilla Ice Cream measuring 3.5 mm and the Yunhai at 3.6 mm. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream the shorter option, while the Yunhai provides a slightly longer travel distance. The distinction between these two switches is relatively small, yet it can make a difference in terms of typing experience. For gamers or those who value quick response times, the Vanilla Ice Cream might be favored for its shorter travel distance, promoting a snappier feel. Conversely, users who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes may prefer the Yunhai due to its extra millimeter of travel. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct tactile feedback, catering to different preferences in 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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch boasts a distinct high-pitched and clacky sound signature that makes it stand out among its peers. This auditory characteristic is often described as resonant and marbly, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience akin to the sound of two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch does not have a specific sound profile detailed, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat open-ended. Therefore, if you prefer a lively and high-frequency sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream will serve you well, while the Yunhai's sound remains a variable that could be discovered through personal experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream excels with its buttery and creamy sensation. This smoothness is attributed to the innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, aiming to provide a seamless, effortless typing experience that feels luxurious and fluid. The term "creamy" effectively encapsulates the texture of the keystroke, allowing fingers to glide over the keys with ease. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai linear switch lacks detailed descriptors regarding its feel, which leaves a gap in comparing the tactile experience. For typists who value that smooth and buttery interaction, the Vanilla Ice Cream is a clear choice.
In summary, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offers a unique combination of high-pitched sound and an exceptionally smooth feel, making it a desirable option for those looking for both auditory and tactile pleasure. The TTC Yunhai, while it has not been defined in sound or feel characteristics, may appeal to those seeking a lighter actuation force. For newcomers to mechanical keyboards, if you want certainty in sound and feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream will deliver those distinctive qualities reliably, while the Yunhai remains a mystery that could hold its own once explored.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you're someone who values a distinctly smooth and creamy keystroke experience with an auditory profile that is high-pitched and clacky, the Vanilla Ice Cream is an excellent choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams makes it ideal for those who appreciate a gentle touch and a buttery sensation while typing, perfect for both gamers and typists who enjoy a more playful, engaging feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, rounded sound that pairs well with a nearly effortless actuation, then the TTC Yunhai would be suited for you. While it has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams, it still provides a smooth typing experience that might appeal more to those who favor a more muted, softer sound profile. Both options offer a unique typing experience, but your ideal switch will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize an airy, resonant effect or a deeper, more rounded auditory sensation.
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