KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Outemu Yellow Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing, making it a popular choice for typists looking for a buttery and high-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, appealing to gamers and typists seeking a speedy and responsive switch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Outemu Yellow Silver, we see differences in both the top and bottom housings. The Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a proprietary blend of materials in its top housing, leading to a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile with the added benefit of being translucent for RGB lighting. This means that the sound produced by pressing down on a key will vary between the two switches, with the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a more distinct sound compared to the Yellow Silver's clear and resonant profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, we see a contrast between the POK material used in the Vanilla Ice Cream and the nylon material used in the Yellow Silver. The POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream contributes to smooth, clacky, and durable switches, with impressive wear resistance and shock resistance. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing in the Yellow Silver elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound. When pressing down on a key, users will notice a difference in the bottom-out sound and feel between these two switches, with the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a smoother experience compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the Yellow Silver.
In terms of overall performance, while the housing materials may differ between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Outemu Yellow Silver, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Vanilla Ice Cream's blend of materials provides a more distinct and high-pitched sound profile, while the Yellow Silver's use of polycarbonate and nylon results in a clear and resonant sound with a deeper tone. Ultimately, users can choose between the two based on their preference for sound profile and feel, knowing that the qualities brought by each housing material will impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Vanilla Ice Cream requires 48 grams, while the Yellow Silver requires 55 grams, making it heavier. The lighter actuation force of the Vanilla Ice Cream may appeal to those who prefer typing for extended periods without fatigue, while the heavier bottom out force of the Yellow Silver may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preference, with the Vanilla Ice Cream being lighter overall and the Yellow Silver offering a slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Yellow Silver being on the slightly longer side, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for a faster response may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may find the Yellow Silver more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of 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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound signature, offering typists a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, suitable for those who prefer a more moderate and versatile typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may provide a more distinct and immersive sound profile compared to the Yellow Silver switch.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is praised for its buttery and creamy typing sensation, offering users a smooth and fluid keystroke experience akin to tapping on a piece of marble. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is unavailable, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, based on the provided information, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch focuses on providing a luxurious and effortless typing feel.
Overall, both the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile and a buttery and creamy typing feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and light actuation force, the Yellow Silver switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall keyboard setup you are aiming to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs as a typist or gamer. If you prioritize a light actuation force and a smooth, creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force and a neutral sound profile that provides a balance between speediness and responsiveness, the Yellow Silver switch might be the more suitable option. Consider how these factors align with your typing style and gaming preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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