Gateron CJ vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ 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 to consider are the Gateron CJ and the TTC Silent Frozen, both of which are linear switches. The CJ switches are highly regarded for their unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. When typing on them, users will experience higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches are best known for their extremely quiet sound profile. They offer a pillowy type feel and are remarkably smooth. In terms of sound categories, the CJ switches are categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', while the Silent Frozen switches are characterized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Buttery', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers its own unique advantages, but to truly find the best switch for your needs, let's dive deeper into their specific characteristics.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the TTC Silent Frozen have different materials for their top and bottom housings. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen has a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Despite these differences, both materials contribute to a satisfying clacky sound, although the CJ's sound may be slightly less sharp compared to the Silent Frozen.
In terms of aesthetics, the CJ's top housing is not translucent and does not lend itself well to RGB lighting. However, the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate top housing is clear and allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects. This makes it a favorable choice for those who want to enhance their keyboard with colorful lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the CJ utilizes a POM material, providing a unique and pleasing deeper sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Frozen also uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Both materials offer distinct qualities, with the CJ's POM housing slightly muting the sound compared to the Silent Frozen's more resonant profile.
Overall, while the Gateron CJ and the TTC Silent Frozen differ in their housing materials, they both offer satisfying sound profiles. The CJ's INK blend top housing creates a clacky sound that is slightly less sharp, while the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate top housing produces a crisper and higher-pitched sound. Similarly, the CJ's POM bottom housing delivers a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper and resonant profile. Regardless of these differences, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, and the choice between them may ultimately come down to personal preference and the desired aesthetics for the keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The CJ switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Frozen's lighter force of 39 grams. This means that for those who prefer a stronger push feel, the CJ switch would provide a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the CJ switch also has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Frozen requires a lighter force of 43 grams to fully press down.
Considering weight is important for various reasons. Those who prefer a lighter switch would benefit from reduced finger fatigue and the ability to type for longer periods, making it ideal for work settings or extended gaming sessions. However, individuals who enjoy a more solid and robust typing experience may gravitate towards switches with heavier forces.
In terms of similarities, it is worth noting that both switches offer a medium actuation force, meaning that they fall in the middle range of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, while the specific force for triggering a keystroke is not provided for the Silent Frozen switch, the comparable actuation force suggests that it may be similar to the CJ switch in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, the CJ switch is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Silent Frozen provides a lighter and potentially more nimble typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The CJ has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes it a preferred choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, giving gamers an advantage in competitive gameplay. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press, the CJ with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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 Gateron CJ linear switch offers a unique and enjoyable experience. It has a chirpy sound, giving it a distinguishing acoustic signature. This sets it apart from other switches and adds a touch of character to your typing. Additionally, it is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The CJ switch also has a low-pitched tone, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Overall, the CJ switch delivers a satisfying and distinctive sound when pressed.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is known for its extremely quiet sound profile. It is described as producing a muted sound, which makes it an excellent choice for those looking to minimize noise from their mechanical keyboard. Similar to the CJ switch, the Silent Frozen also has a low-pitched tone, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch is super smooth and provides a pillowy type feel while typing. This smoothness adds to the overall typing experience and enhances the comfort of each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch is characterized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The CJ switch provides a satisfying smooth push feel, contributing to its enjoyable typing experience.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offers various descriptors for its feel. It can be described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to the lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on a Silent Frozen switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, creating a silky sensation. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch can be described as buttery, giving a seamless and uniform typing experience. It is also feathery, meaning it requires little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Taking all the available information into account, both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offer subjective qualities that enhance the typing experience. The CJ switch provides a uniquely chirpy sound, a low-pitched tone, and a mild feel. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch offers an extremely quiet sound profile, a low-pitched tone, and various descriptors for its feel, including a creamy and buttery sensation. As an expert, I would recommend the CJ switch for those looking for a switch with a distinctive sound profile and a mild feel. If a quieter typing experience is desired, the Silent Frozen switch would be a suitable choice, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches guarantee a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Gateron CJ linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you are looking for a medium bottom out force and enjoy a unique presentation of a linear switch, the CJ switch is a great choice. It offers high-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Silent Frozen switch is the way to go. It provides an extremely quiet sound profile, along with super smooth and pillowy key presses. In terms of sound, the CJ switch is described as chirpy, neutral, and low-pitched, while the Silent Frozen switch is characterized as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. When it comes to feel, the CJ switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience. Alternatively, the Silent Frozen switch is known for its creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished characteristics, providing a smooth and fluid typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience.
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