HMX Swift vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Swift and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Swift is praised for its deep sound profile and silky smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its POK material that provides a smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a high-pitched and clacky sound. While the Swift is described as 'clacky' and 'feathery', the Vanilla Ice Cream is labeled as 'buttery' and 'resonant'. 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
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Swift and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is evident that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Swift utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. The difference in sound profiles between the two switches can be attributed to the unique materials used in their construction.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Swift also incorporates a nylon material, known for its sound-absorbing qualities that contribute to a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a POK bottom housing made of polyketone, which boasts exceptional durability and smoothness. The POK material is not only incredibly strong and wear-resistant but also provides a smooth and clacky typing experience. This stark difference in bottom housing materials further distinguishes the sound and feel of the two switches.
Overall, while the HMX Swift and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream use different housing materials for both the top and bottom, they both prioritize creating a unique sound profile and typing experience. The Swift's nylon housing materials focus on producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's blend of proprietary KTT and POK materials aim to deliver a high-pitched and clacky typing sound. Despite their differences, both switches are designed with the user's typing experience in mind, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams, making the Swift a tad easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Swift requires 50 grams of force, which is heavier than the Vanilla Ice Cream's 48 grams. Both switches fall into the lighter weight category, which is ideal for those who prefer a smoother and less strenuous typing experience. Overall, while the Swift may be slightly lighter in actuation force, the Vanilla Ice Cream requires less force to bottom out, resulting in a similar typing experience for users in terms of overall feel and performance.
Travel distance
The HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Swift has a slightly longer travel distance than the Vanilla Ice Cream. For those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their keystrokes, the Swift may be the better option. On the other hand, if you value faster response times and a more abrupt feel when typing or gaming, the Vanilla Ice Cream with its shorter travel distance could be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $3.45.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a deeper and smoother profile with a clacky sound that is crisp and bright, creating a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound, adding a more pronounced and lively auditory feedback to each keystroke. The Swift's sound is characterized by a silky smoothness, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's sound is described as resonant and marbly. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Swift focusing on a quieter and more refined typing experience, and the Vanilla Ice Cream delivering a more vibrant and energetic sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Swift switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, with a feathery and bouncy sensation that reduces finger fatigue and enhances typing comfort. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch, on the other hand, provides a buttery and creamy feel that offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and responsive typing feel, with the Swift emphasizing light actuation force and low-impact typing, and the Vanilla Ice Cream focusing on a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the HMX Swift and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Swift provides a deeper and smoother sound profile with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, ideal for users seeking a quieter and more refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound alongside a buttery and creamy feel, catering to those looking for a more vibrant and lively typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that will cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying and personalized typing experience for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Swift linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a keyboard switch with a deeper sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, the HMX Swift with its light 42g actuation force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a creamy feel and a high-pitched, clacky sound signature, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force of 48 grams might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Consider testing out both switches to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
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