SP-Star Duck vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Duck and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the SP-Star Duck and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinct typing experiences. The Duck switch is perfect for those seeking a subtle tactile feel with a clean and crispy sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Duck switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Duck and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is clear that both switches use different materials for their top housing. The Duck utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is especially beneficial for RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream employs a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, they cater to different preferences in terms of switch sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Duck and the Vanilla Ice Cream again differ in their material choices. The Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing offers exceptional smoothness and durability, with wear resistance surpassing that of POM and shock resistance exceeding Nylon and POM. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed.
In conclusion, while the SP-Star Duck and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches have differences in their housing materials, they each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in switch sound and feel. The polycarbonate material used in the Duck provides a sharp and clear sound profile, both in the top and bottom housings. On the other hand, the KTT blend and POK materials used in the Vanilla Ice Cream contribute to a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, as well as exceptional smoothness and durability in the bottom housing. Overall, both switches offer distinct experiences based on their housing materials, catering to a variety of preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Duck tactile switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that they have significant differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Duck has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires very little force to trigger a keystroke, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams, providing a slightly more tactile feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Duck requires 58 grams of force to fully press the key, which is considered medium in comparison to the relatively light 48 grams required for the Vanilla Ice Cream. This indicates that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Duck switch provides a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with lighter being suitable for lighter typing and heavier for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Duck has a slightly longer travel distance than the Vanilla Ice Cream. The Duck's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper press feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's 3.5 mm travel distance is shallower and may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream for its faster response, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the longer travel distance of the Duck. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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.
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 SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is clean and crispy, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from competitors, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between the more neutral tone of the Duck or the distinctive high-pitched sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, with a subtle tactility that is approachable to most users. The switches feel buttery and polished, offering smooth and refined key travel. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a creamy and buttery typing sensation, reminiscent of its dessert-inspired name. With a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, these switches provide effortless and uniform typing for users seeking a more luxurious feel.
Overall, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Duck provides a more neutral sound profile and mild typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched sound signature and creamy typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the subtle tactility of the Duck or the smooth creaminess of the Vanilla Ice Cream, both promising an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preferences for tactility, sound, and feel. If you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the SP-Star Duck switches are a great choice. They offer a clean and crispy sound profile that is perfect for various typing environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and creamy typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches are worth considering. With a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, these switches provide an immersive auditory experience while delivering a silky sensation with each keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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