Everglide Bamboo Green vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Silent Frozen. The Bamboo Green switch is widely recognized for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is known for its extremely quiet sound profile and super smooth, pillowy feel. The Bamboo Green switch falls under categories such as "stepped", "high-pitched", "accented", "sharp", "resonant", and "polished", while the Silent Frozen switch is categorized as "thocky", "low-pitched", "creamy", "buttery", "muted", "feathery", "subtle", and "polished". As a result, those who prefer a tactile typing experience with an audible click might be inclined towards the Bamboo Green switch. Meanwhile, individuals seeking a quieter and more refined typing experience may lean towards the Silent Frozen 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
39g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Silent Frozen differ significantly. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for both its top and bottom housings, while the Silent Frozen features a polycarbonate top housing and a PBT bottom housing. PBT, although relatively unseen in switch housings, offers a neutral sound profile without being overly crisp or dull. This means that the Bamboo Green will deliver a balance between sound clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Therefore, while the Bamboo Green focuses on a balanced sound, the Silent Frozen emphasizes a sharper and more defined sound.
Aesthetically, the housing materials also differ between the two switches. The Bamboo Green's PBT top housing does not possess any translucency, making it more suitable for users who do not prioritize RGB lighting. In contrast, the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, allowing for a more vibrant display of RGB lighting effects. This makes the Silent Frozen an ideal choice for users who desire a visually appealing keyboard with customizable lighting options. However, it is worth noting that both switches utilize PBT for their bottom housings, providing a similar neutral sound profile and overall durability. Therefore, users can expect a comparable performance in terms of sound quality and durability between the two switches, despite the differences in their top housings.
When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switches, the difference in housing materials plays a role. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the PBT bottom housing of both the Bamboo Green and the Silent Frozen will contribute to a similar experience in terms of key bottoming out. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This means that the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Frozen will result in a crisp and distinct sound upon key release, while the PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green will produce a more neutral and mellow sound when keys are let go. Therefore, users can expect a contrast in sound profiles during key release between the two switches, emphasizing either a sharper and more pronounced sound or a softer and more subtle sound, depending on their preference.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, we can observe a few differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bamboo Green, with its actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, falls into the medium category. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. The difference in actuation force suggests that the Silent Frozen requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Bamboo Green. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Silent Frozen indicates that it provides a softer, more gentle typing experience when fully pressed. In terms of weight, the Bamboo Green is relatively heavier due to its higher bottom out force.
Considerations for weight are highly subjective and reliant on personal preference. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Silent Frozen, as its lighter actuation and bottom out forces enable longer typing sessions and ease of use. Alternatively, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Bamboo Green. It is essential to note that regardless of their specific differences, both switches deliver satisfactory results depending on the user's preferred typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of comparison, the Bamboo Green switch has a slightly longer travel distance than the Silent Frozen switch. The Bamboo Green switch offers a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Frozen switch provides a slightly shallower travel distance of 3.5 mm. However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical switches.
If you are a gamer looking for faster response times, you may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen switch. The 3.5 mm travel distance allows for quicker actuation of the key, which can be beneficial for gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you value a more substantial key press with greater depth, the Bamboo Green switch with its 4 mm travel distance may be more suitable. Some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and if you prefer a more responsive and tactile key press, the longer travel distance of the Bamboo Green switch may be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is best known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, offering an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is characterized by its extremely quiet and muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. If you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound, the Bamboo Green switches would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a quieter and more muted sound experience, the Silent Frozen switches are the way to go. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offers a stepped, accented, and sharp tactile feel. These switches have two stages in the keystroke, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. They provide a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the strong and crisp tactile bump can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Moreover, the Bamboo Green switches are polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and promoting smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offers a creamy, buttery, and feathery feel. These switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a silky sensation as the fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. The keystrokes are smooth, fluid, and uniform, offering a seamless typing sensation. The light actuation force required by the Silent Frozen switches reduces finger fatigue, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, these switches have a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel without being too feather-light. Similar to the Bamboo Green switches, the Silent Frozen switches are also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green switches provide a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches offer an extremely quiet sound profile along with a pillowy type feel. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the Bamboo Green switches for a higher-pitched and resonant sound with a stepped, accented, and sharp tactile feel. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter and more muted sound experience with a creamy, buttery, and feathery feel, the Silent Frozen switches will be a suitable choice. Both options provide a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a medium bottom out force and values a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility, then the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and prioritize a super smooth and pillowy typing experience with an extremely quiet sound profile, then the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch would be the better option.
In terms of sound, the Bamboo Green provides a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, perfect for those who prefer sharp and clean sound experiences. Conversely, the Silent Frozen offers a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound, ideal for individuals who enjoy a deeper, more bass-heavy, and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Bamboo Green offers a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished sensation, providing a tactile experience with mild pre-travel and post-travel, prominent tactility without being overwhelming, and a sleek typing feel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen delivers a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, allowing for a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, reduced finger fatigue, gentle resistance, and a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired typing experience to make an informed decision.
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