Huano Acacia vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) both offer compelling features for different typing preferences. The Acacia is renowned for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a smooth and satisfying typing experience with minimal stem wobble right out of the box, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a balanced and responsive feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) stands out with its extremely quiet sound profile, appealing to those who need to maintain a low noise level in shared workspaces or at home. This switch also provides a buttery-smooth keystroke and a pillowy feel, which makes it particularly suited for extended typing sessions without fatigue. While both switches deliver exceptional performance, their unique characteristics may cater to vastly different user needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), one notable similarity lies in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches benefit from polycarbonate's characteristics, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing choice for users who prioritize aesthetics alongside functionality. This shared material not only influences the auditory experience but also suggests that users can expect similar sound clarity and brightness whether they are employing the Acacia or the Silent Frozen (V2).
However, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches. The Huano Acacia utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile owing to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs sound more effectively. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with the properties seen in its top housing. This choice means that the Silent Frozen (V2) maintains a consistent audio profile that is sharper and more resonant compared to the rounder sound produced by the nylon in the Acacia. Thus, users may encounter a notable variance in the bottom-out feel and sound, as the Acacia's nylon bottom enriches the auditory experience with a more subdued quality, while the Silent Frozen (V2) provides a continuity of sharpness in both the top and bottom housings.
Overall, the differences in the bottom housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles between the two switches. While the polycarbonate top housing in both models ensures a consistent crisper sound at the top of the switch, the nylon bottom of the Acacia creates a softer bottom-out sound that contrasts with the sharper quality of the Silent Frozen (V2). As a result, users will experience a fuller sound while typing on the Acacia, contrasted with the sharper articulation characteristic of the Silent Frozen (V2). If one desires a specific sound experience, these housing material choices become a crucial factor in deciding between the two, highlighting the influence of materials on both auditory characteristics and overall typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch with the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, it's clear that they differ in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to distinct preferences. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience that some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for users seeking a softer touch during extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, while the Acacia switch is the heavier option overall, the Silent Frozen (V2) offers a lighter feel, potentially allowing for longer and less fatiguing usage. This variance suggests that those who prioritize a more tactile experience might gravitate toward the heavier Acacia, while those looking for a more effortless typing experience may prefer the lighter Silent Frozen (V2).
Travel distance
Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch have identical travel distances of 3.5 mm, meaning that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This equal travel distance ensures that users can expect similar tactile feedback and key actuation, making both switches suitable for those who prefer a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch provides a relatively neutral audio experience, maintaining a balanced tone that is neither overly loud nor excessively muted. This makes it suitable for both quiet and more boisterous environments. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch is designed with a distinctly quiet sound profile, characterized by thocky, low-pitched tones that yield a deep, satisfying sound with each keystroke. The audio feedback from the Silent Frozen is muted compared to many traditional mechanical switches, ensuring that it minimizes the common clacks and clatters associated with typing, which is especially beneficial in shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a smooth yet responsive typing experience, thanks to its medium-light actuation weight and generous factory lubrication, which reduces stem wobble. This combination allows for precise control and a more enjoyable touch experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch excels with its creamy and buttery feel, creating a silky typing sensation that glides effortlessly under your fingers. The light actuation force combined with subtle resistance means that it is exceptionally comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, reducing finger fatigue. The overall polished finish gives the Silent Frozen switches a refined and smooth travel that many users find rewarding.
Overall, both the Huano Acacia and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switches offer compelling qualities for users seeking a linear typing experience. While the Acacia excels in providing a balanced sound and a responsive feel, the Silent Frozen (V2) impresses with its muted highlights and an ultra-smooth, buttery typing experience. When choosing between them, consider whether you prioritize a more neutral auditory feedback with a slightly firmer touch or an exceptionally quiet operation with a fluid typing sensation. Both options deliver excellent performance and cater to different preferences within the linear switch spectrum, making either choice a solid investment for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, your decision should align with your specific typing preferences and environments. If you’re seeking a satisfying typing feel with a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Acacia switch could be your go-to option. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble translate into an excellent typing experience right out of the box, making it perfect for those who enjoy a subtle thocky sound and a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is a fantastic choice with its 43-gram bottom-out force. Its creamy and buttery feel allows for a smooth and effortless typing experience, complemented by its notably quiet operation, making it suitable for use in shared spaces or during late-night gaming sessions without disturbing others. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your comfort and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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