Kailh Box Navy vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and carries a nostalgic sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, then the Kailh Box Navy switch is an ideal choice for you. With its sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff qualities, this clicky switch will surely leave a lasting impression. On the other hand, for those who prioritize a near-silent typing experience and appreciate smooth and cushioned feedback, the TTC Silent Frozen switch would be the perfect fit. Known for its thocky, low-pitched, creamy, buttery, muted, feathery, subtle, and polished characteristics, this linear switch ensures a noise-free and enjoyable typing session. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and find the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Silent Frozen both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, allowing for vivid and customizable visual effects. Despite coming from different manufacturers, the polycarbonate top housing ensures that users can expect similar sound and lighting experiences from both switches.
However, when comparing the bottom housing materials, we see a distinction between the two switches. The Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Frozen features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing generates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of nylon. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile. This distinction in bottom housing materials allows users to choose between a more rounded and duller sound (Box Navy) or a crisper and more defined sound (Silent Frozen).
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play different roles in the overall switch experience. The bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, impacting the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when letting go of a key. Therefore, understanding the differences in housing materials provides users with more options to tailor their typing experience according to their preferences.
In summary, both the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Silent Frozen feature polycarbonate top housings, creating a similar sound and lighting experience. However, the distinction lies in their bottom housing materials, with the nylon bottom housing of the Box Navy producing a deeper sound profile compared to the sharper sound profile created by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen. Selecting between these switches allows users to prioritize their preferred sound characteristics and customize their typing experience accordingly.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Navy switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, whereas the Silent Frozen switch requires a lighter 39 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Box Navy switch has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, while the Silent Frozen switch has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams.
For those who prefer a keyboard with a lighter feel, the TTC Silent Frozen switch would be the better option. With its lower actuation and bottom out force, it allows for a smoother and easier typing experience. This is particularly beneficial for those who intend to use the keyboard for extended periods, such as during work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. This can be appealing to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more tactile feedback.
Considering the weight aspect, it is essential to consider personal preferences and requirements. Some users may find it advantageous to have a lighter switch to minimize fatigue during extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier force for a more satisfying and responsive keystroke. Therefore, choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches provide a satisfying key-press experience, but they differ in terms of travel distance. The Kailh Box Navy offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and more pronounced key-press. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers or users seeking faster response times. It ultimately comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Silent Frozen with its shorter travel distance is the way to go. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key-press, the Kailh Box Navy with its longer travel distance would be the better option for you.
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 Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50 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
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is ideal for those seeking a heavy typing experience and enjoy the sound and tactility of a clicky switch. With a sound profile described as resonant, typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp. The sound is comparable to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The feel of the Box Navy switches is sharp, invigorating, and stiff. The strong and crisp tactile bump delivers a distinct and intense feedback with each keypress. These switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, resulting in a more robust typing sensation.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is characterized by an extremely quiet sound profile. Described as thocky, these switches produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. The sound is comparable to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." They also have a low-pitched tone, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Moreover, the Silent Frozen switches are considered muted, producing a softer and quieter sound overall.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy delivers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, while the Silent Frozen produces a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound. In terms of feel, the Box Navy offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff experience, while the Silent Frozen provides a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished typing sensation. These switches cater to different preferences, with the Box Navy emphasizing a heavier and more tactile typing experience and the Silent Frozen focusing on a quieter and smoother typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can provide satisfying results.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and love the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their heftiness and sound signature hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, if you are looking for an extremely quiet sound profile, super smooth and pillowy feel, then the TTC Silent Frozen switches are ideal for you. They provide a thocky, low-pitched, and muted typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference and typing needs.
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