Durock Black Lotus vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus 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 Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Silent Frozen, both of which are linear switches. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, ensuring a typing experience free from housing and stem wobble. With an actuation weight of 55g, this switch strikes a perfect balance between substantiality and ease of use. Additionally, its unique feature of the removable light column provides customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch from TTC stands out for its exceptionally quiet sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who value their typing serenity. These switches are not only super smooth but also offer a pillowy type feel, enhancing comfort during prolonged typing sessions. Categorized as both "Thocky" and "Low-pitched," the Silent Frozen switch provides a creamy, buttery, and muted experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision regarding which switch suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Silent Frozen differ in their housing materials. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Silent Frozen utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The modified PC and UPE Blend of the Black Lotus provides a unique and premium feel to the switch, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Frozen creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both materials offer distinct advantages and aesthetic qualities.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Black Lotus uses a nylon material, while the Silent Frozen incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Silent Frozen provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial if you plan to use RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switch.
While the housing materials differ between the two switches, the impact of these materials on the sound and feel of the switch is divided between the top and bottom housings. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have a more noticeable effect on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, although the Black Lotus and the Silent Frozen differ in their housing materials, they both offer similar results in terms of influencing the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Silent Frozen has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams. This means that the Silent Frozen requires less force to trigger a keystroke, providing a lighter and potentially smoother typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus has a higher value of 63.5 grams compared to the Silent Frozen's 43 grams. The higher bottom out force of the Black Lotus may cater to those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience. It is worth noting that both switches have different weight categories, with the Black Lotus falling in the medium-heavy range and the Silent Frozen in the light category. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Silent Frozen, while users who prefer a stronger push feel may find the Black Lotus more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, as well as the desired weight for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is 4.0mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches offer a noticeable amount of travel distance when pressing down on a key, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Black Lotus is considered more traditional, while the 3.5mm travel distance of the Silent Frozen is on the shallower side. Gamers who value faster response times tend to prefer shorter travel distances, making the Silent Frozen an ideal option for them. However, for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke and a more substantial feel, the Black Lotus with its 4.0mm travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and the sensation of keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Black Lotus switch is known for producing a unique sound that is not described in the given information. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is characterized as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. When pressed and released, the Silent Frozen switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound. It has a bass-heavy and mellow tone, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Black Lotus switch provides a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. It offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke, reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The feel of the Black Lotus switch is gentle and approachable, standing in a safe middle-ground zone. It offers reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the Silent Frozen switch is described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. The Silent Frozen switch requires little exertion and reduces finger fatigue due to its light actuation force. It also provides a gentle resistance and a suitable sound signature for shared spaces.
Based on the provided information, the Black Lotus and Silent Frozen switches have subjective qualities that make them both desirable options. Although the sound profile of the Black Lotus is not described, it can be assumed to have a different sound compared to the Silent Frozen, which is known for its thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound. Both switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with the Black Lotus being described as silky, mild, and polished, and the Silent Frozen being described as creamy, feathery, subtle, and polished. While the Black Lotus has a 55g actuation weight and unique light column for in-switch lighting, the specifics of the actuation weight and lighting feature of the Silent Frozen are unknown. Overall, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, and depending on individual preference, either option can be chosen to achieve similar results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique light column, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is an excellent choice for you. It offers a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, enhancing your typing experience with reduced wobble and maximum pleasure. The Black Lotus also provides in-switch lighting and is fully removable, allowing for customization and versatility. Furthermore, the Black Lotus is known for its sound profile, which is characterized as smooth and precise.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and an extremely quiet sound profile, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is a perfect fit. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, this switch offers a pillowy type feel and a low-pitched thocky sound. The Silent Frozen switch is characterized by its superb smoothness and quietness, ensuring a sublime typing experience. Additionally, its creamy and subtle characteristics make it suitable for shared spaces, as it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Silent Frozen relies on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your priorities and requirements carefully to make an informed decision on which switch best suits your needs.
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