The HMX Ash and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature POK stem material, standard stem shape, 48 g bottom-out force, however, they come with different top housing (PA12 Nylon vs proprietary KTT blend), bottom housing (PA66 Nylon vs POK), spring (single-stage extended KOS vs 18 mm stainless steel), actuation (40 g vs 43 g), pre-travel (2 mm vs 1.90 mm), total travel (3.60 mm vs 3.50 mm). That said, they are not too similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The HMX Ash is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 Nylon top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POK stem (standard shape). It features a single-stage extended KOS spring. The 40g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 48g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Key of Life. Manufactured by HMX. | The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with proprietary KTT blend top housing, POK bottom housing, and POK stem (standard shape). It features a 18 mm stainless steel spring. The 43g actuation occurs at 1.90mm. The 48g bottom-out occurs at 3.50mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by KTT. |
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| Name | HMX Ash | KTT Vanilla Ice Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 Nylon | proprietary KTT blend |
| Bottom housing | PA66 Nylon | POK |
| Stem material | POK | POK |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | single-stage extended KOS | 18 mm stainless steel |
| Actuation | 40 g | 43 g |
| Bottom-out | 48 g | 48 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 1.90 mm |
| Total travel | 3.60 mm | 3.50 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Stem legs and stem sliders are covered with a very thin coat of 205g0. The spring and leaf are lubed with dry film. Everything else is dry. There is no lube in the bottom housing or anywhere near the stem pole. The chance that these get lube pooling issue is very small. | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | Key of Life | KTT |
| Manufacturer | HMX | - |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Ash is available at a single shop at the moment, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Ash and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
HMX Ash force curve | KTT Vanilla Ice Cream force curve |
No HMX Ash force curve available. |
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Comments on HMX Ash switches | Comments on KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches |
The HMX Ash linear switch is one of the most balanced HMX switches. The POK stem is perfect for creating a clean clacky sound profile without making it too loud. The PA12 top housing is one of the best, if not the best material for ultimate smoothness. The bottom housing is pure PA66 which is the most reliable and classic housing material you could see on a switch. Overall, Ash switches come with a great sound and great feel. It has the signature HMX features, and is a great option for anyone who enjoys nice sounding keyboard – Unikeys. | No comments on KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches. |
