Kailh Box Royal vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique experiences are the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Silent Frozen. On one hand, the Box Royal switches are best known for their incredible tactility, providing a sharp and almost aggressive tactile feel. These switches are ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile response in each keystroke. Additionally, the Box Royals have a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches are all about stealthy and smooth operation. These switches are characterized by an extremely quiet sound profile, making them perfect for those who value a noise-free environment. The Silent Frozen switches also offer a pillowy type feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience without the distraction of loud clacking sounds. 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
45g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Silent Frozen both have different housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switch. The Box Royal features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Silent Frozen utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. These materials have distinct properties that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch.
In terms of sound, the nylon housing of the Box Royal elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, typing on the Box Royal will produce a rounder and duller sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Frozen creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Therefore, when it comes to sound, the Box Royal will provide a deeper and fuller tone, while the Silent Frozen will offer a sharper and more pronounced sound.
Aesthetically, the top housings of both switches differ as well. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal is not translucent, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Frozen is clear. This allows for the Silent Frozen to be particularly useful if you plan to use RGB lighting, as the clear housing enhances the visual effect of the lighting. On the other hand, the Box Royal's nylon top housing does not offer this translucency. So, if you prioritize RGB lighting compatibility, the Silent Frozen would be a better choice.
Although they differ in housing materials, both switches deliver similar results in terms of the impact on sound and feel when pressing down or releasing a key. The qualities of the bottom housing, be it nylon or polycarbonate, will primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. The top housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the sound produced when letting go of a key. So, in terms of key press and release experience, both switches will yield comparable outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are notable differences. The Box Royal has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Silent Frozen's lighter force of 39 grams. This means that the Silent Frozen requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Silent Frozen has a significantly lighter force of 43 grams. Overall, the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, while the Silent Frozen offers a lighter and potentially more nimble typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Silent Frozen to be more suitable, while individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Box Royal.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming prevalent in keyboards nowadays. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you're someone who values quick and responsive key presses, either of these switches would be a suitable choice. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances can sometimes feel too abrupt to some users. If you prefer a more substantial key press with a bit more depth, then the Kailh Box Royal switch with its slightly longer travel distance would be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp and binary tactility, offering a nearly aggressive tactile feedback. In terms of sound, the Box Royal produces a relatively higher-pitched sound when pressed, which gives it a sharp and crisp profile. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile. It is described as thocky, meaning it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. The Silent Frozen switch also falls into the low-pitched and muted categories, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Box Royal switch offers a sharp tactile experience with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch provides a creamy and buttery typing experience. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke feel, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The Silent Frozen switch also falls into the feathery, subtle, and polished categories, offering a light actuation force, reduced finger fatigue, gentle resistance, and smooth and refined key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Silent Frozen switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal has a high-pitched sound and a sharp tactile feedback, providing a more aggressive experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen has a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying typing experience with reduced noise. In terms of feel, the Box Royal is sharp and prominent in its tactile feedback, while the Silent Frozen is creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation. Overall, selecting either switch will result in different subjective experiences, allowing users to find the one that suits their preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. If you value a strong and aggressive tactility, along with a higher pitched sound profile, then the Box Royal is the ideal choice for you. The Box Royal's 70-gram bottom out force provides a medium-heavy feel, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a light bottom out force of 43 grams, then the TTC Silent Frozen switch is the better option. Its extremely quiet sound profile, smoothness, and pillowy feel make it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience.
When it comes to sound, the Box Royal offers a high-pitched sound that produces a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. In contrast, the Silent Frozen switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, which is deep and satisfying. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch is also described as muted, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal switch provides a sharp and intense tactile bump, allowing you to distinctly feel each keypress. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch offers a creamy and buttery typing experience. Its smooth and fluid keystrokes provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
Ultimately, it's important to consider your preferences for tactility, sound, and overall feel when making a decision. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Whether you prioritize aggression or tranquility, robustness or smoothness, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch rests in finding the switch that best aligns with your personal preferences and typing style.
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