Gateron Aliaz vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, is well-suited for quiet environments such as the office due to its silent design. With a medium-heavy weight, it provides a substantial feel to each keystroke, making it ideal for those seeking a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), a linear switch, is renowned for its extremely quiet sound profile and smooth, pillowy feel. Categorized as 'thocky', 'low-pitched', 'creamy', 'buttery', 'muted', 'feathery', 'subtle', 'polished', this switch offers a different typing experience compared to the tactile Aliaz. 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
60g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) utilize polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housing materials. This means that they both offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an ideal choice for those looking to add a bit of flair to their keyboard setup. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, users can expect similar results from both switches.
However, the key difference between the two lies in the overall construction and design of the switches. While both switches may use polycarbonate for their housing materials, the internal components and design can still impact the typing experience. The design of the Aliaz may offer a different typing feel compared to the Silent Frozen (V2), even though they both share the same housing material. This means that while the sound profile may be similar, the overall typing experience could vary between the two switches.
In terms of the bottom and top housings, the impact on sound and feel is split between the two for both the Aliaz and the Silent Frozen (V2). The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings can result in a unique typing experience for each switch, even if they both use polycarbonate for their housing materials. Users may prefer one switch over the other based on how they prioritize certain aspects of the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, it is evident that they have significant differences in weight. The Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) is much lighter, with an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. Choosing between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Aliaz offering a heavier and more tactile typing experience, while the Silent Frozen (V2) provides a lighter and smoother keystroke.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the Aliaz has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent Frozen's 3.5 mm distance. The Aliaz offers a slightly deeper press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for individuals seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their respective travel distances, with the Aliaz providing a more traditional depth and the Silent Frozen offering a slightly shallower feel for those seeking a faster keystroke response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key press feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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.
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 Gateron Aliaz switch offers a muted typing experience, which is ideal for quiet environments like offices where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch has a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that provides a deep and satisfying typing sound. Both switches are designed to reduce noise, with the Aliaz being more muted and the Silent Frozen (V2) offering a more bass-heavy tone.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch is described as creamy, buttery, and feathery, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Aliaz emphasizing smoothness and refinement, while the Silent Frozen (V2) focuses on a light and effortless keystroke feel.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz excels in providing a medium-heavy weight for a pronounced feedback with a muted sound, while the Silent Frozen (V2) switch emphasizes a super smooth and pillowy feel with a thocky, low-pitched sound. Choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and sound profile, but both switches are designed to provide a quiet and satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a more substantial and refined feel, the Aliaz might be the right choice, while the Silent Frozen (V2) offers a smoother and lighter typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, you should consider your environment and typing preference. If you value a substantial tactile feedback and a quieter typing experience, the Aliaz switch with its medium-heavy weight and muted sound profile would be an ideal choice, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you prioritize an extremely quiet and smooth typing experience with a light actuation force, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch with its thocky sound profile and buttery feel would be more suitable, particularly for gaming or shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a smoother, quieter typing experience.
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