Gateron Beer vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch. The Gateron Beer switch stands out with its translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, offering a unique and refreshing aesthetic. Known for its lightness and stepped tactility, this switch provides a subtler tactile feedback compared to other options, coupled with a distinctive clacky sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is praised for its incredibly quiet sound profile, smoothness, and pillowy feel. With a range of characteristics like 'low-pitched,' 'buttery,' and 'muted,' this switch provides a luxurious typing experience. Each switch offers its own set of qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
38g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) utilize polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings, making them very similar in terms of material composition. This means that both switches will have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate also contributes to a clear and resonant sound, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users of either switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in both switches makes them ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects, adding a vibrant and dynamic element to any keyboard setup.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) are the same, the impact of each housing on the typing experience may differ slightly. The bottom housing of a switch typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, although both switches feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, the overall typing experience may vary slightly between the two based on the specific design and construction of each switch. However, users can still expect similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics when using either switch.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) may come down to personal preference or specific keyboard requirements, as both switches offer similar benefits due to their polycarbonate housing materials. Whether you prioritize a sharper, crisper sound profile, the ability to showcase RGB lighting effects, or the overall typing experience, both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying performance. Ultimately, users can rest assured that they will experience a high-quality typing experience with either switch, thanks to the use of polycarbonate in their housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Silent Frozen (V2) slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, either of these switches would be suitable, allowing for comfortable typing over extended periods of time. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may opt for a switch with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, both switches offer a light typing experience, with the Silent Frozen (V2) being slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those looking for faster response times, especially among gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance could potentially result in a slightly different typing experience. Those who prefer a slightly shallower press may lean towards the Beer switch, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may prefer the Silent Frozen (V2) switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar feel with their relatively short travel distances, providing users with a quick and responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is best described as producing a clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is characterized by a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile, resulting in a deep, rich, satisfying, bass-heavy tone that minimizes noise. However, the actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press and stepped, offering gentle resistance during key presses with minimal force required to activate. The stepped tactility provides a more subdued tactile feel compared to round tactility, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes. On the contrary, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is characterized by a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, offering a smooth, buttery, light, refined, and polished typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press, stepped feel, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch excels in producing a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound, while also offering a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished typing feel. Depending on personal preferences, both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Whether you choose the Beer switch for its unique sound and feel or the Silent Frozen switch for its quiet and smooth typing experience, both options guarantee a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force that provides a distinctive tactile feedback and a clacky sound signature, then the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an even lighter bottom out force, a super smooth feel, and an extremely quiet sound profile with a pillowy type sensation, then the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch would be the ideal option for you. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force when choosing between these two switches to find the perfect match for your typing needs.
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